Today's reading: Psalm 119; Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31:10, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
Today is Memorial Day 2010. I wanted to talk about the tremendous sacrifice of soldiers of all branches of service who have given their lives in service to our country. However; I have seemed to have a change of plans. As I was reading this passage I thought of the huge sacrifice that mothers and wives make and I thought I would memorialize them today.
I know that in my life my mother, grandmother and two (2) aunts have been a tremendous Christian influence not only to me; but, to many others also. Grandma Ruth is in heaven along with Grandpa and we miss them so much. We would not wish them back here to this vale of tears for nothing. My grandparents were some of the most godly people that you would ever meet. You just knew that by meeting them. They did not have to tell you like some people of our day would. They just were fantastic Christian people as are my mother and my aunts.
I thank God for such a godly heritage. I feel like Timothy as Paul recounts his godly heritage in II Timothy 1:5, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." People who do not grow up in such an atmosphere really don't know what they have missed. It really is sad.
Today I will keep it very short; but, let me ask you something. If you died today what kind of legacy would you leave? What kind of memorial would you leave behind?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
May 30, 2010
Today's reading: Job 6, 7, 8; Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150; Proverbs 30
Job 7:1, "Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?"
I was caught by the question, "Is there not an appointed time to man upon the earth?" The answer to that question is yes. We all have a certain amount of time in life and that is all we have.
The writer of Hebrews said it this way in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Now, I could hound certain religious systems about their beliefs in purgatory and all; but, I am not here to do that. I am here to make each one of us think about our own appointment with death. This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. This should make us all realize as we honor those who gave their lives for us that we too have an appointment. This is one appointment for which you and I will not be late. We will not be early either.
When we are young we think we are bulletproof. Wrong! Far too many young people step out into eternity unprepared for what is next. May God help us to get the message of salvation out to the world no matter if they want to hear it or not. It is our job to get the message out. The listening part is between them and God. We will give account for what we did and that alone. We will not give account for someone else.
So, when is your next appointment? Sure about that?
Job 7:1, "Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?"
I was caught by the question, "Is there not an appointed time to man upon the earth?" The answer to that question is yes. We all have a certain amount of time in life and that is all we have.
The writer of Hebrews said it this way in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Now, I could hound certain religious systems about their beliefs in purgatory and all; but, I am not here to do that. I am here to make each one of us think about our own appointment with death. This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. This should make us all realize as we honor those who gave their lives for us that we too have an appointment. This is one appointment for which you and I will not be late. We will not be early either.
When we are young we think we are bulletproof. Wrong! Far too many young people step out into eternity unprepared for what is next. May God help us to get the message of salvation out to the world no matter if they want to hear it or not. It is our job to get the message out. The listening part is between them and God. We will give account for what we did and that alone. We will not give account for someone else.
So, when is your next appointment? Sure about that?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May 29, 2010
Today's reading: Job 3, 4, 5; Psalm 29, 59, 89, 149; Proverbs 29
Job 3:11, "Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?"
I sometimes shy away from the book of Job. Some people see it as confusing and the critics will tell you that there is error recorded in it. The Bible accurately records what each person said. It cannot help (so to speak) the flawed counsel of the one speaking. It is accurately the Word of God.
The older I get the more I seem to associate with Job. Believe you me, I do not in any way believe that I am as strong a believer nor have the faith that Job demonstrates. I can only wish that I were so strong. My problem is that I do not want to walk where Job has walked to bring him to the place of monumental faith.
There have been many emotional times in my life where I have sit with face implanted in my hands weeping and asking God, "Why did I have to live?" Why couldn't I have died?" He has not yet answered me and I believe that is the heart of a loving Heavenly Father. Look at Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." You see my friend, God has an awesome plan for your life and mine. We just need to yield ourselves to His will.
The sad part is that we are all born sinners and without Jesus Christ we have no hope of eternal life. Look at Job 5:7-9, "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:" We are born sinners and so we sin and this separates us from God. Thankfully we can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ if we will accept Him as our Lord and Saviour.
Because of this we can say as Job in Job 5:16, "So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth." We have hope of eternal life if we trust Christ. It is my desire for you to do exactly that.
Will you?
Job 3:11, "Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?"
I sometimes shy away from the book of Job. Some people see it as confusing and the critics will tell you that there is error recorded in it. The Bible accurately records what each person said. It cannot help (so to speak) the flawed counsel of the one speaking. It is accurately the Word of God.
The older I get the more I seem to associate with Job. Believe you me, I do not in any way believe that I am as strong a believer nor have the faith that Job demonstrates. I can only wish that I were so strong. My problem is that I do not want to walk where Job has walked to bring him to the place of monumental faith.
There have been many emotional times in my life where I have sit with face implanted in my hands weeping and asking God, "Why did I have to live?" Why couldn't I have died?" He has not yet answered me and I believe that is the heart of a loving Heavenly Father. Look at Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." You see my friend, God has an awesome plan for your life and mine. We just need to yield ourselves to His will.
The sad part is that we are all born sinners and without Jesus Christ we have no hope of eternal life. Look at Job 5:7-9, "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:" We are born sinners and so we sin and this separates us from God. Thankfully we can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ if we will accept Him as our Lord and Saviour.
Because of this we can say as Job in Job 5:16, "So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth." We have hope of eternal life if we trust Christ. It is my desire for you to do exactly that.
Will you?
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28, 2010
Today's reading: Esther 10; Job 1, 2; Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
Job 1:8, "And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (escheweth - to turn off)
I have been thinking about Memorial Day this week as I prepare to teach the teen Sunday School class again this week. I am very excited. It is not often that teens care about some old guy coming to teach their class. Last time the lesson I prepared was a dead as a door knob. I don't know what happened. I hope this week will be the direct opposite. I hope and pray that God will meet with us and everyone will be challenged through His Word.
In our Scripture for today I was reminded of how Job's life was a memorial to God. Notice the ownership God shows. He said, "Hast thou considered my servant Job". He goes on to say, "there is none like him in the earth...". What a testimony! When people look at my life do they see a memorial to God? I hope so.
Notice Job's reaction to having just lost everything including his children. Job 1:20-21, "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (worshipped - to prostrate)
What a testimony of Job to God. I don't know if I could say that or not. I hope I never find out. However; I fear differently. You never know what has been brought into your life so that others will see Christ in you and give them hope or even lead them to desire a personal relationship with Him.
Too many of us want to follow the instructions of Job's wife in Job 2:9, "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die."
What is your memorial to?
Job 1:8, "And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (escheweth - to turn off)
I have been thinking about Memorial Day this week as I prepare to teach the teen Sunday School class again this week. I am very excited. It is not often that teens care about some old guy coming to teach their class. Last time the lesson I prepared was a dead as a door knob. I don't know what happened. I hope this week will be the direct opposite. I hope and pray that God will meet with us and everyone will be challenged through His Word.
In our Scripture for today I was reminded of how Job's life was a memorial to God. Notice the ownership God shows. He said, "Hast thou considered my servant Job". He goes on to say, "there is none like him in the earth...". What a testimony! When people look at my life do they see a memorial to God? I hope so.
Notice Job's reaction to having just lost everything including his children. Job 1:20-21, "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (worshipped - to prostrate)
What a testimony of Job to God. I don't know if I could say that or not. I hope I never find out. However; I fear differently. You never know what has been brought into your life so that others will see Christ in you and give them hope or even lead them to desire a personal relationship with Him.
Too many of us want to follow the instructions of Job's wife in Job 2:9, "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die."
What is your memorial to?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
Today's reading: Esther 7, 8, 9; Psalm 27, 57, 87, 117, 147; Proverbs 27
Esther 7:8-9, "Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon."
I remember as a teenager going hunting with a friend from school. We went to the farm where my aunt and uncle lived. There was a small patch of woods there and plenty of things to shoot at. If I remember correctly it was November and very cold. I do remember there was some snow on the ground and things were pretty well frozen over. For some stupid reason We decided to empty his semi-automatic shotgun into a large tree to see what it would do. Did I mention this was a stupid idea? The tree was quite frozen and all the buckshot from three shells came back and hit us both. I had small BB holes in my vest as I remember and I don't remember if my friend sustained any damage. By the grace of God neither one of us were injured.
I really don't know why we did that. One thing I do know is that we did not count the cost. We did not think about what might really happen. After it was all over we wished that we had not done such a stupid thing. "Kids!" you might say. We knew better; but, we did it anyway. Then came the repercussions. Nobody wants to deal with them.
It is the same in our spiritual life. If we as God's children sin there will be repercussions. Sin always brings with it a penalty. If we are not God's child the repercussions are even greater. If you step out into eternity, friend, without trusting Jesus Christ as your Saviour you will go straight to a real place called hell. It is a place of torment that was prepared for the devil and his angels. God never intended for us to go there. It is our sin that sentences us to hell if we do not trust Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Will you trust Him today? I hope so.
Esther 7:8-9, "Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon."
I remember as a teenager going hunting with a friend from school. We went to the farm where my aunt and uncle lived. There was a small patch of woods there and plenty of things to shoot at. If I remember correctly it was November and very cold. I do remember there was some snow on the ground and things were pretty well frozen over. For some stupid reason We decided to empty his semi-automatic shotgun into a large tree to see what it would do. Did I mention this was a stupid idea? The tree was quite frozen and all the buckshot from three shells came back and hit us both. I had small BB holes in my vest as I remember and I don't remember if my friend sustained any damage. By the grace of God neither one of us were injured.
I really don't know why we did that. One thing I do know is that we did not count the cost. We did not think about what might really happen. After it was all over we wished that we had not done such a stupid thing. "Kids!" you might say. We knew better; but, we did it anyway. Then came the repercussions. Nobody wants to deal with them.
It is the same in our spiritual life. If we as God's children sin there will be repercussions. Sin always brings with it a penalty. If we are not God's child the repercussions are even greater. If you step out into eternity, friend, without trusting Jesus Christ as your Saviour you will go straight to a real place called hell. It is a place of torment that was prepared for the devil and his angels. God never intended for us to go there. It is our sin that sentences us to hell if we do not trust Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Will you trust Him today? I hope so.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010
Today's reading: Ezra 4, 5, 6; Psalm 26, 56, 86, 116, 146; Proverbs 26
Esther 4:1, "When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;"
I wish I understood why people react the way that they do to certain situations. Young children often laugh uncontrollably when they should cry. Some people have no reaction at all to pain. I am reminded of a story of a doctor who dealt with patients who had the dreaded disease of leprosy. The account I heard was of his patients who did not know they were burning themselves on the stove so there was no reaction to the pain because they felt no pain.
Some people run around life acting like they feel no pain. I do not believe this is totally true. I think they suppress their reactions. We could respond with the fight or flight reaction. If the pain is caused by someone else then we could flee or run from it. We could ignore it and let it fester and get worse and worse. This is not a good reaction.
On the other hand we could fight. In that fight we could enlist others to help us. The best place to start is to pray and seek God's will in your response. Notice the reaction of those who ministered to Esther in Esther 4:4, "So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not." Esther was trying to minister to the need of Mordecai; but, he would not allow it. Sometimes accepting help is the most difficult step.
Look at Esther 4:16-17, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him." Now everyone is on board together fasting and praying and look at the result. Esther is willing to do what she needs to do. This is a proper reaction.
So, how are you doing?
Esther 4:1, "When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;"
I wish I understood why people react the way that they do to certain situations. Young children often laugh uncontrollably when they should cry. Some people have no reaction at all to pain. I am reminded of a story of a doctor who dealt with patients who had the dreaded disease of leprosy. The account I heard was of his patients who did not know they were burning themselves on the stove so there was no reaction to the pain because they felt no pain.
Some people run around life acting like they feel no pain. I do not believe this is totally true. I think they suppress their reactions. We could respond with the fight or flight reaction. If the pain is caused by someone else then we could flee or run from it. We could ignore it and let it fester and get worse and worse. This is not a good reaction.
On the other hand we could fight. In that fight we could enlist others to help us. The best place to start is to pray and seek God's will in your response. Notice the reaction of those who ministered to Esther in Esther 4:4, "So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not." Esther was trying to minister to the need of Mordecai; but, he would not allow it. Sometimes accepting help is the most difficult step.
Look at Esther 4:16-17, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him." Now everyone is on board together fasting and praying and look at the result. Esther is willing to do what she needs to do. This is a proper reaction.
So, how are you doing?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010
Today's reading: Esther 1, 2, 3; Psalm 25, 55, 85, 115, 145; Proverbs 25
Esther 1:19-20, "If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small."
Today as I was reading our Scripture for today I was caught by the phrase, "That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus;". This account of the king and queen is familiar to most. The king is having a big party and calls for the queen and she refuses. This was her first mistake. Or was it? I often wonder if she refused because it was a drunken party. This could be. However; if she had not done this then God would have had different plans for the Jews concerning Haman trying to destroy them.
Sin separates. Did you know that? When we sin we become separated from God. This has to do with fellowship and does not deal with salvation. There is nothing that we can do to be "unsaved" if you will. We are eternally saved. The Scripture is very clear on that point and we do not have enough room in this electronic space to cover it all. It is our sin that separates us from God.
This is the picture that I saw as I was reading our Scripture for today. The queen rebelled against the commandment of the king and she paid a huge price for it. You and I can rest assured that if we sin against God that there is a huge price to pay. The good news? Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross. All you and I have to do is ask for forgiveness. In the Scripture for today the king made the declaration according to the law of the medes and persians. This meant that it could not be altered. The great thing is that if you and I sin against God all we have to do is ask for forgiveness and we are forgiven. Praise the Lord!
Have you been forgiven? I hope so.
Esther 1:19-20, "If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small."
Today as I was reading our Scripture for today I was caught by the phrase, "That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus;". This account of the king and queen is familiar to most. The king is having a big party and calls for the queen and she refuses. This was her first mistake. Or was it? I often wonder if she refused because it was a drunken party. This could be. However; if she had not done this then God would have had different plans for the Jews concerning Haman trying to destroy them.
Sin separates. Did you know that? When we sin we become separated from God. This has to do with fellowship and does not deal with salvation. There is nothing that we can do to be "unsaved" if you will. We are eternally saved. The Scripture is very clear on that point and we do not have enough room in this electronic space to cover it all. It is our sin that separates us from God.
This is the picture that I saw as I was reading our Scripture for today. The queen rebelled against the commandment of the king and she paid a huge price for it. You and I can rest assured that if we sin against God that there is a huge price to pay. The good news? Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross. All you and I have to do is ask for forgiveness. In the Scripture for today the king made the declaration according to the law of the medes and persians. This meant that it could not be altered. The great thing is that if you and I sin against God all we have to do is ask for forgiveness and we are forgiven. Praise the Lord!
Have you been forgiven? I hope so.
Monday, May 24, 2010
May 24, 2010
Today's reading: Nehemiah 11, 12, 13; Psalm 24, 54, 84, 114, 144; Proverbs 24
Nehemiah 13:1-3, "On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude."
The other day I was sitting and thinking about how much better I felt when I was walking on the treadmill everyday. I thought i might go outside and walk around the neighborhood. I thought well I could walk to the door between the garage and the laundry room and begin to stretch before taking my walk. I soon decided against it with so many excuses. Sound familiar?
You see it was not taking a walk that I was against, really. I just did not want to do what I needed to prepare to go walk. Actually I just wanted to walk out into the garage and magically the exercise would be done for me. Lazy, I know.
I did not want to take the time to prepare for the task ahead of me. This brings about so many problems. Someone once said, "Prior planning prevents potentially poor performance." Say that three (3) times fast.
In our Scripture for today the people were listening to the Word of God being read. They were making preparation. That is always a good place to start. By reading God's word you get your marching orders for the day.
What if you found yourself in Nehemiah's place in Nehemiah 13:11, "Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place." If you did not prepare you would struggle with the battle at hand. Preparation is vitally important. Now, on the other hand we have to rely upon God to work through us; but, He wants us to prepare. This way the Holy Spirit has something to work with. There is ammunition in the bunker that He can bring to your memory as needed.
The wisest man said in Proverbs 24:27, "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house." Again, preparation is vital.
If we do not make preparation then we will find ourselves in a sorry state of being. Look at Proverbs 24:31-32, "And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction." Learn from the mistakes of others. We have to prepare for what is ahead to the best of our ability and then let God work through us as He wills.
Are you prepared? Sure about that?
Nehemiah 13:1-3, "On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude."
The other day I was sitting and thinking about how much better I felt when I was walking on the treadmill everyday. I thought i might go outside and walk around the neighborhood. I thought well I could walk to the door between the garage and the laundry room and begin to stretch before taking my walk. I soon decided against it with so many excuses. Sound familiar?
You see it was not taking a walk that I was against, really. I just did not want to do what I needed to prepare to go walk. Actually I just wanted to walk out into the garage and magically the exercise would be done for me. Lazy, I know.
I did not want to take the time to prepare for the task ahead of me. This brings about so many problems. Someone once said, "Prior planning prevents potentially poor performance." Say that three (3) times fast.
In our Scripture for today the people were listening to the Word of God being read. They were making preparation. That is always a good place to start. By reading God's word you get your marching orders for the day.
What if you found yourself in Nehemiah's place in Nehemiah 13:11, "Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place." If you did not prepare you would struggle with the battle at hand. Preparation is vitally important. Now, on the other hand we have to rely upon God to work through us; but, He wants us to prepare. This way the Holy Spirit has something to work with. There is ammunition in the bunker that He can bring to your memory as needed.
The wisest man said in Proverbs 24:27, "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house." Again, preparation is vital.
If we do not make preparation then we will find ourselves in a sorry state of being. Look at Proverbs 24:31-32, "And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction." Learn from the mistakes of others. We have to prepare for what is ahead to the best of our ability and then let God work through us as He wills.
Are you prepared? Sure about that?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 23, 2010
Today's reading: Nehemiah 8, 9, 10; Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143; Proverbs 23
Nehemiah 9:20, "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst."
To this day I am reminded of one of my least shining moments in life. I remember well how I was preaching at the Church we were attending at the time. I wanted to relate to the people how God had spoken to me and given me that message that I had prepared for that evening. I said, "Picture this. I was standing in the shower with shampoo running out of my hair." All of a sudden the entire Church erupted into laughter. I had no idea what I had just said. I had just told the entire Church to picture me naked, in the shower with shampoo running out of my hair. Oops! My wife asked me at dinner after the service if I realized what I said. I had no idea.
Now, I know that was not from the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for the times that I have stood to preach or teach God's word and He was manifested through it. It is such an awesome experience to be used by God and to know that He is in control. It is times like this that you see things happen that please God.
I remember one time early on in my ministry when someone trusted Christ as an indirect result of the message that God had given me. One of the teens from the Church was under conviction and another teenager talked with him after the service and he trust Christ as his Saviour. Praise God!
The Scripture today reminded me how that I do not do things on my own. I need to do them in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts we are told that we will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes on us (Acts 1:8). The word power in that verse is the Greek word from which we get our English word dynamite. We can be empowered by someone that is all powerful.
If we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit we can live a life that God will bless. Look at Nehemiah 10:28-29, "And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;" God will work through us if we will yield ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Who is leading you?
Nehemiah 9:20, "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst."
To this day I am reminded of one of my least shining moments in life. I remember well how I was preaching at the Church we were attending at the time. I wanted to relate to the people how God had spoken to me and given me that message that I had prepared for that evening. I said, "Picture this. I was standing in the shower with shampoo running out of my hair." All of a sudden the entire Church erupted into laughter. I had no idea what I had just said. I had just told the entire Church to picture me naked, in the shower with shampoo running out of my hair. Oops! My wife asked me at dinner after the service if I realized what I said. I had no idea.
Now, I know that was not from the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for the times that I have stood to preach or teach God's word and He was manifested through it. It is such an awesome experience to be used by God and to know that He is in control. It is times like this that you see things happen that please God.
I remember one time early on in my ministry when someone trusted Christ as an indirect result of the message that God had given me. One of the teens from the Church was under conviction and another teenager talked with him after the service and he trust Christ as his Saviour. Praise God!
The Scripture today reminded me how that I do not do things on my own. I need to do them in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts we are told that we will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes on us (Acts 1:8). The word power in that verse is the Greek word from which we get our English word dynamite. We can be empowered by someone that is all powerful.
If we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit we can live a life that God will bless. Look at Nehemiah 10:28-29, "And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;" God will work through us if we will yield ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Who is leading you?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 22, 2010
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5, 6, 7; Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 132; Proverbs 22
Nehemiah 6:2-3, "That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"
I was thinking about some of the men who I have called my Pastor over the years. I have had the privilege of having some of the greatest men in the Christian realm as my Pastor over the years. I still to this day have great respect for these men. There are some men that I don't not have any respect for at all. God knows. One thing I know is that all of these men have done their best to give me what they believed to be godly counsel from God's word. For this I am truly grateful.
There have been those in my life who have done their best to stop me or even slow me down. Sometimes it has worked and sometimes it has not. God forgive me for not being fervent in my service to You!
I remember hearing a sermon several years back titled something like, "What Will it Take to Stop You?" I don't want to think on this line. However; I need to build a defense against those things that the enemy of our soul throws out there to stop me and you.
Look at Nehemiah 6:10-12, "Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him." This is the second time recorded in chapter six (6) alone that someone has tried to get Nehemiah off track or to stop the work.
So, friend, what will it take to stop you? Are you sure about that?
Nehemiah 6:2-3, "That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"
I was thinking about some of the men who I have called my Pastor over the years. I have had the privilege of having some of the greatest men in the Christian realm as my Pastor over the years. I still to this day have great respect for these men. There are some men that I don't not have any respect for at all. God knows. One thing I know is that all of these men have done their best to give me what they believed to be godly counsel from God's word. For this I am truly grateful.
There have been those in my life who have done their best to stop me or even slow me down. Sometimes it has worked and sometimes it has not. God forgive me for not being fervent in my service to You!
I remember hearing a sermon several years back titled something like, "What Will it Take to Stop You?" I don't want to think on this line. However; I need to build a defense against those things that the enemy of our soul throws out there to stop me and you.
Look at Nehemiah 6:10-12, "Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him." This is the second time recorded in chapter six (6) alone that someone has tried to get Nehemiah off track or to stop the work.
So, friend, what will it take to stop you? Are you sure about that?
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010
Today's reading: Nehemiah 2, 3, 4; Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141; Proverbs 21
Psalm 51:18, "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."
Today's verse jumped out at me while I was reading through the book of Nehemiah. I know, how did that happen? Well the Holy Spirit brought it to me feeble mind. I would like to concentrate today on the last part of the verse, 'build thou the walls of Jerusalem." I think we can learn some thing from Nehemiah. Let's take a look.
If we are going to rebuild we are going to have to make intercession. Look at Nehemiah 2:4, "Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven." There are far too many people out there in the realm of Christianity that is trying to do their own thing their own way. We need to be people of prayer. We must seek God's will so that it can be done God's way. Prayer is one of the most important tools in the Christian's tool box.
If we are going to rebuild were have to make an inspection. Nehemiah 2:13, "And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire." Nehemiah was going around the city and getting a true vision of the work to be done. I don't mean we need to look and see if we can complete it or not. Leave that to God if He has called you to the work. Take a look around and see if you will need the help of others and seek it. By surveying the city we see that Nehemiah got a deeper burden for the work as he surveyed the city setting in ruins.
If we are going to rebuild we will have to make interest in rebuilding. People must see the need to rebuild. Nehemiah 2:17-18, "Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." I remember reading a book on leadership and the author said if you are in a position of leadership and you see this as a journey with others following you and you take a look back and nobody is following you then you are just out for a walk. (This was not even close to an exact quote.)
If we are going to rebuild we must have inspiration. Nehemiah 2:20, "Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." Sometimes it is hard to motivate people. Notice the motivation here. If you don't help then you do not belong. Wow! That was real motivation. This will come as they see the burden for the work and let God speak to them about the work.
When all of this comes in line then you see what happens in Nehemiah 4:17, "They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." May God enable each one of us to do His work His way.
So how are you doing?
Psalm 51:18, "Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."
Today's verse jumped out at me while I was reading through the book of Nehemiah. I know, how did that happen? Well the Holy Spirit brought it to me feeble mind. I would like to concentrate today on the last part of the verse, 'build thou the walls of Jerusalem." I think we can learn some thing from Nehemiah. Let's take a look.
If we are going to rebuild we are going to have to make intercession. Look at Nehemiah 2:4, "Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven." There are far too many people out there in the realm of Christianity that is trying to do their own thing their own way. We need to be people of prayer. We must seek God's will so that it can be done God's way. Prayer is one of the most important tools in the Christian's tool box.
If we are going to rebuild were have to make an inspection. Nehemiah 2:13, "And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire." Nehemiah was going around the city and getting a true vision of the work to be done. I don't mean we need to look and see if we can complete it or not. Leave that to God if He has called you to the work. Take a look around and see if you will need the help of others and seek it. By surveying the city we see that Nehemiah got a deeper burden for the work as he surveyed the city setting in ruins.
If we are going to rebuild we will have to make interest in rebuilding. People must see the need to rebuild. Nehemiah 2:17-18, "Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." I remember reading a book on leadership and the author said if you are in a position of leadership and you see this as a journey with others following you and you take a look back and nobody is following you then you are just out for a walk. (This was not even close to an exact quote.)
If we are going to rebuild we must have inspiration. Nehemiah 2:20, "Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." Sometimes it is hard to motivate people. Notice the motivation here. If you don't help then you do not belong. Wow! That was real motivation. This will come as they see the burden for the work and let God speak to them about the work.
When all of this comes in line then you see what happens in Nehemiah 4:17, "They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." May God enable each one of us to do His work His way.
So how are you doing?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
May 20, 2010
Today's reading: Ezra 9, 10; Nehemiah 1; Psalm 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20
Ezra 9:13, "And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;"
Many years ago I received a new BB gun for my birthday. It was a Crossman 760. You had to pump it up to get it to shoot as there was no CO2 cartridge to propel the projectile.
I remember the day that I took my BB gun out into the backyard and set it on the fence of our side yard and put a neighbor boy in my sights. I had pumped and pumped that thing up. I pulled the trigger and heard the rush of air that sent the BB flying. I remember hearing Neal yell in pain. Most of all I remember hearing the knock at the front door when Mrs. Robinson came over. Still today my stomach sinks thinking about it.
My punishment was pretty severe. I lost my BB gun for an entire year and I had to apologize to Neal. Oh yes, there was the spanking also. Even though I felt the punishment fit the crime, I am sure that it did not really. Oh, Neal lived and has grown up to be an adult. If that had happened today I would probably be writing this from a prison cell at the very least. God is merciful!
The reason for the trip down not so pleasant memory lane is because I was caught by the phrase, "God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve,". If we got what we deserve it would be hell; but, because of the love and mercy of God we can be spared that reality. The thing is that you must know Him personally. It is my wish that you do. If you do not please get to know Him very soon. We are running out of time.
Ezra 9:13, "And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;"
Many years ago I received a new BB gun for my birthday. It was a Crossman 760. You had to pump it up to get it to shoot as there was no CO2 cartridge to propel the projectile.
I remember the day that I took my BB gun out into the backyard and set it on the fence of our side yard and put a neighbor boy in my sights. I had pumped and pumped that thing up. I pulled the trigger and heard the rush of air that sent the BB flying. I remember hearing Neal yell in pain. Most of all I remember hearing the knock at the front door when Mrs. Robinson came over. Still today my stomach sinks thinking about it.
My punishment was pretty severe. I lost my BB gun for an entire year and I had to apologize to Neal. Oh yes, there was the spanking also. Even though I felt the punishment fit the crime, I am sure that it did not really. Oh, Neal lived and has grown up to be an adult. If that had happened today I would probably be writing this from a prison cell at the very least. God is merciful!
The reason for the trip down not so pleasant memory lane is because I was caught by the phrase, "God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve,". If we got what we deserve it would be hell; but, because of the love and mercy of God we can be spared that reality. The thing is that you must know Him personally. It is my wish that you do. If you do not please get to know Him very soon. We are running out of time.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
May 19, 2010
Today's reading: Ezra 6, 7, 8; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 9
Ezra 6:1-3, "Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;"
I went and visited a friend a couple weeks ago. I had not stopped in and visited him for a while. When I arrived at his house he was getting ready to go fishing the next day. We had a good visit. I enjoy talking about fishing. I don't know nearly as much about it as I would like to know. As we talked he would explain to me what he was doing and why he was doing it. He even explained why he did it in the way he did it. I learned a lot. All I need now is a boat. Ha!
I remember how he poured over every detail and made sure that he had tools in case the boat broke down in the middle of the lake. He put certain lures in certain boxes and then put them in certain compartments in the boat. There was a method to everything he did. It was a great amount of preparation.
However, it was all for naught. As my friend began to navigate the idle zone wanting to get to the end so he could open up the motor and let his boat skim across the water and tremendous speeds it sputtered and died. Yes, it died. All the work he had done the day before was for naught!
I am glad it is not this way with the Lord. If we prepare to meet Him and do it His way then we are assured that He will be there right on time. Every time!
Look at Ezra 7:10, "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." Here is where we need to live. We need to constantly be preparing our heart to seek the Lord. Amen!
So, how is your preparation coming along?
Ezra 6:1-3, "Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;"
I went and visited a friend a couple weeks ago. I had not stopped in and visited him for a while. When I arrived at his house he was getting ready to go fishing the next day. We had a good visit. I enjoy talking about fishing. I don't know nearly as much about it as I would like to know. As we talked he would explain to me what he was doing and why he was doing it. He even explained why he did it in the way he did it. I learned a lot. All I need now is a boat. Ha!
I remember how he poured over every detail and made sure that he had tools in case the boat broke down in the middle of the lake. He put certain lures in certain boxes and then put them in certain compartments in the boat. There was a method to everything he did. It was a great amount of preparation.
However, it was all for naught. As my friend began to navigate the idle zone wanting to get to the end so he could open up the motor and let his boat skim across the water and tremendous speeds it sputtered and died. Yes, it died. All the work he had done the day before was for naught!
I am glad it is not this way with the Lord. If we prepare to meet Him and do it His way then we are assured that He will be there right on time. Every time!
Look at Ezra 7:10, "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." Here is where we need to live. We need to constantly be preparing our heart to seek the Lord. Amen!
So, how is your preparation coming along?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
May 18, 2010
Today's reading: Ezra 3, 4, 5; Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18
Psalm 138:2, "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."
Today there is attack after attack on the Word of God. Man tries so hard to discredit the Scriptures by many different means. They have a wrong view of God's Word. This is so sad because It has all the answers to all of life's trials and tribulations.
God has put such a high price tag on the Scriptures that our text says, "for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." That is putting the Scriptures in a very high place. They are to be highly esteemed. What is your attitude toward the Scriptures? Is it just another book to you? I hope not. God intends you and I to hold His Word in high regard and to treat It for what It is; The Word of God.
The other day I was spending some time in prayer and God spoke to me and gave me two (2) new sermons. This always thrills my soul when this happens. I think He did that because I had filled my heart with His Word the night before in a revival meeting at another Church. Yes, we went to Church on Monday night too. Radical, I know. The words just flowed on to the paper I had in front of me. It came from the Holy Spirit ministering the Word of God to my heart and then on the paper. What an awesome thing to be used of God this way.
What is your attitude toward the Scriptures today?
Psalm 138:2, "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."
Today there is attack after attack on the Word of God. Man tries so hard to discredit the Scriptures by many different means. They have a wrong view of God's Word. This is so sad because It has all the answers to all of life's trials and tribulations.
God has put such a high price tag on the Scriptures that our text says, "for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." That is putting the Scriptures in a very high place. They are to be highly esteemed. What is your attitude toward the Scriptures? Is it just another book to you? I hope not. God intends you and I to hold His Word in high regard and to treat It for what It is; The Word of God.
The other day I was spending some time in prayer and God spoke to me and gave me two (2) new sermons. This always thrills my soul when this happens. I think He did that because I had filled my heart with His Word the night before in a revival meeting at another Church. Yes, we went to Church on Monday night too. Radical, I know. The words just flowed on to the paper I had in front of me. It came from the Holy Spirit ministering the Word of God to my heart and then on the paper. What an awesome thing to be used of God this way.
What is your attitude toward the Scriptures today?
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 36; Ezra 1, 2; Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17
Psalm 17:15, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
I remember growing up and my parents divorced. I remember attending the wedding of my father and his second wife. As I stood in a line (the receiving line I think) a man came by and shook my hand. When he did he told me he was glad to meet David's brother. I told him to keep trying that he still had not met his brother because I was his son. I get a big laugh out of this every time I think about it. When I grow a beard my dad and I look very much alike.
I remember over the years; especially as I am getting older, that I sometimes say or do things that others have said or done over the years. When you work side by side with someone for a long time you begin to pick up their little things. One time I worked at a job where I answered the phone. I was told that I sounded so much like the other guy that worked with me that people would say both of our first names so they would get it right. It was funny.
The most important Person in life that we need to emulate is Jesus Christ. We need to read our Bible and spend so much time in prayer that we begin to think like Jesus and we begin to act like Jesus. We should not be satisfied; as our Scripture says, until we "awake, with thy likeness".
So who do you look like?
Psalm 17:15, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
I remember growing up and my parents divorced. I remember attending the wedding of my father and his second wife. As I stood in a line (the receiving line I think) a man came by and shook my hand. When he did he told me he was glad to meet David's brother. I told him to keep trying that he still had not met his brother because I was his son. I get a big laugh out of this every time I think about it. When I grow a beard my dad and I look very much alike.
I remember over the years; especially as I am getting older, that I sometimes say or do things that others have said or done over the years. When you work side by side with someone for a long time you begin to pick up their little things. One time I worked at a job where I answered the phone. I was told that I sounded so much like the other guy that worked with me that people would say both of our first names so they would get it right. It was funny.
The most important Person in life that we need to emulate is Jesus Christ. We need to read our Bible and spend so much time in prayer that we begin to think like Jesus and we begin to act like Jesus. We should not be satisfied; as our Scripture says, until we "awake, with thy likeness".
So who do you look like?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 16, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 33, 34, 35; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16
II Chronicles 33:12-13, "And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God."
I received an e-mail earlier that told about the possibility of a muslim mosque being built at the site of ground zero in New York. This is a slap in the face to the (343) three hundred forty three firefighters, paramedics and police officers that gave their lives that day. Not to mention all the civilian casualties. That day is September 11, 2001. This is the day that muslim extremists took over two airliners and forced them to be flow into the world trade center towers in New York and another one was ran into the ground in Pennsylvania where passengers overtook the muslin extremist pilots. This is where Scott Beemer said, "Let's roll!" and made this a very popular saying.
The thought of having this abomination built on ground zero made me sick and it should you also. We need to wake up here in America because if we don't our freedoms are going to be gone and we will be bowing to Alli-BooBoo.
Maybe, this is what America needs to bring her back to a place that she will seek God. I don't want to think like that; but, let's just think for a minute. In the New Testament the Church flourished when she was persecuted. If we don't wake up and turn back to God we are in for a rude awakening and soon.
We need to be like king Josiah in II Chronicles 34:19, "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes." King Josiah had the proper response here in this passage of Scripture. This should serve as a guide for you and I in how we need to get right with God. I pray that we all do before it is eternally too late.
So, how are you doing?
II Chronicles 33:12-13, "And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God."
I received an e-mail earlier that told about the possibility of a muslim mosque being built at the site of ground zero in New York. This is a slap in the face to the (343) three hundred forty three firefighters, paramedics and police officers that gave their lives that day. Not to mention all the civilian casualties. That day is September 11, 2001. This is the day that muslim extremists took over two airliners and forced them to be flow into the world trade center towers in New York and another one was ran into the ground in Pennsylvania where passengers overtook the muslin extremist pilots. This is where Scott Beemer said, "Let's roll!" and made this a very popular saying.
The thought of having this abomination built on ground zero made me sick and it should you also. We need to wake up here in America because if we don't our freedoms are going to be gone and we will be bowing to Alli-BooBoo.
Maybe, this is what America needs to bring her back to a place that she will seek God. I don't want to think like that; but, let's just think for a minute. In the New Testament the Church flourished when she was persecuted. If we don't wake up and turn back to God we are in for a rude awakening and soon.
We need to be like king Josiah in II Chronicles 34:19, "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes." King Josiah had the proper response here in this passage of Scripture. This should serve as a guide for you and I in how we need to get right with God. I pray that we all do before it is eternally too late.
So, how are you doing?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May 15, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 30, 31, 32; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
II Chronicles 30:10, "So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them."
I have been taking some photography classes here locally trying to boost my experience and skill level. We went to the county seat today to shoot pictures of the courthouse and the square. I thought it would be completely boring. Well, to my surprise there was a geranium festival going on today. This gave us a lot more subject matter.
It was a big step for me to go there and get my camera out. You would think after photographing for five (5) years or so that I would be over the "What will people say" stage and just go on and do it. It did ease things for me because there were others that went along. I did enjoy the time there and I think I took some nice pictures. I did not see any that I thought would be award winning. Such is life.
I thought about the "posts" of our text today. They went from city to city taking news. The Scriptures tell us, "but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them." How sad. This was exactly the reason that I was a little nervous about the outing today. I did not want to be ridiculed for my hobby. Actually, people were very nice and explained about each of the wares they were peddling.
How does this apply to our Christian life today? Simple, really. We are just like the "posts" of that day. We have a message that we need to get out or tell. We must not be ashamed to publish that message to this world.
So, how are you doing?
II Chronicles 30:10, "So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them."
I have been taking some photography classes here locally trying to boost my experience and skill level. We went to the county seat today to shoot pictures of the courthouse and the square. I thought it would be completely boring. Well, to my surprise there was a geranium festival going on today. This gave us a lot more subject matter.
It was a big step for me to go there and get my camera out. You would think after photographing for five (5) years or so that I would be over the "What will people say" stage and just go on and do it. It did ease things for me because there were others that went along. I did enjoy the time there and I think I took some nice pictures. I did not see any that I thought would be award winning. Such is life.
I thought about the "posts" of our text today. They went from city to city taking news. The Scriptures tell us, "but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them." How sad. This was exactly the reason that I was a little nervous about the outing today. I did not want to be ridiculed for my hobby. Actually, people were very nice and explained about each of the wares they were peddling.
How does this apply to our Christian life today? Simple, really. We are just like the "posts" of that day. We have a message that we need to get out or tell. We must not be ashamed to publish that message to this world.
So, how are you doing?
Friday, May 14, 2010
May 14, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 27, 28, 29; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
II Chronicles 27:3, "He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much."
I remember several years ago a man began to build a house here in our area. It is about two (2) miles from our house. I really like the finished product with the exception of the yellow siding on parts of the house. The man only built on the house when he had the money to purchase building materials. This made the building process very slow and not steady at all. I also remember that the neighborhood that is up the hill behind the trees from this house complained and were trying to force the man to demolish the house because they did not like the looks of it as it sits by a highway and the entrance to their precious neighborhood. You see the houses in this neighborhood are quite expensive and the house being built was a log cabin type. Not all of it was log cabin style.
The reason I bring this memory up is that the man building the house did not quit in the midst of the battle to stop him. He kept doing what he could do. He kept building and eventually "he built much". I like the finished product except for the yellow.
So many of us began building and were faithful at it. Then one day _____ came along and it caused us to stop. This should not be, friends. We must keep building in spite of the enemy that is trying so hard to stop us. Some people have become lazy. Some have just quit and this should not be in the life of a child of God. Look at II Chronicles 29:34, "But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests." We all need to get busy in these last days and do as God has called each one of us to do.
Proverbs 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." In this verse the words "There is" are in italics. this means that they were added by the translators to help english speaking people understand the writings. They did this because the greek and hebrew languages are far better than ours and we had to fill in for it to make sense to us. If you take the words in italics you get, "The fool hath said in his heart, no God." So if you and I are rebelling against God by not doing His will for our lives we are no better than a fool. Ouch!
So, how are you doing?
II Chronicles 27:3, "He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much."
I remember several years ago a man began to build a house here in our area. It is about two (2) miles from our house. I really like the finished product with the exception of the yellow siding on parts of the house. The man only built on the house when he had the money to purchase building materials. This made the building process very slow and not steady at all. I also remember that the neighborhood that is up the hill behind the trees from this house complained and were trying to force the man to demolish the house because they did not like the looks of it as it sits by a highway and the entrance to their precious neighborhood. You see the houses in this neighborhood are quite expensive and the house being built was a log cabin type. Not all of it was log cabin style.
The reason I bring this memory up is that the man building the house did not quit in the midst of the battle to stop him. He kept doing what he could do. He kept building and eventually "he built much". I like the finished product except for the yellow.
So many of us began building and were faithful at it. Then one day _____ came along and it caused us to stop. This should not be, friends. We must keep building in spite of the enemy that is trying so hard to stop us. Some people have become lazy. Some have just quit and this should not be in the life of a child of God. Look at II Chronicles 29:34, "But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests." We all need to get busy in these last days and do as God has called each one of us to do.
Proverbs 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." In this verse the words "There is" are in italics. this means that they were added by the translators to help english speaking people understand the writings. They did this because the greek and hebrew languages are far better than ours and we had to fill in for it to make sense to us. If you take the words in italics you get, "The fool hath said in his heart, no God." So if you and I are rebelling against God by not doing His will for our lives we are no better than a fool. Ouch!
So, how are you doing?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 24, 25, 26; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
II Chronicles 25:15, "Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?"
There are some things in life that make you wonder. I am thinking about a friend who used to an IT person for a large insurance company. He would answer the phones and soem of the calls he received were nothing short of amazing.
One such call a lady called to report to him that the surge suppressor he had sent to her did not work. This puzzled my friend so he asked her how she knew that it did not work. She told him how she straightened a paperclip and stuck it into one of the sockets and she was still shocked. This caused her to believe that it did not work. Duh!
On another occasion the company spent thousands of dollars as did the national phone company trying to figure out why an entire office would fall off the face of the electronic earth so to speak. The person in charge of the office related to my friend how he had joined the coffee of the month club and they sent him a new coffee pot to use. He told how he would unplug the computer in the closet that nobody used to make coffee and then plug it back in. Oops!
I am sure you are wondering where I am going with this line of comedy relief. Well, it is no different than the situation in our Scripture for today. Notice the question from our Scripture passage, "Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?" This just does not make sense. Why would you take gods that could not deliver the people that worship them and set them up and worship them yourself?
This is no different than you and I not fully putting our faith and trust in God. He is well able to keep us and bring to pass His will for our lives. You and I seem to doubt Him and try to do things our own way. It is no different. God help us.
So, how are you doing?
II Chronicles 25:15, "Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?"
There are some things in life that make you wonder. I am thinking about a friend who used to an IT person for a large insurance company. He would answer the phones and soem of the calls he received were nothing short of amazing.
One such call a lady called to report to him that the surge suppressor he had sent to her did not work. This puzzled my friend so he asked her how she knew that it did not work. She told him how she straightened a paperclip and stuck it into one of the sockets and she was still shocked. This caused her to believe that it did not work. Duh!
On another occasion the company spent thousands of dollars as did the national phone company trying to figure out why an entire office would fall off the face of the electronic earth so to speak. The person in charge of the office related to my friend how he had joined the coffee of the month club and they sent him a new coffee pot to use. He told how he would unplug the computer in the closet that nobody used to make coffee and then plug it back in. Oops!
I am sure you are wondering where I am going with this line of comedy relief. Well, it is no different than the situation in our Scripture for today. Notice the question from our Scripture passage, "Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?" This just does not make sense. Why would you take gods that could not deliver the people that worship them and set them up and worship them yourself?
This is no different than you and I not fully putting our faith and trust in God. He is well able to keep us and bring to pass His will for our lives. You and I seem to doubt Him and try to do things our own way. It is no different. God help us.
So, how are you doing?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May 12, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 21, 22, 23; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
II Chronicles 21:8, "In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king."
I was watching the television earlier and a popular sit-com came on. For some reasong I sat and watched it. I was amazed at how the male father figure was made to continually look like an idiot. It made me so angry that I could not even put it into words. I remember one instance where the father had said something about one of his children and the child overheard it. The mother told the father to go upstairs and apologize to the child. As he started to leave the kitchen to go upstairs the mother demanded to know what the father was going to say to the child. He said to her, "I am his father and I don't have to run it by you!" A terrible argument ensued and he cowered in fear and began to tell her what he was going to say. In this sit-com the mother runs the show.
It is much like the people of our Scripture for today. They did not like being ruled by the King of Kings so they got an earthly king like the other nations. Now we see the Edomites do not like being ruled by king Jehoram so they just rebelled and set up their own. I was caught by the phrase, "and made themselves a king". I know this means they picked their own king; but, I could not help thinking about how people today make themselves "king" of their own lives.
It is sad that the day we live in people are doing everything they can to erase God from our history. We who are born-again believers need to stand up and defend our faith because one day soon it will be far too late.
So friend, who is running your house? Is it Jesus? I hope so.
How are you doing?
II Chronicles 21:8, "In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king."
I was watching the television earlier and a popular sit-com came on. For some reasong I sat and watched it. I was amazed at how the male father figure was made to continually look like an idiot. It made me so angry that I could not even put it into words. I remember one instance where the father had said something about one of his children and the child overheard it. The mother told the father to go upstairs and apologize to the child. As he started to leave the kitchen to go upstairs the mother demanded to know what the father was going to say to the child. He said to her, "I am his father and I don't have to run it by you!" A terrible argument ensued and he cowered in fear and began to tell her what he was going to say. In this sit-com the mother runs the show.
It is much like the people of our Scripture for today. They did not like being ruled by the King of Kings so they got an earthly king like the other nations. Now we see the Edomites do not like being ruled by king Jehoram so they just rebelled and set up their own. I was caught by the phrase, "and made themselves a king". I know this means they picked their own king; but, I could not help thinking about how people today make themselves "king" of their own lives.
It is sad that the day we live in people are doing everything they can to erase God from our history. We who are born-again believers need to stand up and defend our faith because one day soon it will be far too late.
So friend, who is running your house? Is it Jesus? I hope so.
How are you doing?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May 11, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 18, 19, 20; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
II Chronicles 18:6-7, "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
The prophet was God's representative to God's chosen people. Jehoshaphat did not like the prophet because he seemingly gave him bad news. This sound like the attitude of the people of today toward Pastors, Evangelists and Christians in general. Some people even hold this attitude about the Word of God.
Today if we need to "enquire of the LORD" we just pick up the Word of God. We have the Holy Spirit living within us as Christians and He guides us into all truth.
We need a revival of:
I. Listening to the Word of God
II. Learning the Word of God
III. Loving the Word of God
IV. Living the Word of God
What is your attitude toward the Word of God? Do you despise it because it always speaks to you of your sin?
I hope you will listen to, learn from, love and live the Word of God each day. So, how are you doing?
II Chronicles 18:6-7, "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
The prophet was God's representative to God's chosen people. Jehoshaphat did not like the prophet because he seemingly gave him bad news. This sound like the attitude of the people of today toward Pastors, Evangelists and Christians in general. Some people even hold this attitude about the Word of God.
Today if we need to "enquire of the LORD" we just pick up the Word of God. We have the Holy Spirit living within us as Christians and He guides us into all truth.
We need a revival of:
I. Listening to the Word of God
II. Learning the Word of God
III. Loving the Word of God
IV. Living the Word of God
What is your attitude toward the Word of God? Do you despise it because it always speaks to you of your sin?
I hope you will listen to, learn from, love and live the Word of God each day. So, how are you doing?
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 15, 16, 17; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
There are a few things in my life that I like to do. I like to go fishing. I like to go and take pictures of landscapes. I really enjoy sitting by a creek that is running over rocks so that I can listen to the sounds it makes. This is so very relaxing to me. These are just a few thing I delight in doing. They bring me pleasure.
How about you? What do you do that bring you happiness or joy? There is a difference you know. Happiness has to do with your reaction to your circumstances. Joy is your state of being in spite of your circumstances. Think about that one for a moment. Yes, I know.
What do you delight to do? Spending time with my wife and son in Michigan at any of our favorite lighthouses brings me great delight. How about God's will? Do you delight to do God's will? I hope so. Do you know what God's will is for your life? So many people just go from circumstance to circumstance with no care for what God's will is for their lives. This is so sad because they could be so fulfilled if they would seek out and do the will of God.
So, what do you delight in?
Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
There are a few things in my life that I like to do. I like to go fishing. I like to go and take pictures of landscapes. I really enjoy sitting by a creek that is running over rocks so that I can listen to the sounds it makes. This is so very relaxing to me. These are just a few thing I delight in doing. They bring me pleasure.
How about you? What do you do that bring you happiness or joy? There is a difference you know. Happiness has to do with your reaction to your circumstances. Joy is your state of being in spite of your circumstances. Think about that one for a moment. Yes, I know.
What do you delight to do? Spending time with my wife and son in Michigan at any of our favorite lighthouses brings me great delight. How about God's will? Do you delight to do God's will? I hope so. Do you know what God's will is for your life? So many people just go from circumstance to circumstance with no care for what God's will is for their lives. This is so sad because they could be so fulfilled if they would seek out and do the will of God.
So, what do you delight in?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
May 9, 2010
Today's reading; II Chronicles 12, 13, 14; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129; Proverbs 9
II Chronicles 12:14, "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."
I remember a number of years ago while in school I had a particular test on a given day. I remember feeling like I was too busy to study. What a joke! I decided that I would not give attention to the material that was covered in the test. The result was nearly disastrous. It should have been because of my lack of study. Thankfully it was not.
Why would someone spend money to attend school and then not study for the tests? Laziness would be my guess. Lack of caring would be another. There are several reasons why someone would not study for an upcoming test.
I did bad on the test because I did not take time to prepare for the test. I failed miserably to meet the requirements of this test. I received what I deserved. In our Scripture passage king Rehoboam did contrary to the will of the Lord because "... he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."
Look at the difference in king Asa in II Chronicles 14:11, "And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee." Here is a man that is totally dependent upon God and he was telling God this.
I wonder how things would turn out differently if you and I would prepare before we went to Church each week. I wonder how different it would be if you and I spent time every day in prayer and Bible study first thing in the morning before going out the door. I have a sneaking suspicion that things would be a lot different.
Don't be like those of Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
What preparation have you made?
II Chronicles 12:14, "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."
I remember a number of years ago while in school I had a particular test on a given day. I remember feeling like I was too busy to study. What a joke! I decided that I would not give attention to the material that was covered in the test. The result was nearly disastrous. It should have been because of my lack of study. Thankfully it was not.
Why would someone spend money to attend school and then not study for the tests? Laziness would be my guess. Lack of caring would be another. There are several reasons why someone would not study for an upcoming test.
I did bad on the test because I did not take time to prepare for the test. I failed miserably to meet the requirements of this test. I received what I deserved. In our Scripture passage king Rehoboam did contrary to the will of the Lord because "... he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."
Look at the difference in king Asa in II Chronicles 14:11, "And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee." Here is a man that is totally dependent upon God and he was telling God this.
I wonder how things would turn out differently if you and I would prepare before we went to Church each week. I wonder how different it would be if you and I spent time every day in prayer and Bible study first thing in the morning before going out the door. I have a sneaking suspicion that things would be a lot different.
Don't be like those of Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."
What preparation have you made?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 8, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 9, 10, 11; Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, 128; Proverbs 8
II Chronicles 9:1, "And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart."
Several years ago I had the pleasure of being a reserve deputy town marshal in our fair town. I really enjoyed it. The man who was my field training officer was a real character to work with. You never knew what he was going to do. There were many times he would lock the windows and doors so that I could not get out.
I can remember many conversations that turned from the work at hand to many other topics. This guy knew that I was a Christian and we would often have serious conversations about the Lord and the Word of God. He knew that the Bible was very important to me. I was thankful that he never became antagonistic. We would drive and talk for hours. The one thing that brings me the most heartbreak is that I do not have any confidence that he truly knew Christ as his Saviour. How tragic. I tried my best to show him from the Scriptures how to be saved; but, he refused.
I look back and now I see what was going on in the car on those long nights. Just like the Queen of Sheba in our passage today he was proving me. This phrase, "she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem," is what caught my attention. I thought of those nights and conversations. For each of us who know Christ as our Saviour need to be ready to give answers because you never know when you might be able to show someone how to be saved.
Have you been proved lately?
II Chronicles 9:1, "And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart."
Several years ago I had the pleasure of being a reserve deputy town marshal in our fair town. I really enjoyed it. The man who was my field training officer was a real character to work with. You never knew what he was going to do. There were many times he would lock the windows and doors so that I could not get out.
I can remember many conversations that turned from the work at hand to many other topics. This guy knew that I was a Christian and we would often have serious conversations about the Lord and the Word of God. He knew that the Bible was very important to me. I was thankful that he never became antagonistic. We would drive and talk for hours. The one thing that brings me the most heartbreak is that I do not have any confidence that he truly knew Christ as his Saviour. How tragic. I tried my best to show him from the Scriptures how to be saved; but, he refused.
I look back and now I see what was going on in the car on those long nights. Just like the Queen of Sheba in our passage today he was proving me. This phrase, "she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem," is what caught my attention. I thought of those nights and conversations. For each of us who know Christ as our Saviour need to be ready to give answers because you never know when you might be able to show someone how to be saved.
Have you been proved lately?
Friday, May 7, 2010
May 7, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 6, 7, 8; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 97, 127; Proverbs 7
II Chronicles 6:30, "Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)"
I am always encouraged as I read through these passages each year. "Why?" you might be asking would I be encouraged year after year by these passages. I am always encouraged by these passages because God hears the prayers of king Solomon and answers them. We experienced some answers to prayer this week and it was awesome.
Our Church had a revival meeting and it was wonderful. We prayed that people would be saved and that Christians would be encouraged in their faith. The great thing is that God heard and answered those prayers. It was a wonderful week. Teenagers made valuable decisions for the Lord. Adults made valuable decisions for the Lord. The best part was on Wednesday evening after the service I had the opportunity to show a forty-one (41) year old man how to be saved.
The awesome fact that God heard this man's prayer and answered it. He asked God to forgive him of his sin and to be his Lord and Saviour. God heard and answered that prayer. Praise God! On Thursday night this man came to me and told me that things were different for him. He told me that he even "felt" better. God is good! All the time!
When we pray we need to expect God to do things. Look at II Chronicles 7:1, "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." When Solomon finished praying God answered by fire. He does not always answer in such a manifested manner. However, sometimes He does.
Imagine what it would be like if we as God's children prayed and meant II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." I believe that revival would break out all over the land.
So, how is your prayer life?
II Chronicles 6:30, "Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)"
I am always encouraged as I read through these passages each year. "Why?" you might be asking would I be encouraged year after year by these passages. I am always encouraged by these passages because God hears the prayers of king Solomon and answers them. We experienced some answers to prayer this week and it was awesome.
Our Church had a revival meeting and it was wonderful. We prayed that people would be saved and that Christians would be encouraged in their faith. The great thing is that God heard and answered those prayers. It was a wonderful week. Teenagers made valuable decisions for the Lord. Adults made valuable decisions for the Lord. The best part was on Wednesday evening after the service I had the opportunity to show a forty-one (41) year old man how to be saved.
The awesome fact that God heard this man's prayer and answered it. He asked God to forgive him of his sin and to be his Lord and Saviour. God heard and answered that prayer. Praise God! On Thursday night this man came to me and told me that things were different for him. He told me that he even "felt" better. God is good! All the time!
When we pray we need to expect God to do things. Look at II Chronicles 7:1, "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." When Solomon finished praying God answered by fire. He does not always answer in such a manifested manner. However, sometimes He does.
Imagine what it would be like if we as God's children prayed and meant II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." I believe that revival would break out all over the land.
So, how is your prayer life?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May 6, 2010
Today's reading: II Chronicles 3, 4, 5; Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126; Proverbs 6
II Chronicles 3:7, "He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls."
As I was reading this passage today I was drawn to some memories of growing up. I remember one year at VBS (vacation Bible school) that I had the opportunity to play a part in a skit that took place every evening before young people were dismissed to their classes. I remember covering an old pair of glasses with white shoe polish and leaving a small spot that I could barely see out of on the lenses. My character was to be somewhat clumsy. This was easily accomplished because I could not really see. It was so much fun.
I remember another year that we had a Halloween alternative party and I dressed up as a clown. Yes, I had the big red nose and wig going on. It was pretty special. I enjoyed that very much. I remember last year finding a picture of me dressed up like that. Then I found a picture of my daughter; now (23) twenty three years old dressed up as a clown. She was a chip off the old block. I was so proud.
You are probably asking why the trip down memory lane today? Well, it is simple really. As I was reading our Scripture passage for today and it told about how, "He overlaid also the house," I thought about how we sometimes put up a facade when we are around other people. Our home Church is having a revival meeting this week and last night was "Teen Night". The Evangelist brought out that we often live behind these facades and it got me to thinking this morning.
We need to give up being "overlaid" with whatever we are covering up with. We need to be transparent before God and let Him work in our lives. If you do this you will not regret it. I promise. There were many that responded to the invitation to trust Christ as their Saviour and others responded to the invitation to get their lives right with the Lord. It was fantastic.
The greatest moment for me came after the service. I was standing in the fellowship area of the building and our Pastor came out of the sanctuary with a gentleman following behind him. They came to me and the Pastor asked me to take this man into the Church office and show him how to know for sure that he would go to heaven when he died. I was told he had done it before but was just not sure.
I showed him I John 5:13 that told him that he could know for sure and he did not have to doubt or wonder. Then we started the walk down the "Romans Road". After much explaining Robert bowed his head and asked Jesus to forgive him of his sin and to be his Lord and Saviour. Praise God! What a privilege and "Oh What A Saviour"!
Do you know Him today as your Lord and Saviour? I hope so.
II Chronicles 3:7, "He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls."
As I was reading this passage today I was drawn to some memories of growing up. I remember one year at VBS (vacation Bible school) that I had the opportunity to play a part in a skit that took place every evening before young people were dismissed to their classes. I remember covering an old pair of glasses with white shoe polish and leaving a small spot that I could barely see out of on the lenses. My character was to be somewhat clumsy. This was easily accomplished because I could not really see. It was so much fun.
I remember another year that we had a Halloween alternative party and I dressed up as a clown. Yes, I had the big red nose and wig going on. It was pretty special. I enjoyed that very much. I remember last year finding a picture of me dressed up like that. Then I found a picture of my daughter; now (23) twenty three years old dressed up as a clown. She was a chip off the old block. I was so proud.
You are probably asking why the trip down memory lane today? Well, it is simple really. As I was reading our Scripture passage for today and it told about how, "He overlaid also the house," I thought about how we sometimes put up a facade when we are around other people. Our home Church is having a revival meeting this week and last night was "Teen Night". The Evangelist brought out that we often live behind these facades and it got me to thinking this morning.
We need to give up being "overlaid" with whatever we are covering up with. We need to be transparent before God and let Him work in our lives. If you do this you will not regret it. I promise. There were many that responded to the invitation to trust Christ as their Saviour and others responded to the invitation to get their lives right with the Lord. It was fantastic.
The greatest moment for me came after the service. I was standing in the fellowship area of the building and our Pastor came out of the sanctuary with a gentleman following behind him. They came to me and the Pastor asked me to take this man into the Church office and show him how to know for sure that he would go to heaven when he died. I was told he had done it before but was just not sure.
I showed him I John 5:13 that told him that he could know for sure and he did not have to doubt or wonder. Then we started the walk down the "Romans Road". After much explaining Robert bowed his head and asked Jesus to forgive him of his sin and to be his Lord and Saviour. Praise God! What a privilege and "Oh What A Saviour"!
Do you know Him today as your Lord and Saviour? I hope so.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
May 5, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 29; II Chronicles 1, 2; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5
I Chronicles 29:10-15, "Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding."
I hate to admit it; but, it is true. We have lost our ability to worship today. What men call worship is far from what God intended it to be. Far too many of us worship the national sports hero or we worship our automobile. Some of us even worship ourselves. This is a dangerous practice. We need to worship God and God alone!
I think a part of our problem today is that we cannot control God; but, we try to make Him someone or something we can manipulate. This is wrong! We have been put here to worship God.
Look at Revelation 4:11, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." There you go. This is why we were created and why we exist. We are here for God's pleasure and we are to honor and glorify Him.
The word worship means to ascribe worth to someone or something. Wow! I had not thought about that. That definition is so accurate. Everything we do in life should bring honor and glory to God. It is not about us. It is all about Him.
One of the most vile men I have ever known used to walk around with a bracelet on with the inscription, "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do). He would curse and tell nasty jokes and do awful things; but, he wore that bracelet. His life was not bringing honor and glory to God. It is sad.
So how is your life bringing honor and glory to God? I hope it is in so many ways that you cannot count them all.
How are you doing?
I Chronicles 29:10-15, "Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding."
I hate to admit it; but, it is true. We have lost our ability to worship today. What men call worship is far from what God intended it to be. Far too many of us worship the national sports hero or we worship our automobile. Some of us even worship ourselves. This is a dangerous practice. We need to worship God and God alone!
I think a part of our problem today is that we cannot control God; but, we try to make Him someone or something we can manipulate. This is wrong! We have been put here to worship God.
Look at Revelation 4:11, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." There you go. This is why we were created and why we exist. We are here for God's pleasure and we are to honor and glorify Him.
The word worship means to ascribe worth to someone or something. Wow! I had not thought about that. That definition is so accurate. Everything we do in life should bring honor and glory to God. It is not about us. It is all about Him.
One of the most vile men I have ever known used to walk around with a bracelet on with the inscription, "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do). He would curse and tell nasty jokes and do awful things; but, he wore that bracelet. His life was not bringing honor and glory to God. It is sad.
So how is your life bringing honor and glory to God? I hope it is in so many ways that you cannot count them all.
How are you doing?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 26, 27, 28; Psalm 4, 34, 64, 94, 124; Proverbs 4
I Chronicles 28:9-11, "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,"
I think we see some interesting things in our Scripture passage for today. I would like to look at three (3) things that stood out to me today. The king is talking to his son Solomon and gives him these principles.
Verse 9 - The Charge of the father. King David wanted his son Solomon to know God personally. It is the same for you and I today. We should want our children to know God as their Heavenly Father. If you do not then you need to take a close look at your heart. This is the ultimate relationship. We must point our children to a relationship with Jesus Christ so they can know that when they die they will spend eternity in heaven.
Verse 10 - The Command of the Lord. Notice what he says, "... for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary:". This was not king David living his life through Solomon. This was him teaching his son what God had command him to do. We should all take the time to teach and train our children in the commands of God.
Verse 11 - The Course of the king. King David gave Solomon the "pattern". He gave him something to follow. When I first read this I thought of instructions that come with a building project. Then it dawned on me that king David had also lived a life that he wanted Solomon to follow. It is the same for you and I. We need to live a life that points others to Jesus Christ so they too can put their faith and trust in Him for eternal salvation.
So friend, how are you doing?
I Chronicles 28:9-11, "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,"
I think we see some interesting things in our Scripture passage for today. I would like to look at three (3) things that stood out to me today. The king is talking to his son Solomon and gives him these principles.
Verse 9 - The Charge of the father. King David wanted his son Solomon to know God personally. It is the same for you and I today. We should want our children to know God as their Heavenly Father. If you do not then you need to take a close look at your heart. This is the ultimate relationship. We must point our children to a relationship with Jesus Christ so they can know that when they die they will spend eternity in heaven.
Verse 10 - The Command of the Lord. Notice what he says, "... for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary:". This was not king David living his life through Solomon. This was him teaching his son what God had command him to do. We should all take the time to teach and train our children in the commands of God.
Verse 11 - The Course of the king. King David gave Solomon the "pattern". He gave him something to follow. When I first read this I thought of instructions that come with a building project. Then it dawned on me that king David had also lived a life that he wanted Solomon to follow. It is the same for you and I. We need to live a life that points others to Jesus Christ so they too can put their faith and trust in Him for eternal salvation.
So friend, how are you doing?
Monday, May 3, 2010
May 3, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 23, 24, 25; Psalm 3, 33, 63. 93, 123; Proverbs 3
I Chronicles 24:4, "And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers."
I think we all know that how we raise our children is important. Christian it is imperative that we raise our children in the ways of the Lord. We all know that we are to train them and teach them the principles of the Bible. I am afraid that we are slacking on our God given responsibility. We know families that send their children to Christian school so they can get a Christian education. This is not enough.
Why is this not enough? If we let the Christian school raise our children then they will grow up to be mediocre at best. I am not slamming the Christian school movement. I am trying to get us who are Christian parents to wake up and see that for the most part we are shirking on our responsibility to educate our children. We need to teach them the principles of the Scripture from birth to the time they leave our home. We need to keep teaching them after they leave home if the opportunity presents itself.
God, please forgive me for not teaching my children the clear principles of the Scripture.
Will you join me in making a concentrated effort to teach and train our children in God's ways? I hope you will.
So, how are you doing?
I Chronicles 24:4, "And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers."
I think we all know that how we raise our children is important. Christian it is imperative that we raise our children in the ways of the Lord. We all know that we are to train them and teach them the principles of the Bible. I am afraid that we are slacking on our God given responsibility. We know families that send their children to Christian school so they can get a Christian education. This is not enough.
Why is this not enough? If we let the Christian school raise our children then they will grow up to be mediocre at best. I am not slamming the Christian school movement. I am trying to get us who are Christian parents to wake up and see that for the most part we are shirking on our responsibility to educate our children. We need to teach them the principles of the Scripture from birth to the time they leave our home. We need to keep teaching them after they leave home if the opportunity presents itself.
God, please forgive me for not teaching my children the clear principles of the Scripture.
Will you join me in making a concentrated effort to teach and train our children in God's ways? I hope you will.
So, how are you doing?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
May 2, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 20, 21, 22; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
I Chronicles 20:1, "And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it."
In a couple days we will go to the polls in the primary elections. We are at a critical time in our nation's history. It is very important that people get out and vote. Too many people will be like king David in our passage. They will stay home and just endure the same old same old. This should not be. We need to be proactive. If we want our nation to change directions then we need to do what we can to steer her in the right direction. This should include getting informed and voting.
Notice in our passage that it was the time when kings went out to war. Where do we find king David? He tarried at Jerusalem. He stayed home. Not only did the king stay home but he ended up numbering the people, which he knew he was not to do. King David had been caught in the downward spiral of sin.
When God judged the nation for David's sin he repented and God stopped the destruction of the people. We need to realize that our sin effects others no matter how big or small. There are consequences. We don't think about that. I think if we did think about it we would live our lives differently. At least I would hope that we would.
Is there anything you need to make right with the LORD? Think about it.
I Chronicles 20:1, "And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it."
In a couple days we will go to the polls in the primary elections. We are at a critical time in our nation's history. It is very important that people get out and vote. Too many people will be like king David in our passage. They will stay home and just endure the same old same old. This should not be. We need to be proactive. If we want our nation to change directions then we need to do what we can to steer her in the right direction. This should include getting informed and voting.
Notice in our passage that it was the time when kings went out to war. Where do we find king David? He tarried at Jerusalem. He stayed home. Not only did the king stay home but he ended up numbering the people, which he knew he was not to do. King David had been caught in the downward spiral of sin.
When God judged the nation for David's sin he repented and God stopped the destruction of the people. We need to realize that our sin effects others no matter how big or small. There are consequences. We don't think about that. I think if we did think about it we would live our lives differently. At least I would hope that we would.
Is there anything you need to make right with the LORD? Think about it.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 17, 18, 19; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
I Chronicles 19:3-4, "But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away."
I remember a number of years ago my wife and I attended a Church and I had the pleasure of teaching a Sunday School class. The class was a real joy to teach. I did have a couple students that would continually go to the Pastor and question him about something I said in class. Sometimes they would go to him about something that I did that they did not like. I remember every week I would go into the class and do my best and just let the chips fall where they may.
What is the reason for my trip down memory lane that appears to be not so pleasant? There is something that you and I need to realize. That is that sometimes we are misunderstood. It does not matter how hard we try to be genuine people will mistake what we are doing for the wrong thing.
In our passage, Hanun did a horrible thing to David's men. He did absolutely the most despicable thing to them that he could. He embarrassed them greatly. They could not help the fact that they were treated so horribly by this king. He received some bad counsel and I am sure he regretted it later.
Maybe you have been wronged by someone. What was your reaction? Was it vengeance? I hope that your reaction was one that would please the Lord. Mine do not always please Him and this hurts me greatly. I know it hurts Him greatly.
Maybe we should pray as the writer of Psalm 31:9, "Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly." Here is a man that is so overwhelmed that it is effecting his whole life. It has him so upset that it even effects his belly. Have you ever been physically sick over they way you have been treated. I know that I have been and I am sure that I am not alone.
I hope the next time that you and I are wronged or misunderstood that our reaction will be to run to the Lord.
So how are you doing?
I Chronicles 19:3-4, "But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away."
I remember a number of years ago my wife and I attended a Church and I had the pleasure of teaching a Sunday School class. The class was a real joy to teach. I did have a couple students that would continually go to the Pastor and question him about something I said in class. Sometimes they would go to him about something that I did that they did not like. I remember every week I would go into the class and do my best and just let the chips fall where they may.
What is the reason for my trip down memory lane that appears to be not so pleasant? There is something that you and I need to realize. That is that sometimes we are misunderstood. It does not matter how hard we try to be genuine people will mistake what we are doing for the wrong thing.
In our passage, Hanun did a horrible thing to David's men. He did absolutely the most despicable thing to them that he could. He embarrassed them greatly. They could not help the fact that they were treated so horribly by this king. He received some bad counsel and I am sure he regretted it later.
Maybe you have been wronged by someone. What was your reaction? Was it vengeance? I hope that your reaction was one that would please the Lord. Mine do not always please Him and this hurts me greatly. I know it hurts Him greatly.
Maybe we should pray as the writer of Psalm 31:9, "Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly." Here is a man that is so overwhelmed that it is effecting his whole life. It has him so upset that it even effects his belly. Have you ever been physically sick over they way you have been treated. I know that I have been and I am sure that I am not alone.
I hope the next time that you and I are wronged or misunderstood that our reaction will be to run to the Lord.
So how are you doing?
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