Summer is winding down. Activities are diminishing. School is reopening. The temperature is cooling. In other words, it’s the beginning of “couch potato time”.
The college and professional football seasons are starting. Major league baseball is nearing the playoffs. Professional basketball is signing new replacement players. The season of intense sports viewing is about to begin. Granted there will be a large number of participants but nothing to compare to the millions of viewers. Where will you be?
The same can be said for church. Now that vacations are over and school is back in session, local churches will resume a full program of activities. That is, if they don’t have too many “couch potatoes” in the membership.
Many churches will struggle because they have too many “viewers” and not enough “doers”. Regardless of the denomination it is generally true that 20 per cent of the members do 80 per cent of the work and contribute 80 per cent of the money to keep the church going. The larger the church, the greater the opportunity to be a church “couch potato”.
The problem with the church “couch potato” is that he keeps the rest from being effective, somebody has to do his job. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV) says, “now you are the body of Christ, each one of you is a part of it.”
If you are a Christian, it’s time to get off the bench and get in the game. This is a great game! Victory is at hand! But every member of the team must be in the game giving 100 per cent devotion. Go tomorrow and join and support a local team.
“Lord Jesus, You loved the local church community enough to
give Your life to birth her and bless her. Release us to give! Amen”
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
August 31: THE DESIRE FOR SECURITY
A recent murder inside a hospital has raised a new level of concern for personal security. From day care centers to children’s departments in community churches the issue is discussed. Increasing amounts of money are being spent in an effort to guarantee security. Where can we find a secure place? We can’t! There is none. With man’s inhumanity to man, no place is physically safe and secure. What shall we do to escape the paralyzing fear of our own vulnerability? We must turn inward and find spiritual security.
David the King prayed, “I call as my heart grows faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:2-3 NIV) In the Bible, the rock is often referred to as a symbol of security. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.”(Psalm 18:2) A favorite line of Christian hymnody says, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee”.
No one becomes a Christian because it promises physical security. Hundreds of Christians die daily around the world because of their faith. But they die secure in their relationship with Jesus.
Unless you discover the liberating soul security of faith in Jesus, you can be totally intimidated by life’s threats. I remember singing as a child, “safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast; there by his love overshadowed, sweetly my soul shall rest.”
None should be careless and negligent about safety procedures, but not over-anxious when you have done your best. Soul security speaks in Romans 14:8 (NIV), “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”.
Our conclusion: security cannot be purchased at any price! Inner security is a gift!
“Dear Lord, You are our Protector, deliver us from the kind of harm
we hear about daily on the Evening News. Thank You! Amen”
David the King prayed, “I call as my heart grows faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:2-3 NIV) In the Bible, the rock is often referred to as a symbol of security. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.”(Psalm 18:2) A favorite line of Christian hymnody says, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee”.
No one becomes a Christian because it promises physical security. Hundreds of Christians die daily around the world because of their faith. But they die secure in their relationship with Jesus.
Unless you discover the liberating soul security of faith in Jesus, you can be totally intimidated by life’s threats. I remember singing as a child, “safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast; there by his love overshadowed, sweetly my soul shall rest.”
None should be careless and negligent about safety procedures, but not over-anxious when you have done your best. Soul security speaks in Romans 14:8 (NIV), “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”.
Our conclusion: security cannot be purchased at any price! Inner security is a gift!
“Dear Lord, You are our Protector, deliver us from the kind of harm
we hear about daily on the Evening News. Thank You! Amen”
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August 30: SUNRISE OR SUNSET?
Is your face a sunrise or a sunset? When people look at you, do they think about sunrise or sunset? Do they see hope and expectancy? Do they see a person who is just existing? Your face is like a television screen. What kind of program is being transmitted? In Acts 6, there is the account of Stephen being stoned to death because of his preaching about Jesus. As they are killing him, is his face sunrise or sunset? It’s sunrise! “And they saw his face was like the face of an angel”, according to verse 15.
People remember the expression on your face. Paul has an interesting discussion in 2 Corinthians 3 about facial reflections. People who do not receive the Word of God have a dull countenance. When anyone turns to the Lord Jesus, the dull veil is taken away and “unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory.” (verse 18) It is a description of faces being transformed from sunset to sunrise.
Why does suicide happen? Because there is no sunrise expected; all looks dark. David prays in Psalm 67:1 for God’s face to shine on his face that his life might be changed. Salvation is in seeing the face of the Lord. In Psalm 104:15, God is credited with putting a glow on the face of his people.
Perhaps the best witness you can bear to your faith is in having a “sunrise face”. In the Sermon from the Mountain, Jesus instructed his disciples to wash their faces and put oil in their hair and give out a positive and joyful appearance while worshipping. (Matthew 6:17)
It’s important when a Christian goes to worship or to work that his facial expression give the right message. If you have a “sunset face”, turn to Jesus who can turn night into day and give you a spiritual sunrise.
“God of the New Day, bring the life of the Son of God into my life that
I might move from darkness into the light of the Truth of God. Amen”
People remember the expression on your face. Paul has an interesting discussion in 2 Corinthians 3 about facial reflections. People who do not receive the Word of God have a dull countenance. When anyone turns to the Lord Jesus, the dull veil is taken away and “unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory.” (verse 18) It is a description of faces being transformed from sunset to sunrise.
Why does suicide happen? Because there is no sunrise expected; all looks dark. David prays in Psalm 67:1 for God’s face to shine on his face that his life might be changed. Salvation is in seeing the face of the Lord. In Psalm 104:15, God is credited with putting a glow on the face of his people.
Perhaps the best witness you can bear to your faith is in having a “sunrise face”. In the Sermon from the Mountain, Jesus instructed his disciples to wash their faces and put oil in their hair and give out a positive and joyful appearance while worshipping. (Matthew 6:17)
It’s important when a Christian goes to worship or to work that his facial expression give the right message. If you have a “sunset face”, turn to Jesus who can turn night into day and give you a spiritual sunrise.
“God of the New Day, bring the life of the Son of God into my life that
I might move from darkness into the light of the Truth of God. Amen”
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
August 29: PLAN TO HAVE A PERFECT FUNERAL
Recently, I was quizzed as to the ingredients in a “perfect funeral”. I discovered in conversation that many Christians would like to have a “perfect funeral”. I immediately thought of Revelation 4:13 (NIV), “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Obviously, “in the Lord” was a key phrase.
Another way of saying it would be “congratulations to those who die in the Lord.” Having a born-again relationship with God and not facing death as penalty or punishment would make a difference.
But there had to be more. I have attended and officiated at many funerals where it was far from perfect even though the obituary had included a church membership or Christian identification.
I have come to a two word description: joyful obedience. If you want to have a perfect funeral, just live a life of ‘joyful obedience”. Your life will have to be joyful or people won’t take your faith seriously. Joy is an immediate encourager, whatever you situation.
Obedience will be the watermark that proves to people that you really were “born again” and took seriously your Christian commitment. Obedience to the words of Jesus will always point people to Jesus. Tie the joy and obedience together.
There is nothing worse than a frowning Christian. With these two ingredients in your life, people will come to your funeral expecting to share in a celebration. Your life will have already delivered your Eulogy. The tears will be from gratitude for your life.
People would not dread attending this kind of service. The positive lessons presented would truly impact the attendees. Begin today to live “joyfully obedient” to the Lord and have a “perfect funeral”.
“Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I really believe that I can live
a life of joyful obedience. That is really my heart’s desire! Amen”
Another way of saying it would be “congratulations to those who die in the Lord.” Having a born-again relationship with God and not facing death as penalty or punishment would make a difference.
But there had to be more. I have attended and officiated at many funerals where it was far from perfect even though the obituary had included a church membership or Christian identification.
I have come to a two word description: joyful obedience. If you want to have a perfect funeral, just live a life of ‘joyful obedience”. Your life will have to be joyful or people won’t take your faith seriously. Joy is an immediate encourager, whatever you situation.
Obedience will be the watermark that proves to people that you really were “born again” and took seriously your Christian commitment. Obedience to the words of Jesus will always point people to Jesus. Tie the joy and obedience together.
There is nothing worse than a frowning Christian. With these two ingredients in your life, people will come to your funeral expecting to share in a celebration. Your life will have already delivered your Eulogy. The tears will be from gratitude for your life.
People would not dread attending this kind of service. The positive lessons presented would truly impact the attendees. Begin today to live “joyfully obedient” to the Lord and have a “perfect funeral”.
“Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I really believe that I can live
a life of joyful obedience. That is really my heart’s desire! Amen”
Monday, August 27, 2007
August 28: CHECKING YOUR ATTITUDE
Are you acquainted with the phrase “attitude adjustment”? I’m sure you are. We have experienced telling others they need an “attitude adjustment” or have had others, sometimes a person of authority, say it to us.
Although our first reaction is defensive, with a little thought we can all remember times we “copped an attitude” and someone was good enough to point it out. Left alone, a bad attitude can quickly build walls between people, even friends.
As Christians we are specifically instructed in Ephesians 4:23, “Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Even more specific is Philippians 2:5 (NIV), “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Sound impossible? It should not, because of a truth that follows in 2:13, “God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Face up to this reality: It is no sin to discover a bad attitude, but it is a sin to keep it. Too many of us like to excuse ourselves by saying we inherited our attitude from our parents or we are a product of our environment. We may have been influenced by the chief caregiver of our youth, but each of us decided what traits to dispense with and which ones to keep.
Our basic drive to manipulate others in order to have our way or get what we want kicked in, and we created our attitude. Even if you are “born again” and become a “new creature in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17) with new attitudes, the Devil will always tempt you to revert to “old attitudes” by reminding you that they were effective in getting your way. Don’t listen to that negative stuff. When you admit your bad attitude, admit it to God, also. Confess it!
Agree with God that you don’t need it in your life. If you can’t “get your way” by loving people unselfishly as Jesus did, you don’t need what you are after.
“O God, gently but firmly take our attitudes into your hands and remake
them to your Divine Plan for each of us. Thanks! Amen”
Although our first reaction is defensive, with a little thought we can all remember times we “copped an attitude” and someone was good enough to point it out. Left alone, a bad attitude can quickly build walls between people, even friends.
As Christians we are specifically instructed in Ephesians 4:23, “Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Even more specific is Philippians 2:5 (NIV), “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Sound impossible? It should not, because of a truth that follows in 2:13, “God works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Face up to this reality: It is no sin to discover a bad attitude, but it is a sin to keep it. Too many of us like to excuse ourselves by saying we inherited our attitude from our parents or we are a product of our environment. We may have been influenced by the chief caregiver of our youth, but each of us decided what traits to dispense with and which ones to keep.
Our basic drive to manipulate others in order to have our way or get what we want kicked in, and we created our attitude. Even if you are “born again” and become a “new creature in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17) with new attitudes, the Devil will always tempt you to revert to “old attitudes” by reminding you that they were effective in getting your way. Don’t listen to that negative stuff. When you admit your bad attitude, admit it to God, also. Confess it!
Agree with God that you don’t need it in your life. If you can’t “get your way” by loving people unselfishly as Jesus did, you don’t need what you are after.
“O God, gently but firmly take our attitudes into your hands and remake
them to your Divine Plan for each of us. Thanks! Amen”
Sunday, August 26, 2007
August 27: BEWARE BITTERNESS
An often overlooked verse in God’s Word is Hebrews 12:15 (NIV), “See to it that no one misses the grace of God, and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and to defile many.” The root of bitterness, what a powerful picture! Once bitterness takes root in a life it just keeps going deeper and deeper until it poisons all of life. It is a sad portrayal to hear someone described as a “bitter person”.
Many successful people cannot enjoy their success because of bitterness against another. I have known families where people haven’t spoken to one another for years because of bitterness birthed in the settling of a family estate.
Some of the most bitter people can be found in the church; a sad, contradictory situation when it exists. Some of these situations go far back in family history.
Bitterness is a poison. It can put a cloud in any sunny sky! It can rain on any parade! The cancer of bitterness is like other cancer; sometimes hard to detect by the individual until it has already killed a spirit or a relationship. Deuteronomy 29:18 warns that this bitter root can eventually turn your heart away from God. Colossians 3:19 specifically tells husbands not to be bitter toward their wives. Buried hurts or unresolved conflicts can finally give birth to a bitter spirit.
Bitterness can only be cured by radical surgery. David, the Psalmist of Israel, was tempted to bitterness. He prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10) This cure for bitterness is available. If you suspect that bitterness has crept into your life, and if you have a trusted friend who will be honest with you, just ask them if you are showing signs of a bitter spirit.
“Regardless of how badly people treated You, Lord Jesus, You never
returned bitterness for meanness. Oh, to be like You! Amen”
Many successful people cannot enjoy their success because of bitterness against another. I have known families where people haven’t spoken to one another for years because of bitterness birthed in the settling of a family estate.
Some of the most bitter people can be found in the church; a sad, contradictory situation when it exists. Some of these situations go far back in family history.
Bitterness is a poison. It can put a cloud in any sunny sky! It can rain on any parade! The cancer of bitterness is like other cancer; sometimes hard to detect by the individual until it has already killed a spirit or a relationship. Deuteronomy 29:18 warns that this bitter root can eventually turn your heart away from God. Colossians 3:19 specifically tells husbands not to be bitter toward their wives. Buried hurts or unresolved conflicts can finally give birth to a bitter spirit.
Bitterness can only be cured by radical surgery. David, the Psalmist of Israel, was tempted to bitterness. He prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10) This cure for bitterness is available. If you suspect that bitterness has crept into your life, and if you have a trusted friend who will be honest with you, just ask them if you are showing signs of a bitter spirit.
“Regardless of how badly people treated You, Lord Jesus, You never
returned bitterness for meanness. Oh, to be like You! Amen”
Saturday, August 25, 2007
August 26: HOW SWEET IT IS!
Some years ago there was a comedian who had as his trademark statement, “how sweet it is.” If something unusually good happened, he would always smile and say “how sweet it is”. I feel like quoting him when I see Christians working together and sharing in the work of the Kingdom of God. When churches finally discover that they are all on the same team and do not have to compete, I want to say, “how sweet it is”.
The “heart unity” of true believers is precious. It reminds me of Psalm 133:1-2, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard.” We are joined at the heart!
The people of God united in praise of their Savior evokes many good feelings. Hostility, division, suspicion, exclusiveness are replaced with warmth, oneness, openness and inclusiveness. A neat thing about Christian concerts in a stadium setting is that you have this massed group of Christians having a great time in the Lord. It is like a giant pep rally and we need more of those. That same feeling of oneness needs then to be carried back to the local congregations and not lose the glow.
Sometimes Christians begin to feel alone and helpless because we are a minority and it is good to get the boost of meeting other players on the “Christian” team. I hope your Church service today was a great pep rally for you and built up your spiritual strength. Just remember that the inspiration you received in worship today was just that; it was inspiration and not the real ball game. Its not how great you feel in your worship experience but how you walk the lifestyle when it is over.
Inspiration and perspiration are both important to the Christian life. Biblically, you can’t have one without the other. The witness of the church in the community is gauged by the effectiveness of the life outside the church building not just by how sweet the music was inside the service.
“How sweet it is” when Christians take seriously the call of Jesus to be the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” “How sweet it is” when Christians are determined to make the world a better place to live by their presence. “How sweet it is” when Christians link arms and march against the forces of prejudice, racism, injustice, and war. “How sweet it is” when Christians focus on what unites rather than what differentiates.
Just remember constantly: there is only One Lord!
“Sweet Jesus, may we be sweet to our brothers and sisters in the
faith and also to everyone we meet. Let us give them hope! Amen”
The “heart unity” of true believers is precious. It reminds me of Psalm 133:1-2, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard.” We are joined at the heart!
The people of God united in praise of their Savior evokes many good feelings. Hostility, division, suspicion, exclusiveness are replaced with warmth, oneness, openness and inclusiveness. A neat thing about Christian concerts in a stadium setting is that you have this massed group of Christians having a great time in the Lord. It is like a giant pep rally and we need more of those. That same feeling of oneness needs then to be carried back to the local congregations and not lose the glow.
Sometimes Christians begin to feel alone and helpless because we are a minority and it is good to get the boost of meeting other players on the “Christian” team. I hope your Church service today was a great pep rally for you and built up your spiritual strength. Just remember that the inspiration you received in worship today was just that; it was inspiration and not the real ball game. Its not how great you feel in your worship experience but how you walk the lifestyle when it is over.
Inspiration and perspiration are both important to the Christian life. Biblically, you can’t have one without the other. The witness of the church in the community is gauged by the effectiveness of the life outside the church building not just by how sweet the music was inside the service.
“How sweet it is” when Christians take seriously the call of Jesus to be the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” “How sweet it is” when Christians are determined to make the world a better place to live by their presence. “How sweet it is” when Christians link arms and march against the forces of prejudice, racism, injustice, and war. “How sweet it is” when Christians focus on what unites rather than what differentiates.
Just remember constantly: there is only One Lord!
“Sweet Jesus, may we be sweet to our brothers and sisters in the
faith and also to everyone we meet. Let us give them hope! Amen”
Friday, August 24, 2007
August 25: THE LESSON FROM "BEANBALL"
Do you know what a “beanball” is? It’s when a baseball pitcher intentionally tries to hit the opposing batter in the head with the baseball! Seriously! We are talking about grown men doing something that we would spank their sons for doing. It is a way of intimidating the opposition. It has bad results because then the opposing pitcher throws at your players. It’s bad because the aim is to intentionally hurt someone.
But, then, to intentionally do something bad is another definition of the word “sin”. Sin is rooted in our attitude. For instance, when David began his prayer of confession in Psalm 51, he said, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
The idea behind “transgressions” is an open and intentional going away from God; you might say having a stiff-neck rebellious attitude. This differs from the definition of iniquity as one missing the mark or aiming at a target and not being able to hit it. The definition of sin is that of doing wrong or doing what is displeasing to God.
Regardless of the root of the problem of sin, there is always a bad result, just like with the beanball. Either the thrower or the target gets hurt.
As the Bible says, “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Sin is a faithful paymaster; it always pays off. No I.O.U.’s! No idle threats! No empty promises! It pays off in death. Now that is the painful truth.
You might get by with minimum injury from a beanball but not with sin; it always results in maximum pain.
My conclusion: Avoid a beanball contest AND avoid sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22) We might hear jokes and laughs about beanballs but sin results in tears.
“One of our problems, O God, is that we laugh at serious truths that
should wake us up to reality! Remind us again that sin is not a joke. Amen”
But, then, to intentionally do something bad is another definition of the word “sin”. Sin is rooted in our attitude. For instance, when David began his prayer of confession in Psalm 51, he said, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
The idea behind “transgressions” is an open and intentional going away from God; you might say having a stiff-neck rebellious attitude. This differs from the definition of iniquity as one missing the mark or aiming at a target and not being able to hit it. The definition of sin is that of doing wrong or doing what is displeasing to God.
Regardless of the root of the problem of sin, there is always a bad result, just like with the beanball. Either the thrower or the target gets hurt.
As the Bible says, “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) Sin is a faithful paymaster; it always pays off. No I.O.U.’s! No idle threats! No empty promises! It pays off in death. Now that is the painful truth.
You might get by with minimum injury from a beanball but not with sin; it always results in maximum pain.
My conclusion: Avoid a beanball contest AND avoid sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22) We might hear jokes and laughs about beanballs but sin results in tears.
“One of our problems, O God, is that we laugh at serious truths that
should wake us up to reality! Remind us again that sin is not a joke. Amen”
Thursday, August 23, 2007
August 24: FOR THOSE IN A HURRY
You may be in a hurry as you read this. Most people around us seem to be in a hurry, so here is the Gospel today in a nutshell: “For God loved the world so much he gave his son that whoever would believe in him would not die but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
As people like to say “this is the bottom line”. This verse sums up the whole Bible. Really! Everything in the Old Testament points to this verse. Everything in the New Testament points to this verse. Everything in the New Testament that follows this verse is a reflection of its impact on the world.
So if you are in a hurry today to understand the Bible or get to know God, this is the place to start.
The first thing you discover is that you are important to God. He loves you! He sees you in all of your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs and his heart goes out to you. Loving you, he must give to you. (You know the old saying, “you can give without loving but you can’t love without giving.”)
So God offers you his very best, his only son. It’s up to you to receive the gift. The gift is available; it is the most precious gift ever offered. It remains “potential” until it is received. It’s hard to imagine anyone rejecting this gift.
I once had a friend in Maryland who waited for God to force him to accept the gift. God never did force him. No, the gift is freely given, so it must be voluntarily received. No one else can receive it for you, either.
So if you are looking for eternal life today, either in quality or quantity, here is an offer you can’t afford to turn down.
Amazing isn’t it, that something so clear should be so misunderstood by many. Anyway this is it in a nutshell: if you have not received this gift from God, reach out your hands in faith and receive it right now. If you have already received it, try to give it away to some other people today. Praise the Lord!
“Thank You God for such a clear and unmistakable love gift. You are a
Wonderful God! You have made us “beggars in velvet”! Amen”
As people like to say “this is the bottom line”. This verse sums up the whole Bible. Really! Everything in the Old Testament points to this verse. Everything in the New Testament points to this verse. Everything in the New Testament that follows this verse is a reflection of its impact on the world.
So if you are in a hurry today to understand the Bible or get to know God, this is the place to start.
The first thing you discover is that you are important to God. He loves you! He sees you in all of your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs and his heart goes out to you. Loving you, he must give to you. (You know the old saying, “you can give without loving but you can’t love without giving.”)
So God offers you his very best, his only son. It’s up to you to receive the gift. The gift is available; it is the most precious gift ever offered. It remains “potential” until it is received. It’s hard to imagine anyone rejecting this gift.
I once had a friend in Maryland who waited for God to force him to accept the gift. God never did force him. No, the gift is freely given, so it must be voluntarily received. No one else can receive it for you, either.
So if you are looking for eternal life today, either in quality or quantity, here is an offer you can’t afford to turn down.
Amazing isn’t it, that something so clear should be so misunderstood by many. Anyway this is it in a nutshell: if you have not received this gift from God, reach out your hands in faith and receive it right now. If you have already received it, try to give it away to some other people today. Praise the Lord!
“Thank You God for such a clear and unmistakable love gift. You are a
Wonderful God! You have made us “beggars in velvet”! Amen”
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
August 23: FILLING MY EMPTINESS
Some have suggested that the great curse of these times is emptiness. Lives filled with emptiness are hard to endure. They find it hard to get up in the morning and move robot-like through the day. Often these masters-of-deceit perform their daily tasks with efficiency because it is not necessary to feel in order to perform.
Many people work hard to fill the emptiness and get frustrated and angry with their results. Marriage entered, careers chosen or children birthed to fill the inner vacuum just add to the problem. Moving into another marriage or career field or having another baby may eventually reveal the root problem.
We are created by God. Within our spirit, soul, personality (call it what you will) there is a built-in longing for God. Only God can fill the emptiness. We can play God and try to create “fillers” but man-made solutions don’t answer the need. Notice the suicide and divorce statistics as evidence. But the old saying is “nature abhors a vacuum” hence the restlessness to try to fill the emptiness.
I suggest this remedy: Psalm 16:11, “God, you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Follow this with Psalm 81:10, “I am the Lord your God. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
Listen to David in Acts 2:28, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Basically, emptiness is a spiritual problem and must be treated spiritually. Recognizing this, you are free to accept the remedy.
My prayer for you is, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Let God fill your emptiness!
“O God, who purposes to fill our lives with meaning and direction, show us
clearly the way so we will not stumble over the obvious answer. Amen”
Many people work hard to fill the emptiness and get frustrated and angry with their results. Marriage entered, careers chosen or children birthed to fill the inner vacuum just add to the problem. Moving into another marriage or career field or having another baby may eventually reveal the root problem.
We are created by God. Within our spirit, soul, personality (call it what you will) there is a built-in longing for God. Only God can fill the emptiness. We can play God and try to create “fillers” but man-made solutions don’t answer the need. Notice the suicide and divorce statistics as evidence. But the old saying is “nature abhors a vacuum” hence the restlessness to try to fill the emptiness.
I suggest this remedy: Psalm 16:11, “God, you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Follow this with Psalm 81:10, “I am the Lord your God. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
Listen to David in Acts 2:28, “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Basically, emptiness is a spiritual problem and must be treated spiritually. Recognizing this, you are free to accept the remedy.
My prayer for you is, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Let God fill your emptiness!
“O God, who purposes to fill our lives with meaning and direction, show us
clearly the way so we will not stumble over the obvious answer. Amen”
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
August 22: A NEW SITE PLAN
I am fascinated by what men can do with bulldozers and other earth-moving equipment. They can totally change the topography of land until you won’t recognize it. Filling valleys or leveling hills, they can make uninhabitable places attractive communities.
A contractor showed me one day on his computer what a certain piece of land looked like and then pushed a few buttons and the screen revealed what it was going to look like after the dirt had been rearranged. Later, I visited the project and it was just as the computer had projected. Radical change took place because of superior knowledge and skilled hands at the control of machines.
That’s the way it is when God begins to work with us. We are a lot of misshaped clay, indistinguishable from so much other clay and seeming without any real possibility for usefulness. But God sees the possibilities if he can just begin a major renovation project. So he goes to work. He convinces us of the possibilities that we never imagined. (Do you think I knew what God was going to do to me 53 years ago when I surrendered to Him?) If we enter into covenant agreement with him, he then accomplishes surprising things.
Jeremiah the Prophet has a message for us in chapter 18, “can I not do with you as a potter does? Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.” God knows how to work with dirt!
The poet Adelaide Pollard prayed “have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way; Thou art the potter, I am the clay.”
The theological message of Genesis 2 is that God created mankind from the “dust of the ground”. The prophet Isaiah was surprised that the dust-creature should fight back against it’s creator but that’s what happened.
It’s best to put yourself in God’s hands and let him make you over according to his plan. He will make you a beautiful person. That would be better than any “Reality Show” makeover that you will eve see on television!
“What an offer You make, Dear God, that you can make us new and
usable in the Kingdom of God! When can we start? Please! Amen”
A contractor showed me one day on his computer what a certain piece of land looked like and then pushed a few buttons and the screen revealed what it was going to look like after the dirt had been rearranged. Later, I visited the project and it was just as the computer had projected. Radical change took place because of superior knowledge and skilled hands at the control of machines.
That’s the way it is when God begins to work with us. We are a lot of misshaped clay, indistinguishable from so much other clay and seeming without any real possibility for usefulness. But God sees the possibilities if he can just begin a major renovation project. So he goes to work. He convinces us of the possibilities that we never imagined. (Do you think I knew what God was going to do to me 53 years ago when I surrendered to Him?) If we enter into covenant agreement with him, he then accomplishes surprising things.
Jeremiah the Prophet has a message for us in chapter 18, “can I not do with you as a potter does? Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.” God knows how to work with dirt!
The poet Adelaide Pollard prayed “have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way; Thou art the potter, I am the clay.”
The theological message of Genesis 2 is that God created mankind from the “dust of the ground”. The prophet Isaiah was surprised that the dust-creature should fight back against it’s creator but that’s what happened.
It’s best to put yourself in God’s hands and let him make you over according to his plan. He will make you a beautiful person. That would be better than any “Reality Show” makeover that you will eve see on television!
“What an offer You make, Dear God, that you can make us new and
usable in the Kingdom of God! When can we start? Please! Amen”
Monday, August 20, 2007
August 21 : THE NEED TO COMMUNICATE
Some things can’t be emphasized too much. Some areas need constant emphasis. In general, communication skills are worked on both in industry and business. In particular, families do not give enough time and effort to improving communications.
“I’ve told you a hundred times” or “are you listening to me?” or “why don’t you try to understand me?” are the kind of statements often heard. The thing puzzling me is how people spend eight hours a day working hard at being understood and understanding their co-workers and come home at night and refuse to show the same courtesy to those who are their “family” members. Is it laziness? Or do we only work at what we are paid to do? It is imperative for us to say what we mean and receive some affirmation from the others that our “message” has been received.
I am reminded of the biblical account of God calling young Samuel to service. (1 Samuel 3) Three times God called Samuel and the boy thought it was the old priest Eli. It was on the fourth time that communication happened when Samuel said, “Speak to me, Lord”. Then the conversation continued.
When the Bible says about Jesus “the word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14) it is a story about communication. God always makes concentrated efforts to be sure we understand him. That fact should tip us off to the importance of communication. In 1 John 1:1 the Apostle describes God’s acts of communication involving all of the senses.
In our families, the words, facial expression, body language, personal touch and everything about us should be a unified presentation of what we want to say and how we want it to be heard. This doesn’t happen accidentally. This is intentional.
The skill of communication must be developed. Pray about this. It is a spiritual love debt that you owe your family.
“Father, You are the perfect example of patience and persistence in
communicating Your love to us. Help us to study your example! Amen”
“I’ve told you a hundred times” or “are you listening to me?” or “why don’t you try to understand me?” are the kind of statements often heard. The thing puzzling me is how people spend eight hours a day working hard at being understood and understanding their co-workers and come home at night and refuse to show the same courtesy to those who are their “family” members. Is it laziness? Or do we only work at what we are paid to do? It is imperative for us to say what we mean and receive some affirmation from the others that our “message” has been received.
I am reminded of the biblical account of God calling young Samuel to service. (1 Samuel 3) Three times God called Samuel and the boy thought it was the old priest Eli. It was on the fourth time that communication happened when Samuel said, “Speak to me, Lord”. Then the conversation continued.
When the Bible says about Jesus “the word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14) it is a story about communication. God always makes concentrated efforts to be sure we understand him. That fact should tip us off to the importance of communication. In 1 John 1:1 the Apostle describes God’s acts of communication involving all of the senses.
In our families, the words, facial expression, body language, personal touch and everything about us should be a unified presentation of what we want to say and how we want it to be heard. This doesn’t happen accidentally. This is intentional.
The skill of communication must be developed. Pray about this. It is a spiritual love debt that you owe your family.
“Father, You are the perfect example of patience and persistence in
communicating Your love to us. Help us to study your example! Amen”
Sunday, August 19, 2007
August 20: A RUSH TO JUDGEMENT
An old term has been revived in the media lately: “rush to judgment”. Some high-profile cases in our court system may take some time to resolve but in the meantime they are being tried in the “court of public opinion” and the suspects are being found guilty.
Historically, when the facts are in and judgment rendered, many of these “assumed guilty” are proven innocent. I admit that my “rush to judgment” has been wrong more than once.
That’s why I’m glad that when I die my judge will be “righteous and just” (Daniel 4:37, 2 Timothy 4:8). “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) That doesn’t frighten me!
“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25) A good and loving God created us and we must give account to him for our lives. Romans 2:16 says there is a day when God will judge our secrets. What an exciting idea! History is going somewhere. We have a date with God and he will not “rush to judgment”.
God keeps perfect records and will “give to each according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6). Fame and fortune won’t be of value on that day. No witnesses will be called on your behalf because “the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
All will be treated fairly! “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). Race and status will not be a consideration: “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).
If you have the slightest nervousness about Judgment Day, I suggest that you get to know immediately “the One Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5) because “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Now, I would rush to do that if I were you!
“Eternal God, at best our time on earth is very short, but yet sufficient
for each of us to prepare for that great Judgment Day. Thanks for that gift.
Amen”
Historically, when the facts are in and judgment rendered, many of these “assumed guilty” are proven innocent. I admit that my “rush to judgment” has been wrong more than once.
That’s why I’m glad that when I die my judge will be “righteous and just” (Daniel 4:37, 2 Timothy 4:8). “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) That doesn’t frighten me!
“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25) A good and loving God created us and we must give account to him for our lives. Romans 2:16 says there is a day when God will judge our secrets. What an exciting idea! History is going somewhere. We have a date with God and he will not “rush to judgment”.
God keeps perfect records and will “give to each according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6). Fame and fortune won’t be of value on that day. No witnesses will be called on your behalf because “the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
All will be treated fairly! “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). Race and status will not be a consideration: “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).
If you have the slightest nervousness about Judgment Day, I suggest that you get to know immediately “the One Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5) because “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Now, I would rush to do that if I were you!
“Eternal God, at best our time on earth is very short, but yet sufficient
for each of us to prepare for that great Judgment Day. Thanks for that gift.
Amen”
Saturday, August 18, 2007
August 19: LOVING GOD'S WAY
Boy, I’ve got to preach a sermon on this Bible verse real soon! In 2 Samuel 14:14 a woman is talking to King David about forgiving and restoring his son Absalom to the family. David is not responsive to the idea. As the woman persists, she says in verse 14, “But God does not take away life, instead he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” Isn’t that great? What insight this woman had into the love of God!
Even though God has spoken that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) and “the soul that sins shall surely die” (Ezekiel 18:4), his love is so great that he is devising ways for people to realize that he is willing to forgive.
This was a part of Preacher Jonah’s defense when he ran from going to Nineveh and warning the people about the coming Judgement. In Jonah, chapter 4, he complained that though God wanted him to tell the people that judgement was certain, he knew God would forgive the people if they repented and the great calamity would be averted.
Paul says that God’s ways with men are impossible to understand.
Forgiveness is hard for us. So often we are looking to get revenge or to get even with the one who has hurt us. (Take note of the weekly list in the local papers of the people who are suing someone.)
We demand that our hurt feelings be stroked. We assume that God operates on the same set of motivations that we use, but wonder of wonders, God is looking for ways to bring mankind back into relationship. He does not “go away mad” when we sin but rather offers us total, complete, free forgiveness.
No wonder John said, “God so loved the world” (John 3:16)! Extraordinary love! Where are you today? God says “come home”.
“Doing it Your way, Dear Lord, is absolutely the best way ever opened for
us. Please remove our spiritual blindness! We insight Amen need
Even though God has spoken that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) and “the soul that sins shall surely die” (Ezekiel 18:4), his love is so great that he is devising ways for people to realize that he is willing to forgive.
This was a part of Preacher Jonah’s defense when he ran from going to Nineveh and warning the people about the coming Judgement. In Jonah, chapter 4, he complained that though God wanted him to tell the people that judgement was certain, he knew God would forgive the people if they repented and the great calamity would be averted.
Paul says that God’s ways with men are impossible to understand.
Forgiveness is hard for us. So often we are looking to get revenge or to get even with the one who has hurt us. (Take note of the weekly list in the local papers of the people who are suing someone.)
We demand that our hurt feelings be stroked. We assume that God operates on the same set of motivations that we use, but wonder of wonders, God is looking for ways to bring mankind back into relationship. He does not “go away mad” when we sin but rather offers us total, complete, free forgiveness.
No wonder John said, “God so loved the world” (John 3:16)! Extraordinary love! Where are you today? God says “come home”.
“Doing it Your way, Dear Lord, is absolutely the best way ever opened for
us. Please remove our spiritual blindness! We insight Amen need
Friday, August 17, 2007
August 18: GOD'S PROVISION FOR US
Genesis 1:11ff reads, “then God said, ‘let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds’. And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
It is the time of the year to see fulfillment of what God started at the creation. Summer invites us to visit gardens, orchards and farms to feast on the beauty. Even a visit to a Farmer’s Market. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!
It is a shame that many children in metropolitan areas never get to walk through a garden to see the various colors and shapes of ripening fruit. It is a good time to sing praises to God, such as, “how great you are!”
The missionary Paul used the beauty of the natural, created order to open a door of witness to pagans in Lystra. In Acts 14:17, “God has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy.” The joy of harvest and the bounty of the harvest can be a tenderizer of the heart to initiate questions of the goodness of God in providing for our needs.
If God was so meticulous about our physical needs, surely he has provision for our spiritual needs. Those who worship God in nature (called Pantheism) have a limited view of God.
But an appreciation of what God has done in nature can be a stepping stone to a personal faith in the God above nature. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth.” (Acts 17:24) He now commands all people to repent!
“You make the vegetables and fruits that sustain us so very beautiful
to the eyes. Indeed, You make all things beautiful! Amen”
It is the time of the year to see fulfillment of what God started at the creation. Summer invites us to visit gardens, orchards and farms to feast on the beauty. Even a visit to a Farmer’s Market. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!
It is a shame that many children in metropolitan areas never get to walk through a garden to see the various colors and shapes of ripening fruit. It is a good time to sing praises to God, such as, “how great you are!”
The missionary Paul used the beauty of the natural, created order to open a door of witness to pagans in Lystra. In Acts 14:17, “God has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy.” The joy of harvest and the bounty of the harvest can be a tenderizer of the heart to initiate questions of the goodness of God in providing for our needs.
If God was so meticulous about our physical needs, surely he has provision for our spiritual needs. Those who worship God in nature (called Pantheism) have a limited view of God.
But an appreciation of what God has done in nature can be a stepping stone to a personal faith in the God above nature. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth.” (Acts 17:24) He now commands all people to repent!
“You make the vegetables and fruits that sustain us so very beautiful
to the eyes. Indeed, You make all things beautiful! Amen”
Thursday, August 16, 2007
August 17: MOVING ALONG
One of the characteristics of our society is mobility. My wife and I recently had dinner with a widow living in a rural community. The unusual thing about it was that she was living in the same house she had been born in 74 years ago. Her mother and grandmother had lived there also. What a rarity!
Most people move many times in their lives. This mobility presents some challenges and opportunities but it has some hazards as well. Some people refuse to make “close” friends or develop meaningful relationships because they cannot stand the pain of parting. Some develop a sense of mistrust about all people because they do not allow themselves to trust anyone. Some have trouble identifying themselves because they have no roots or sense of belonging.
Mobility could force us to do some positive things, like learning how to get to know people quickly. The mobile person should learn to take the initiative in meeting people.
Christians have a built-in advantage in this area as they find immediate acceptance and help in a local church body. In many denominations churches even give letters of introduction to aid this process.
In the Bible, Hebrews 11:13ff describes Christians as people who have a sense of mobility that gives them freedom to live out their faith anywhere. “They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.”
Since the Christian’s ultimate destination is Heaven, he or she always knows that they will move at least one more time. 1 Peter 1:17 challenges the believers with the idea that since you call God your father and you expect to see him someday, live your life in awe of him as a sojourner or traveler.
A strong faith in the Lord can give you real stability, regardless of how often you move.
“Lord, the song says that this world is not my home and I am just passing
through. Help me spread the message of Jesus in each place I stop. Amen”
Most people move many times in their lives. This mobility presents some challenges and opportunities but it has some hazards as well. Some people refuse to make “close” friends or develop meaningful relationships because they cannot stand the pain of parting. Some develop a sense of mistrust about all people because they do not allow themselves to trust anyone. Some have trouble identifying themselves because they have no roots or sense of belonging.
Mobility could force us to do some positive things, like learning how to get to know people quickly. The mobile person should learn to take the initiative in meeting people.
Christians have a built-in advantage in this area as they find immediate acceptance and help in a local church body. In many denominations churches even give letters of introduction to aid this process.
In the Bible, Hebrews 11:13ff describes Christians as people who have a sense of mobility that gives them freedom to live out their faith anywhere. “They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.”
Since the Christian’s ultimate destination is Heaven, he or she always knows that they will move at least one more time. 1 Peter 1:17 challenges the believers with the idea that since you call God your father and you expect to see him someday, live your life in awe of him as a sojourner or traveler.
A strong faith in the Lord can give you real stability, regardless of how often you move.
“Lord, the song says that this world is not my home and I am just passing
through. Help me spread the message of Jesus in each place I stop. Amen”
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 16: DISCOVERING THE BEAUTIFUL
A few years back, Fay and I bought a place that had not received a lot of care. The grass was out of control. Around the fences there were lots of briars, weeds, poison oak and poison ivy. We attacked it with enthusiasm but it was a slow process. It was such tedious work to finally get it all clean. But you know what; after all of that patient effort we uncovered beautiful roses and flowers of many kinds. Beauty waiting to be released! Beauty that had been crushed and almost killed by garbage and wild vines. We finally won over it and began to enjoy the fruits of our sweat and toil.
Life is so much like an overgrown yard! There is much beauty daily but some days you have to dig it out and let it blossom.
The media, for instance, inundates us with so much gloom and doom. We can’t deny it or ignore the fact of death and pain and sadness in the world. To keep a balanced view, we need to release the lovely things.
It reminds me of the parables Jesus told about the pearl hidden in the field; when the man discovered it, he sold everything he had and bought the field just to possess this beauty. (Matthew 13:44) He discovered beauty and dug deep to possess it. Or, “again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found on of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (verses 45-46) He was intent on finding the beautiful.
The point is this: the beautiful is there. God has made it so. It may be covered by sin and sadness, but it is there. We should not resign ourselves to putting up with the ugly when with a little discipline, we can find the beautiful difference.
In Philippians 4:8, the Bible says, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
Discover the beautiful. Don’t settle for ugliness.
Help me, O God of Beauty, to discover the beauty of your world so I
Surround my life with it; I know it will reach into my soul. Amen”
Life is so much like an overgrown yard! There is much beauty daily but some days you have to dig it out and let it blossom.
The media, for instance, inundates us with so much gloom and doom. We can’t deny it or ignore the fact of death and pain and sadness in the world. To keep a balanced view, we need to release the lovely things.
It reminds me of the parables Jesus told about the pearl hidden in the field; when the man discovered it, he sold everything he had and bought the field just to possess this beauty. (Matthew 13:44) He discovered beauty and dug deep to possess it. Or, “again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found on of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (verses 45-46) He was intent on finding the beautiful.
The point is this: the beautiful is there. God has made it so. It may be covered by sin and sadness, but it is there. We should not resign ourselves to putting up with the ugly when with a little discipline, we can find the beautiful difference.
In Philippians 4:8, the Bible says, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
Discover the beautiful. Don’t settle for ugliness.
Help me, O God of Beauty, to discover the beauty of your world so I
Surround my life with it; I know it will reach into my soul. Amen”
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
August 15: THOUGHTS ON AGING
I went with a group from our Church today to the Senior Adult Nutrition Center to present a musical program. They were happy to see us. Partly because we were younger than they are, we offered diversion and fellowship. My Mother-in-law died at 95; I remember her complaining that her contemporaries had all died and there was no one with whom she could discuss her memories from her youth.
To what do you attribute old age? You get a different theory from every senior adult you interview. The truth is that your time and mine are in God’s hands. The Bible talks a lot about getting old. The general complaint, even in Bible times, is that time is too short. It comes and goes too quickly. So much is always left to say and do.
In Job 14:5 the ancient man said that our days are determined and decreed by God when we are born. If we don’t use the time wisely, we are not given a second chance. David prayed in Psalm 39:4, “show me my life’s end and the number of my days.”
It’s the faulty reasoning of man to imagine that if he knew when he was going to die, he would be sure to get ready for that day.
Jesus challenged us to immediate action now. Don’t worry, act now! “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Jesus asked in Matthew 6:27.
Psalm 90:10 says we have 70 or 80 years to live if everything goes well with us but that seems very short when you are nearing 60. Life is so short! I can’t remember how I got here so fast. Tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow is totally beyond our reach.
James 4:15 advises, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live, if not, we will die.” In that case, prepare to meet God now, not later; not tomorrow but now!
At this point youth, young adults, and senior adults have one thing in common: “I still have time to put off for another day getting things settled with God” is the reasoning used to delay action.
“Dear and Eternal God, we creatures of time need to face the temporariness
of our lives. Give us a wake-up call again. Thanks! Amen”
To what do you attribute old age? You get a different theory from every senior adult you interview. The truth is that your time and mine are in God’s hands. The Bible talks a lot about getting old. The general complaint, even in Bible times, is that time is too short. It comes and goes too quickly. So much is always left to say and do.
In Job 14:5 the ancient man said that our days are determined and decreed by God when we are born. If we don’t use the time wisely, we are not given a second chance. David prayed in Psalm 39:4, “show me my life’s end and the number of my days.”
It’s the faulty reasoning of man to imagine that if he knew when he was going to die, he would be sure to get ready for that day.
Jesus challenged us to immediate action now. Don’t worry, act now! “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Jesus asked in Matthew 6:27.
Psalm 90:10 says we have 70 or 80 years to live if everything goes well with us but that seems very short when you are nearing 60. Life is so short! I can’t remember how I got here so fast. Tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow is totally beyond our reach.
James 4:15 advises, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live, if not, we will die.” In that case, prepare to meet God now, not later; not tomorrow but now!
At this point youth, young adults, and senior adults have one thing in common: “I still have time to put off for another day getting things settled with God” is the reasoning used to delay action.
“Dear and Eternal God, we creatures of time need to face the temporariness
of our lives. Give us a wake-up call again. Thanks! Amen”
Monday, August 13, 2007
August 14: UNSHACKLED
It was a sad sight at the funeral that day; a young man in handcuffs and legs in shackles. He was a nice looking fellow, dressed in a three-piece suit, his hair neatly combed. But one step behind him walked a deputy sheriff with a gun on his belt..
The young man’s family had petitioned the warden of the prison to allow him to attend his mother’s funeral. They had paid the cost of his transportation and the deputy’s salary. It was sad and embarrassing and added pain to an already painful situation.
The shackles identified him as a prisoner of the state but the shackles also symbolized the greater imprisonment of the young man. He was shackled to a sentence that would keep him locked away from society for twenty years. He was shackled by many chains, including spiritual blindness, for he was not willing to repent and return to God.
You know many people like this, you see them daily. They look good but their attractiveness is marred by the things that shackle them and take away their freedom.
Jesus came to set the prisoners free. (Luke 4:18) David described God in Psalms 68:6 as the one who leads those in chains singing from their prisons. Certainly singing is the opposite of the sadness of being enslaved to something.
Paul had a long list in Galatians 5:19-21 of the different kinds of shackles that tie people down and take away their freedom. Some people have been enslaved so long they have forgotten what it was like to be unfettered and free.
The message of Christ is about freedom. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand free! Do not allow yourselves to be enslaved again.” (Galatians 5:1) Free at last! Thank God Almighty, free at last!
“It is so wonderful, God, that young men and young women, old men
and old women are finally able to step out of the chains that bind. Amen”
The young man’s family had petitioned the warden of the prison to allow him to attend his mother’s funeral. They had paid the cost of his transportation and the deputy’s salary. It was sad and embarrassing and added pain to an already painful situation.
The shackles identified him as a prisoner of the state but the shackles also symbolized the greater imprisonment of the young man. He was shackled to a sentence that would keep him locked away from society for twenty years. He was shackled by many chains, including spiritual blindness, for he was not willing to repent and return to God.
You know many people like this, you see them daily. They look good but their attractiveness is marred by the things that shackle them and take away their freedom.
Jesus came to set the prisoners free. (Luke 4:18) David described God in Psalms 68:6 as the one who leads those in chains singing from their prisons. Certainly singing is the opposite of the sadness of being enslaved to something.
Paul had a long list in Galatians 5:19-21 of the different kinds of shackles that tie people down and take away their freedom. Some people have been enslaved so long they have forgotten what it was like to be unfettered and free.
The message of Christ is about freedom. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand free! Do not allow yourselves to be enslaved again.” (Galatians 5:1) Free at last! Thank God Almighty, free at last!
“It is so wonderful, God, that young men and young women, old men
and old women are finally able to step out of the chains that bind. Amen”
Sunday, August 12, 2007
August 13: CLAIMING YOUR PROMISES
There is a popular distortion of God’s word making the rounds. The so-called “name it and claim it” school of theology, made popular by certain television personalities, is spreading the error.
The reasoning goes like this: “God has made promises in the Bible and all we have to do is claim them”. Sounds good to you? But that is not the whole story. God does make promises, that is absolutely clear. God keeps his promises, that is clear also. But, if you will read every promise of God in its biblical context, you will find it is based on a Godly premise.
A few examples will help: God says in Acts 16:31, “you will be saved”, the premise being “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Or, in Romans 10:9, there is the promise “you will be saved” based on the premise of your believing in the resurrected Jesus and surrendering to him as your Lord. Also, in Proverbs 3:5, God promises to “direct your path” if you will trust in the Lord with all your heart. One more: Psalms 37:4 promises that God will “give you the desires of your heart” if you “delight yourself in the Lord.”
The list is long. It is very exciting to read through the Bible and underline the promises of God. For me, it is just as exciting to read the premise on which it is given.
Humans seem to have a way of reading what they want to read and hearing only what is easy and pleasing to the ears. As has been said, “the grace of God is free, but it is not cheap”.
There is a price attached to every promise from God. A misguided or misinformed person could experience great disappointment if they knew only about the “promises” and not the “premises” as well. Trust God totally in order to claim his promises responsibly.
“God, Your promises are sweet and challenging and exciting and wonderful;
I can’t describe them completely. Free me up to meet you on the path of faith.
Amen”
The reasoning goes like this: “God has made promises in the Bible and all we have to do is claim them”. Sounds good to you? But that is not the whole story. God does make promises, that is absolutely clear. God keeps his promises, that is clear also. But, if you will read every promise of God in its biblical context, you will find it is based on a Godly premise.
A few examples will help: God says in Acts 16:31, “you will be saved”, the premise being “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Or, in Romans 10:9, there is the promise “you will be saved” based on the premise of your believing in the resurrected Jesus and surrendering to him as your Lord. Also, in Proverbs 3:5, God promises to “direct your path” if you will trust in the Lord with all your heart. One more: Psalms 37:4 promises that God will “give you the desires of your heart” if you “delight yourself in the Lord.”
The list is long. It is very exciting to read through the Bible and underline the promises of God. For me, it is just as exciting to read the premise on which it is given.
Humans seem to have a way of reading what they want to read and hearing only what is easy and pleasing to the ears. As has been said, “the grace of God is free, but it is not cheap”.
There is a price attached to every promise from God. A misguided or misinformed person could experience great disappointment if they knew only about the “promises” and not the “premises” as well. Trust God totally in order to claim his promises responsibly.
“God, Your promises are sweet and challenging and exciting and wonderful;
I can’t describe them completely. Free me up to meet you on the path of faith.
Amen”
Saturday, August 11, 2007
August 12: CONTRADICTIONS NEED CLARIFYING
I feel good. I don’t have a pain today. In fact, I probably have never felt better in my life. I exercise and I go to my doctor for an annual check-up. And guess what happened? When my doctor gave me an electrocardiogram, he discovered that my heartbeat had changed. A cardiologist confirmed it; my heart was beating too fast and out of rhythm.
In spite of my feelings that day, I wasn’t fine. Things were true that contradicted my feelings about my condition. Folks were surprised. Folks didn’t think I looked sick and I didn’t feel sick but even a lot of people thinking differently did not change the fact of my physical health.
I ponder on this from time to time. I think about a lot of people I have met. They think they are doing well, they feel good and are having a good time; life is one great success after another.
But there is another opinion that goes ignored and unheeded. Indeed, strong efforts are made not to hear it. I am talking about spiritual truth about spiritual situations. The Bible says, “it is appointed to all to die and after death, the Judgement”. (Hebrews 9:27) “Life does not consist of the abundance of things possessed”. (Luke 12:15) “What will be the advantage to a person if they gain all that life offers and then lose their soul?” (Mark 8:26)
These words of God from the Bible are unknown to many people and ignored by many others. That means the spiritual condition of many people is like I was about my physical condition, thinking one thing is true when the opposite is the truth.
Everyday each one of us walks the tightrope that borders on eternity. Are you flirting with eternal death and destruction? You can’t trust your feelings because feelings deceive. This question is too important to leave to chance or emotion.
“God, You are right; we need the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth about our spiritual condition. Please enlighten us! Amen”
In spite of my feelings that day, I wasn’t fine. Things were true that contradicted my feelings about my condition. Folks were surprised. Folks didn’t think I looked sick and I didn’t feel sick but even a lot of people thinking differently did not change the fact of my physical health.
I ponder on this from time to time. I think about a lot of people I have met. They think they are doing well, they feel good and are having a good time; life is one great success after another.
But there is another opinion that goes ignored and unheeded. Indeed, strong efforts are made not to hear it. I am talking about spiritual truth about spiritual situations. The Bible says, “it is appointed to all to die and after death, the Judgement”. (Hebrews 9:27) “Life does not consist of the abundance of things possessed”. (Luke 12:15) “What will be the advantage to a person if they gain all that life offers and then lose their soul?” (Mark 8:26)
These words of God from the Bible are unknown to many people and ignored by many others. That means the spiritual condition of many people is like I was about my physical condition, thinking one thing is true when the opposite is the truth.
Everyday each one of us walks the tightrope that borders on eternity. Are you flirting with eternal death and destruction? You can’t trust your feelings because feelings deceive. This question is too important to leave to chance or emotion.
“God, You are right; we need the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth about our spiritual condition. Please enlighten us! Amen”
Friday, August 10, 2007
August 11: SEEING THE TRUTH
I went to the shopping mall one day with my family. Around a small display a crowd had gathered. Everyone seemed very excited about what they were seeing. My curiosity was aroused so I went to see what was having the interest of so many people.
There were many large frames on display and the pictures seemed to be nothing more than colored dots. Exclamations of “I see it” and disgusted statements of “I don’t see anything” by people moving away certainly increased my interest. I began to stare at these frames as well and right before my eyes the dots were transformed to three-dimensional pictures of various subjects. It was great! We were looking at a “3-D illusion”.
For those who were patient and focused on the dots there was a very clear picture, but for others only disappointment and irritation. It was such a true-to-life story.
There are many people who will read the Bible today and tomorrow, focus on its message and concentrate on its central truth and be overjoyed by what they discover.
Others will pick up the Bible in a bookstore or from a coffee table, flip through the pages for a few moments and then with irritation put it back and wonder why others get so excited about it.
The eyes have deceived. Eyes allowed for reading the message but eyes could not give understanding. Sight made possible an enlightening experience but previous conditioning blocked acceptance.
Do you see things as they are or as they appear? In Luke 18:41, a man prays, “Lord, I want to receive my sight”. Is that a good prayer for you today?
Don’t be like the crowd at the cemetery the day Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead who did not see anything to change their closed minds but made plans to kill Jesus (John 16:43). Don’t let your eyes deceive you any longer.
“Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus. Millions have already prayed
that prayer, I want to join the others today. Thank You, Lord! Amen”
There were many large frames on display and the pictures seemed to be nothing more than colored dots. Exclamations of “I see it” and disgusted statements of “I don’t see anything” by people moving away certainly increased my interest. I began to stare at these frames as well and right before my eyes the dots were transformed to three-dimensional pictures of various subjects. It was great! We were looking at a “3-D illusion”.
For those who were patient and focused on the dots there was a very clear picture, but for others only disappointment and irritation. It was such a true-to-life story.
There are many people who will read the Bible today and tomorrow, focus on its message and concentrate on its central truth and be overjoyed by what they discover.
Others will pick up the Bible in a bookstore or from a coffee table, flip through the pages for a few moments and then with irritation put it back and wonder why others get so excited about it.
The eyes have deceived. Eyes allowed for reading the message but eyes could not give understanding. Sight made possible an enlightening experience but previous conditioning blocked acceptance.
Do you see things as they are or as they appear? In Luke 18:41, a man prays, “Lord, I want to receive my sight”. Is that a good prayer for you today?
Don’t be like the crowd at the cemetery the day Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead who did not see anything to change their closed minds but made plans to kill Jesus (John 16:43). Don’t let your eyes deceive you any longer.
“Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus. Millions have already prayed
that prayer, I want to join the others today. Thank You, Lord! Amen”
Thursday, August 9, 2007
August 10: ALWAYS ANSWERING PRAYER
God answers prayers. He always does. He always will. Some people bad-mouth God for never answering their prayer. What they really mean to say is that God did not answer the prayer the way they had decided he should.
There is a prime example of the answer to the unanswered prayer. It is Paul’s experience recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul says, “To keep me from becoming conceited (a common temptation) there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.” Did God take it away? No! So, we conclude that God did not answer his prayer? No! God answered by saying, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
So God’s answer is clear; God will be Paul’s strength and enabler in every situation but the affliction stays.
Is Paul mad or hurt that God did not give him what he requested? No! Paul’s feeling is “therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The prayer is answered in a way that equips Paul to get on with his life.
God answers prayer! Prayer comes out of a trust relationship, not a “slot-machine” type gamble. “He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Knowing that God loves you and gave his son to save you is the cornerstone of a faith that expresses itself in a prayer relationship. Talking to God. Listening to God. And trusting God’s answer to be best for you. God always answers! Always!
“It is great the way you dare us to trust You with everything in our
lives through prayer. What a God! What a Gift! Amen”
There is a prime example of the answer to the unanswered prayer. It is Paul’s experience recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul says, “To keep me from becoming conceited (a common temptation) there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.” Did God take it away? No! So, we conclude that God did not answer his prayer? No! God answered by saying, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
So God’s answer is clear; God will be Paul’s strength and enabler in every situation but the affliction stays.
Is Paul mad or hurt that God did not give him what he requested? No! Paul’s feeling is “therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The prayer is answered in a way that equips Paul to get on with his life.
God answers prayer! Prayer comes out of a trust relationship, not a “slot-machine” type gamble. “He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Knowing that God loves you and gave his son to save you is the cornerstone of a faith that expresses itself in a prayer relationship. Talking to God. Listening to God. And trusting God’s answer to be best for you. God always answers! Always!
“It is great the way you dare us to trust You with everything in our
lives through prayer. What a God! What a Gift! Amen”
August 9: OBEDIENCE IS CENTRAL
Missing the point, that’s what it is. There are many very religious people around, they usually identify themselves. But in their religious profession, something is obviously missing to the onlooker and that something is obedience.
In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet was talking to a king who was very religious, but disobedient to God. “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.”
Attendance at public ritual and religious ceremony is good if it is based on a lifestyle of obedience. Participating in community religious programming certainly can be helpful, if it is backed up by obedience to the word of God.
But you can’t divorce the two: if you do, one negates the other. For instance, in 2 John, verse 6, the Bible says, “and this is love; that we walk in obedience to his commands.” All religions tend to talk about love and it can be made to sound very spiritual, but if love for God isn’t validated by obedience to God it is worthless.
This is very important in dealing with new converts to Christianity. Jesus said a part of the disciplining process was to teach them to obey everything he commanded. (Matthew 28:20) He would be there watching them and available to help them obey.
God’s commands are not irksome or burdensome (1 John 5:3) so the desire to obey should flow naturally from the Christian’s life.
The church and the faith have gotten a bad name in many areas because obedience has been put in a secondary place. Jesus once asked, “Why do you call me Lord if you are not going to do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Faithful obedience to the commands of god proves our faith and assures our Father that he can use our lives and he can trust us to obey.
“We sing about trusting and obeying, now we need to remember that song
when we are outside the Worship Center. Strengthen us! Amen”
In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet was talking to a king who was very religious, but disobedient to God. “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.”
Attendance at public ritual and religious ceremony is good if it is based on a lifestyle of obedience. Participating in community religious programming certainly can be helpful, if it is backed up by obedience to the word of God.
But you can’t divorce the two: if you do, one negates the other. For instance, in 2 John, verse 6, the Bible says, “and this is love; that we walk in obedience to his commands.” All religions tend to talk about love and it can be made to sound very spiritual, but if love for God isn’t validated by obedience to God it is worthless.
This is very important in dealing with new converts to Christianity. Jesus said a part of the disciplining process was to teach them to obey everything he commanded. (Matthew 28:20) He would be there watching them and available to help them obey.
God’s commands are not irksome or burdensome (1 John 5:3) so the desire to obey should flow naturally from the Christian’s life.
The church and the faith have gotten a bad name in many areas because obedience has been put in a secondary place. Jesus once asked, “Why do you call me Lord if you are not going to do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Faithful obedience to the commands of god proves our faith and assures our Father that he can use our lives and he can trust us to obey.
“We sing about trusting and obeying, now we need to remember that song
when we are outside the Worship Center. Strengthen us! Amen”
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
August 8: DO YOU HAVE A "WANT-TO" TODAY?
After I preach a sermon, I like to ask the people about their “want-to”. Do you want to become a Christian? Have a new life? Follow Jesus? Become a better Christian? Have a deeper spiritual life? If so, act on your “want-to”. You may not know all there is to know about it. You may not understand all that you know. But you can act on your “want-to”.
That “want-to” was created there in your heart by the Holy Spirit of God. What God initiates, He can complete. Trust your life to God and he will give you the answer to your “want-to”.
Let me remind you that it is not the size of your faith that matters, but the object of your faith. Jesus said a mustard seed size faith is big enough if it is directed toward Him. But you must act on your “want-to”. Don’t let fear or doubt stop you.
So many times good ideas and good intentions never come to fruition because people did not act on their “want-to”. You could have a better life if you wanted to, you could overcome the fear and insecurity of your life if you wanted to, you could know God intimately and personally, if you wanted to……..the list goes on. I am sure you get the message by now.
In John 5 the Bible relates that Jesus went to talk to a man who had been crippled for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “do you want to get well”? You say, “that was a silly question to ask the man.” No, it is not. Many people are so comfortable in their rut, they don’t want to get out and have to assume their responsibility for life.
YOU: act on your “want-to”. Now!
“I am so grateful , God, for this desire in my heart to be a better person
and more like what You want me to be. Help me to act on it now! Amen”
That “want-to” was created there in your heart by the Holy Spirit of God. What God initiates, He can complete. Trust your life to God and he will give you the answer to your “want-to”.
Let me remind you that it is not the size of your faith that matters, but the object of your faith. Jesus said a mustard seed size faith is big enough if it is directed toward Him. But you must act on your “want-to”. Don’t let fear or doubt stop you.
So many times good ideas and good intentions never come to fruition because people did not act on their “want-to”. You could have a better life if you wanted to, you could overcome the fear and insecurity of your life if you wanted to, you could know God intimately and personally, if you wanted to……..the list goes on. I am sure you get the message by now.
In John 5 the Bible relates that Jesus went to talk to a man who had been crippled for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “do you want to get well”? You say, “that was a silly question to ask the man.” No, it is not. Many people are so comfortable in their rut, they don’t want to get out and have to assume their responsibility for life.
YOU: act on your “want-to”. Now!
“I am so grateful , God, for this desire in my heart to be a better person
and more like what You want me to be. Help me to act on it now! Amen”
Monday, August 6, 2007
August 7: EXPECTING A GUEST?
What’s it like at your house when a special guest is coming? Does everyone get in on the preparation? Is everyone filled with excitement and anticipation? It’s the normal reaction; you must prepare for the event.
Some folks I know are preparing for the arrival of a special friend. Jesus said to them (recorded in John 14:1-3) that he was going away but “I will come back.” No exact date was given for his arrival; Matthew 24:44 says that “you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
The timing of the arrival of the Guest and the preparation must harmonize. In Mark 13:5, Jesus begins a dissertation by saying, “Watch out that no one deceives you by telling you that your guest is actually in another part of town.” Ignore distractions!
In fact, Matthew 25:1-13 relates a story of some young women who got distracted or preoccupied with something else and so were unprepared when the Guest came. On thing for sure, expecting a special guest surely adds zest to daily living. Makes you want to get up in the mornings!
A great boredom has settled over much of society. Many are “all dressed up with no place to go.” An affluent society like ours that can go everywhere, do everything and buy the latest toys will suffer from “the blahs”. (Ask your Doctor how many patients he has who have nothing wrong but boredom.)
While the first coming of Jesus to earth stands out as the most important event of history (time is reckoned B.C. and A.D.), his coming back will certainly be the climax of history. It is easy to understand why biblically based Christians would be spending time daily in preparing to meet him.
The Bible closes (Revelation 22:20) with Jesus saying, “Yes, I am coming soon,” and John replying, “Come quickly.” Are you prepared for His coming?
“Eternal God, we know that we don’t reckon time in the same way
that You do. Help us not to get antsy while we wait and prepare. Amen”
Some folks I know are preparing for the arrival of a special friend. Jesus said to them (recorded in John 14:1-3) that he was going away but “I will come back.” No exact date was given for his arrival; Matthew 24:44 says that “you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
The timing of the arrival of the Guest and the preparation must harmonize. In Mark 13:5, Jesus begins a dissertation by saying, “Watch out that no one deceives you by telling you that your guest is actually in another part of town.” Ignore distractions!
In fact, Matthew 25:1-13 relates a story of some young women who got distracted or preoccupied with something else and so were unprepared when the Guest came. On thing for sure, expecting a special guest surely adds zest to daily living. Makes you want to get up in the mornings!
A great boredom has settled over much of society. Many are “all dressed up with no place to go.” An affluent society like ours that can go everywhere, do everything and buy the latest toys will suffer from “the blahs”. (Ask your Doctor how many patients he has who have nothing wrong but boredom.)
While the first coming of Jesus to earth stands out as the most important event of history (time is reckoned B.C. and A.D.), his coming back will certainly be the climax of history. It is easy to understand why biblically based Christians would be spending time daily in preparing to meet him.
The Bible closes (Revelation 22:20) with Jesus saying, “Yes, I am coming soon,” and John replying, “Come quickly.” Are you prepared for His coming?
“Eternal God, we know that we don’t reckon time in the same way
that You do. Help us not to get antsy while we wait and prepare. Amen”
Sunday, August 5, 2007
August 6 : GOD DOES ANSWER
They were totally serious as they sat in my office and said, “God doesn’t answer our prayers.” I guess they noted the response on my face and so they related to me again how often they read the Bible together and prayed but God was not responding with answers to their petitions nor giving them what they needed materially.
Sound familiar? I replied “but aren’t you two living together and you are not married?” “Yes” was the answer. I went on to explain that you cannot intentionally break God’s law and commandments and expect God to answer prayer. Isaiah 59:2 says, “but your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not fear.” They seemed surprised to learn this. Are you?
Indeed Psalms 37:4 does say that God will give you the desires of your heart but it also says that we must commit our way to the Lord and delight ourselves in the things of the Lord. Maybe this is the heart of the spiritual problem of America, a country that always replies in a majority to religious surveys about believing in God and praying.
Many possess a home-grown religious philosophy that is divorced from Biblical principles. For the serious Christian is the principle of 2 Corinthians 10:5 “we demolish argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Without this spiritually sensitive outlook, prayer becomes nothing more than a “heavenly slot machine” where you pull the handle and hope you hit it big with God.
True prayer comes out of a trusting, obedient relationship with your Heavenly Father. In the security of that Father-child experience, you can realistically pray and the door is opened for you to be answered.
“Why should it appear so surprising to some, Dear Father, that you answer
the prayers of your children? After all, You are a Loving Father. Amen”
Sound familiar? I replied “but aren’t you two living together and you are not married?” “Yes” was the answer. I went on to explain that you cannot intentionally break God’s law and commandments and expect God to answer prayer. Isaiah 59:2 says, “but your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not fear.” They seemed surprised to learn this. Are you?
Indeed Psalms 37:4 does say that God will give you the desires of your heart but it also says that we must commit our way to the Lord and delight ourselves in the things of the Lord. Maybe this is the heart of the spiritual problem of America, a country that always replies in a majority to religious surveys about believing in God and praying.
Many possess a home-grown religious philosophy that is divorced from Biblical principles. For the serious Christian is the principle of 2 Corinthians 10:5 “we demolish argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Without this spiritually sensitive outlook, prayer becomes nothing more than a “heavenly slot machine” where you pull the handle and hope you hit it big with God.
True prayer comes out of a trusting, obedient relationship with your Heavenly Father. In the security of that Father-child experience, you can realistically pray and the door is opened for you to be answered.
“Why should it appear so surprising to some, Dear Father, that you answer
the prayers of your children? After all, You are a Loving Father. Amen”
Saturday, August 4, 2007
August 5: THE BEST THING ABOUT CHURCH?
I saw an advertisement by a non-Christian religious group that caught my eye. It said. “The best thing about church is when it’s over.” Because of a faulty or incorrect definition of church they were led to the wrong conclusions. “Church” is never over. Church is lifestyle for the New Testament Christian. It is identity of a total way of life.
A cross section of church can be seen in Acts 2:42ff, “they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of prayer and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together.”
You see, this lifestyle never ends. It goes on and on among Christian people, passed on from one generation of true believers to another. This ‘church” will not be over until Jesus returns.
Now, as to the daily characteristics of the church, it would be hard to pick out the “best thing” about being part of a church. Probably “fellowship” would rank high on the list of this mobile and impersonal society. Fellowship or “shared life” (a better definition) is the key to escaping loneliness and isolation in the world.
The experience of being “born again” and becoming “a child of God” opens the door to a wonderful lifestyle. Sharing this experience gives people freedom with one another.
We can “take off our masks” and be ourselves and do away with pretense. We can express our fears to one another. We can know that we “belong” and accept the security of being accepted. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
You can build a life on the good things about “being” church.
“Lord of the Church, you created her and then offered each one of us the
opportunity to share a part of her. It is wonderful to be a part of your Body. Amen”
A cross section of church can be seen in Acts 2:42ff, “they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of prayer and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together.”
You see, this lifestyle never ends. It goes on and on among Christian people, passed on from one generation of true believers to another. This ‘church” will not be over until Jesus returns.
Now, as to the daily characteristics of the church, it would be hard to pick out the “best thing” about being part of a church. Probably “fellowship” would rank high on the list of this mobile and impersonal society. Fellowship or “shared life” (a better definition) is the key to escaping loneliness and isolation in the world.
The experience of being “born again” and becoming “a child of God” opens the door to a wonderful lifestyle. Sharing this experience gives people freedom with one another.
We can “take off our masks” and be ourselves and do away with pretense. We can express our fears to one another. We can know that we “belong” and accept the security of being accepted. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
You can build a life on the good things about “being” church.
“Lord of the Church, you created her and then offered each one of us the
opportunity to share a part of her. It is wonderful to be a part of your Body. Amen”
Friday, August 3, 2007
August 4: AUTHENTIC HOMECOMING
It’s the time of year for homecomings. Much of the weekend traffic this month is generated by people who are going home for the annual family reunion or homecoming celebration at the church of their youth. It is popular because it is a trip down memory lane, a return to simpler times of life. Sometimes it is just an orgy of food and drink, sometimes it is a genuine getting back to the basics for awhile.
For Christian to go back to their spiritual roots can be a springboard for revival. To experience a genuine spiritual homecoming, there are three common ingredients. First, there must be a past experience. There must be a time and a place when you made a commitment to Jesus Christ and validated it by a public believer’s baptism. People with this experience have almost total recall of the event. To go back to this is to see again the people God used during this spiritually formative time in your life.
Secondly, you need a present and ongoing relationship. Nothing has changed but the calendar and your address. You are living today in the faith reality of what started yesterday. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have (present tense) fellowship with one another”. (1 John 1:7) This continuing identification with other dynamic Christians is real.
The third element is a promise of homecoming in the future. Jesus prayed (John 17:24) that those who belong to him be with him where he is in a place that he has gone to prepare. (John 14:2) That grand reunion is the blessed hope of every believer.
The saints all around us now are our delight (Psalm 16:3) and will be our delight for eternity. I hope that your summer vacation includes an authentic homecoming. Work on it.
“Loving Father, we are thankful for the potential of Homecoming celebrations
this month. Give us courage not to miss this opportunity for spiritual renewal.
For Christian to go back to their spiritual roots can be a springboard for revival. To experience a genuine spiritual homecoming, there are three common ingredients. First, there must be a past experience. There must be a time and a place when you made a commitment to Jesus Christ and validated it by a public believer’s baptism. People with this experience have almost total recall of the event. To go back to this is to see again the people God used during this spiritually formative time in your life.
Secondly, you need a present and ongoing relationship. Nothing has changed but the calendar and your address. You are living today in the faith reality of what started yesterday. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have (present tense) fellowship with one another”. (1 John 1:7) This continuing identification with other dynamic Christians is real.
The third element is a promise of homecoming in the future. Jesus prayed (John 17:24) that those who belong to him be with him where he is in a place that he has gone to prepare. (John 14:2) That grand reunion is the blessed hope of every believer.
The saints all around us now are our delight (Psalm 16:3) and will be our delight for eternity. I hope that your summer vacation includes an authentic homecoming. Work on it.
“Loving Father, we are thankful for the potential of Homecoming celebrations
this month. Give us courage not to miss this opportunity for spiritual renewal.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
August 3: A SPIRITUAL DROUGHT
It has been a dry summer. Many parts of the country are suffering under a drought condition. Of great concern also is the number of people who are suffering from a parching dryness in the soul. Spiritual drought is harder to overcome than physical. David described his in Psalm 32:4, “for day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”
Guilt will throw you into spiritual drought. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11) God’s answer to your spiritual dryness.
Has your Bible gotten a little dust on it lately? Has your praying gotten dried up around the edges? It may be a sure sign of drought.
Jeremiah 17:8 offers a sure shower of refreshment: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
If you have gotten too far away from worship this summer, your roots may have gotten too far from the stream. Maybe its time to pray for a good dousing with both the “early and latter rain.” (Deuteronomy 11:14)
As every farmer or gardener knows, drought can sneak up unexpectedly and quickly. “You never miss the water until the well runs dry” is an old but true statement.
Spiritually it’s hard to deal with a crisis or a family problem when your soul is dry. The world is always applying the heat at work or school or in the neighborhood. It will soon dry you up. Pray for a spiritual shower of blessing. Avoid the drought with refreshment from the Holy Spirit of God.
“God, it is so hard to live when my soul is dry. It is impossible to live
fruitfully. Please rain your love upon my soul. Amen”
Guilt will throw you into spiritual drought. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11) God’s answer to your spiritual dryness.
Has your Bible gotten a little dust on it lately? Has your praying gotten dried up around the edges? It may be a sure sign of drought.
Jeremiah 17:8 offers a sure shower of refreshment: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
If you have gotten too far away from worship this summer, your roots may have gotten too far from the stream. Maybe its time to pray for a good dousing with both the “early and latter rain.” (Deuteronomy 11:14)
As every farmer or gardener knows, drought can sneak up unexpectedly and quickly. “You never miss the water until the well runs dry” is an old but true statement.
Spiritually it’s hard to deal with a crisis or a family problem when your soul is dry. The world is always applying the heat at work or school or in the neighborhood. It will soon dry you up. Pray for a spiritual shower of blessing. Avoid the drought with refreshment from the Holy Spirit of God.
“God, it is so hard to live when my soul is dry. It is impossible to live
fruitfully. Please rain your love upon my soul. Amen”
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
August 2: LEARNING FROM NATURE
When I was a child, picking wild blackberries was a part of summer. They grew profusely on our farm. My Mother canned the made pies, preserves, and anything else she could imagine. It was fun and work for a boy who loved blackberries.
A few years ago I bought a house surrounded by a wooded area where I discovered a lot of blackberries growing. I was happy. I got a pan and picked as many as I could and left many red and green unripe berries on the vines. I told myself to go back in three days for another picking. But I got busy and it was seven days before I got back to the blackberry patch.
What a disappointment! They had ripened and dried up on the vine and there was nothing left to harvest but hardened little reminders of a sweet harvest that had passed. I was so disappointed because my wife was waiting to bake me a blackberry cobbler.
While I stood in the middle of that blackberry patch I was taught a very important lesson as a Christian. Don’t delay with urgent things! Don’t put it off! If you are planning to tell someone about Jesus, do it today; in three days it may be too late. You may get preoccupied and not get back to it.
I wonder how many people there are today who are just waiting for someone to tell them of Jesus. Today is a strategic time in their lives. In a few days their hearts may be but hardened reminders of what might have been. Or a tragedy may come, like the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, and the opportunity be lost.
There is a plaintive line in Jeremiah 8:20 (NIV), “the harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.” Can’t you see it from the unbeliever’s perspective? Other people are being saved daily from all kinds of hellish, nightmarish experiences and having life-changing experiences, yet no one has introduced them to the love of Jesus. Don’t waste a harvest opportunity!
“Lord of all Truth, when You teach us these spiritual lessons, may we
seriously the truth we have received and apply it in our lives. Amen”
A few years ago I bought a house surrounded by a wooded area where I discovered a lot of blackberries growing. I was happy. I got a pan and picked as many as I could and left many red and green unripe berries on the vines. I told myself to go back in three days for another picking. But I got busy and it was seven days before I got back to the blackberry patch.
What a disappointment! They had ripened and dried up on the vine and there was nothing left to harvest but hardened little reminders of a sweet harvest that had passed. I was so disappointed because my wife was waiting to bake me a blackberry cobbler.
While I stood in the middle of that blackberry patch I was taught a very important lesson as a Christian. Don’t delay with urgent things! Don’t put it off! If you are planning to tell someone about Jesus, do it today; in three days it may be too late. You may get preoccupied and not get back to it.
I wonder how many people there are today who are just waiting for someone to tell them of Jesus. Today is a strategic time in their lives. In a few days their hearts may be but hardened reminders of what might have been. Or a tragedy may come, like the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, and the opportunity be lost.
There is a plaintive line in Jeremiah 8:20 (NIV), “the harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.” Can’t you see it from the unbeliever’s perspective? Other people are being saved daily from all kinds of hellish, nightmarish experiences and having life-changing experiences, yet no one has introduced them to the love of Jesus. Don’t waste a harvest opportunity!
“Lord of all Truth, when You teach us these spiritual lessons, may we
seriously the truth we have received and apply it in our lives. Amen”
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