Today's reading: Isaiah 34, 35, 36; Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150; Proverbs 30
Isaiah 35:1, "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."
As I get older and older I begin to think more and more about Heaven. I think a lot about my family members that have gone on before me. I wonder who made it and who did not even. I trust God to know and that is good enough for me.
Some times in my life it seems so dry. Have you ever had such an experience? You just feel all dried up inside and God seems so distant. I have had these experiences in my life. The good thing is that they do not last forever and ever.
When I feel like this I go to the Lord and receive encouragement. God knows exactly what we need. Sometimes He even allows us to have that dry feeling so to speak to draw us to Himself.
Let me challenge you to run to the Lord Jesus Christ if there is something in your life that seems to not be just right. He can make it right or He will show you how to make it right. He is an awesome God!
Let me encourage you to run to the Lord today. Do you have your track shoes on? I hope so.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 29, 2010
Today's reading: Isaiah 31, 32, 33; Psalm 29, 59, 89, 149; Proverbs 29
Isaiah 32:2, "And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."
This verse reminds me of the account of Moses when he was instructed by God to speak to the rock and water was to come out of it. Instead, Moses was angry with the people and he smote the rock with his rod and that was disobedience. For this he could not enter the promised land.
The rock is a type of Christ. He only is our Rock or He should be. You and I should take great comfort knowing that we have a God who is known as the "Rock" that we can run to for safety and stability.
There have been many times in my life that I needed that and the only place I could find it was in God my Rock.
Do you find yourself running to the Rock for your needs or do you find yourself trying to be a rock and just fake it until you make it? The choice is yours to make.
Isaiah 32:2, "And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."
This verse reminds me of the account of Moses when he was instructed by God to speak to the rock and water was to come out of it. Instead, Moses was angry with the people and he smote the rock with his rod and that was disobedience. For this he could not enter the promised land.
The rock is a type of Christ. He only is our Rock or He should be. You and I should take great comfort knowing that we have a God who is known as the "Rock" that we can run to for safety and stability.
There have been many times in my life that I needed that and the only place I could find it was in God my Rock.
Do you find yourself running to the Rock for your needs or do you find yourself trying to be a rock and just fake it until you make it? The choice is yours to make.
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28, 2010
Today's reading: Isaiah 28, 29, 30; Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
Isaiah 30:21, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
I remember a number of years ago while dispatching I took a 911 call from a worried husband. His wife; who suffered with Alzheimer's had walked away from their home and he could not locate her. It was a very sad situation.
I remember the whole incident very well. I remember that we called for a search and rescue task force from Indianapolis to assist in looking for this lady. There was much concern for her as the temperatures were very low and you could see your breath.
They brought in a team of bloodhounds to track her. They started at her home and began searching. One of the dogs took his handler from the front door of the home to the neighbor's back door. The K9 handler pulled the dog off and went back and started over. This happened a total of three (3) times.
The neighbors were on vacation and would be out of town for quite some time so the house was locked up tight and nobody was home.
Several hours into the search the husband called 911 again to say that he had found his wife. She was fast asleep in the neighbor's bed. It was somewhat like the story of "Goldie Locks". We were all greatly relieved to know that this dear lady was safe. The husband was looking after the neighbor's home while they were away and he had not locked the door behind him earlier that day as he made his rounds checking the property.
I thought about this incident after reading our text for today. I thought how the search would have been over nearly before it had started if the K9 handler had listened to his K9 partner.
It is the same way with you and I. God speaks in His still small voice and we ignore Him and go and do things our own way. This ought not to be.
Listen closely. Is He talking to you?
Isaiah 30:21, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
I remember a number of years ago while dispatching I took a 911 call from a worried husband. His wife; who suffered with Alzheimer's had walked away from their home and he could not locate her. It was a very sad situation.
I remember the whole incident very well. I remember that we called for a search and rescue task force from Indianapolis to assist in looking for this lady. There was much concern for her as the temperatures were very low and you could see your breath.
They brought in a team of bloodhounds to track her. They started at her home and began searching. One of the dogs took his handler from the front door of the home to the neighbor's back door. The K9 handler pulled the dog off and went back and started over. This happened a total of three (3) times.
The neighbors were on vacation and would be out of town for quite some time so the house was locked up tight and nobody was home.
Several hours into the search the husband called 911 again to say that he had found his wife. She was fast asleep in the neighbor's bed. It was somewhat like the story of "Goldie Locks". We were all greatly relieved to know that this dear lady was safe. The husband was looking after the neighbor's home while they were away and he had not locked the door behind him earlier that day as he made his rounds checking the property.
I thought about this incident after reading our text for today. I thought how the search would have been over nearly before it had started if the K9 handler had listened to his K9 partner.
It is the same way with you and I. God speaks in His still small voice and we ignore Him and go and do things our own way. This ought not to be.
Listen closely. Is He talking to you?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
June 19, 2010
Today's reading: Isaiah 1, 2, 3; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19
Isaiah 1:13, "Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting."
Sometimes as I sit I contemplate on things of the past. The other day I was thinking about my days growing up in Church. I remembered the building that no longer stands where I made my profession of faith public. I thought how sad it was that it was now gone.
I remembered some wonderful services in that building. I remember people being baptized after trusting Christ as their Saviour. I remember Pastor Sherman Essex singing with Marianne Ottinger. I can still see them standing behind the wooden pulpit and singing with all of their hearts. It brings me to tears just remembering it.
I remember sitting in some Regular Baptist Association meetings where preaching was hot and hard; but, the time went by so quickly as you listened intently. One time I remember Dr. E. Wayne Thompson leading us in the song "Amazing Grace" and he lined the song for us as they did in the old days. Precious memories!
My trip down memory lane today? I was thinking about the sad state of affairs the Church has come to and it makes me deeply sad. Christians wake up! Get back into your Bible and obey it. Pray like everything depends upon God. Work like everything depends upon you for the night cometh when man can work no more.
How are you doing?
Isaiah 1:13, "Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting."
Sometimes as I sit I contemplate on things of the past. The other day I was thinking about my days growing up in Church. I remembered the building that no longer stands where I made my profession of faith public. I thought how sad it was that it was now gone.
I remembered some wonderful services in that building. I remember people being baptized after trusting Christ as their Saviour. I remember Pastor Sherman Essex singing with Marianne Ottinger. I can still see them standing behind the wooden pulpit and singing with all of their hearts. It brings me to tears just remembering it.
I remember sitting in some Regular Baptist Association meetings where preaching was hot and hard; but, the time went by so quickly as you listened intently. One time I remember Dr. E. Wayne Thompson leading us in the song "Amazing Grace" and he lined the song for us as they did in the old days. Precious memories!
My trip down memory lane today? I was thinking about the sad state of affairs the Church has come to and it makes me deeply sad. Christians wake up! Get back into your Bible and obey it. Pray like everything depends upon God. Work like everything depends upon you for the night cometh when man can work no more.
How are you doing?
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18, 2010
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 6, 7, 8; Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18
Psalm 18:30, "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
I remember some years ago at a Church we were attending we started a men's group. It was a group that would meet once a month and have some kind of cookout or go out to eat. The whole idea was so that men would meet together and learn from one another and hold one another accountable. The large group was broken up into smaller groups that would meet together once a week. In these smaller groups we would talk about things to keep us on track spiritually. I enjoyed this so much. I remember when I was asked to lead a small group I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself.
The reason for this little trip down memory lane? The above verse of Scripture was one of the memory verses that the small group learned. It has stuck with me for all these years and it still as applicable today as it was then.
So many of us question God about our situations or whatever it may be. The verse tells us that, "As for God, his way is perfect:" Just the first phrase of the verse provides us so much comfort. We need to yield ourselves to the will of God and see that His way is perfect and we need to trust and follow Him no matter what. Easily said, I know. Not so easily done. I know even more so.
So how are you doing?
Psalm 18:30, "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
I remember some years ago at a Church we were attending we started a men's group. It was a group that would meet once a month and have some kind of cookout or go out to eat. The whole idea was so that men would meet together and learn from one another and hold one another accountable. The large group was broken up into smaller groups that would meet together once a week. In these smaller groups we would talk about things to keep us on track spiritually. I enjoyed this so much. I remember when I was asked to lead a small group I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself.
The reason for this little trip down memory lane? The above verse of Scripture was one of the memory verses that the small group learned. It has stuck with me for all these years and it still as applicable today as it was then.
So many of us question God about our situations or whatever it may be. The verse tells us that, "As for God, his way is perfect:" Just the first phrase of the verse provides us so much comfort. We need to yield ourselves to the will of God and see that His way is perfect and we need to trust and follow Him no matter what. Easily said, I know. Not so easily done. I know even more so.
So how are you doing?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17, 2010
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3, 4, 5; Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17
Song of Solomon 3:3, "The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?"
I took my family to the beach in Michigan City, IN for the day. It was so nice. The sun was shining bright and the sky was a beautiful blue. There were not a lot of people on the beach. I talked with a man who was fishing and having good success. He had one that was about three (3) feet long. I was deeply jealous.
As we relaxed at the beach I noticed all kinds of people there. There were people that were practically naked and then there was me laying on a blanket in blue jeans and a short sleeved shirt with a t-shirt underneath it. My wife made fun of me for being the most "over dressed" person at the beach. Such is life.
I thought about this passage of Scripture in light of our visit to the beach. There were lifeguard there and they were keeping watch. The Department of Natural Resources was there keeping watch. I don't know if there was a "spiritual" watchman there or not. I was there and I should have been attempting to share the Gospel with those that I could. Unfortunately, I just laid there on my blanket content to pray. Prayer is fantastic and we should engage in it; but, we need to tell others about Christ and His love for them too. Who have you told lately? Watchman are you at your post?
Song of Solomon 3:3, "The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?"
I took my family to the beach in Michigan City, IN for the day. It was so nice. The sun was shining bright and the sky was a beautiful blue. There were not a lot of people on the beach. I talked with a man who was fishing and having good success. He had one that was about three (3) feet long. I was deeply jealous.
As we relaxed at the beach I noticed all kinds of people there. There were people that were practically naked and then there was me laying on a blanket in blue jeans and a short sleeved shirt with a t-shirt underneath it. My wife made fun of me for being the most "over dressed" person at the beach. Such is life.
I thought about this passage of Scripture in light of our visit to the beach. There were lifeguard there and they were keeping watch. The Department of Natural Resources was there keeping watch. I don't know if there was a "spiritual" watchman there or not. I was there and I should have been attempting to share the Gospel with those that I could. Unfortunately, I just laid there on my blanket content to pray. Prayer is fantastic and we should engage in it; but, we need to tell others about Christ and His love for them too. Who have you told lately? Watchman are you at your post?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16, 2010
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 12; Song of Solomon 1, 2; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
So many people today are wondering why are they here on earth. The answer is simple really. We have been placed here by God to bring Him pleasure, honor and glory. Simply stated; but, not so easily done.
So while we are here on earth there are some things we need to be doing also. So many people wander aimlessly around from one job to another or so on. This ought not to be. God has a plan for our lives and we need to avail ourselves to it.
Many things can get into our way. We need to heed the counsel of Song of Solomon 2:15, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." We need to stay focused and keep on track. If not we will not be as effective as we could be or once were.
So, how are you doing?
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
So many people today are wondering why are they here on earth. The answer is simple really. We have been placed here by God to bring Him pleasure, honor and glory. Simply stated; but, not so easily done.
So while we are here on earth there are some things we need to be doing also. So many people wander aimlessly around from one job to another or so on. This ought not to be. God has a plan for our lives and we need to avail ourselves to it.
Many things can get into our way. We need to heed the counsel of Song of Solomon 2:15, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." We need to stay focused and keep on track. If not we will not be as effective as we could be or once were.
So, how are you doing?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15, 2010
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 9, 10, 11; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Having been out of work for just over 10 not-so-glorious months now, I have a new appreciation for having and holding a job. I remember a day as a young man saying that I would not work "fast food". This is a misnomer in and of itself. I am thankful for a local Pastor who called me to come and clean the gym of their Church. The money sure helped. Oh, it did not pay the back mortgage or big bills like that; but, it helped tremendously with the day to day necessities.
As I was cleaning the carpets there were places in the carpet where the children had spilled during lunch or snack times. I sprayed them with the spot cleaner and I even pulled the machine ever so slowly over those spots. The result? Dirty spots that were wet. I felt like the example of Ecclesiastes 10:10, "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct." The problem is that the stains have probably been there too long and are set into the carpet.
I did not quit though. I sure wanted to give up. I am a perfectionist and things like that do not set well with me. I did not give up though. I kept going and finished my task no matter how good or bad the carpet looked when I was finished. I did my best and the Pastor knows that. He was happy with it. I accepted it.
I thank God for providing this bit of hard work. I was exhausted when I arrived home that evening; but, it was that hard day of working tired. I hope this finds you doing those things that God has entrusted to you to get done.
So, how are you doing?
Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Having been out of work for just over 10 not-so-glorious months now, I have a new appreciation for having and holding a job. I remember a day as a young man saying that I would not work "fast food". This is a misnomer in and of itself. I am thankful for a local Pastor who called me to come and clean the gym of their Church. The money sure helped. Oh, it did not pay the back mortgage or big bills like that; but, it helped tremendously with the day to day necessities.
As I was cleaning the carpets there were places in the carpet where the children had spilled during lunch or snack times. I sprayed them with the spot cleaner and I even pulled the machine ever so slowly over those spots. The result? Dirty spots that were wet. I felt like the example of Ecclesiastes 10:10, "If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct." The problem is that the stains have probably been there too long and are set into the carpet.
I did not quit though. I sure wanted to give up. I am a perfectionist and things like that do not set well with me. I did not give up though. I kept going and finished my task no matter how good or bad the carpet looked when I was finished. I did my best and the Pastor knows that. He was happy with it. I accepted it.
I thank God for providing this bit of hard work. I was exhausted when I arrived home that evening; but, it was that hard day of working tired. I hope this finds you doing those things that God has entrusted to you to get done.
So, how are you doing?
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 6, 7, 8; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
Ecclesiastes 6:2, "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease."
I remember a time at a Church we attended for a few years we were wanting to build on to the building. A wealthy man called the Pastor of the Church and invited him to breakfast. At this breakfast meeting the man asked the Pastor what the balance was on the current mortgage of the Church building. The Pastor gave him a "ballpark" figure. The man pulled out a checkbook and began to write a check for the balance. The Pastor took the check and went back to the Church to find that he has overestimated a little. He called this man and told him and the Pastor was told to keep the extra. Praise God!
This man knew how to use what God had given him to meet the needs of the people. I have never been one to have much money or anything else for that matter. I have come to the conclusion that God knows that He cannot entrust much to me so He does just that. That is okay. Right now things are so slim that I wonder if He can trust me with anything at all.
Do you see money as a spiritual matter? I hope so; because, it is. If you are going to live your life successfully as one of God's children you will have to look at money this way.
Do you have riches or do riches have you? Think about it for a minute before you answer that.
Ecclesiastes 6:2, "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease."
I remember a time at a Church we attended for a few years we were wanting to build on to the building. A wealthy man called the Pastor of the Church and invited him to breakfast. At this breakfast meeting the man asked the Pastor what the balance was on the current mortgage of the Church building. The Pastor gave him a "ballpark" figure. The man pulled out a checkbook and began to write a check for the balance. The Pastor took the check and went back to the Church to find that he has overestimated a little. He called this man and told him and the Pastor was told to keep the extra. Praise God!
This man knew how to use what God had given him to meet the needs of the people. I have never been one to have much money or anything else for that matter. I have come to the conclusion that God knows that He cannot entrust much to me so He does just that. That is okay. Right now things are so slim that I wonder if He can trust me with anything at all.
Do you see money as a spiritual matter? I hope so; because, it is. If you are going to live your life successfully as one of God's children you will have to look at money this way.
Do you have riches or do riches have you? Think about it for a minute before you answer that.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 13, 2010
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3, 4, 5; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
So many of us are so quick to say things that we regret. I know that I have a lot in my time walking this earth. I remember growing up it was my mouth that got me into more trouble than anything and sometimes it still does.
We live in a day that a person's word is not worth the breath that it takes to expel it. This is sad. I remember a day when I could go to the local store and get something and they would put it on a tab and it had to be paid weekly. If you did not pay your tab you lost the privilege.
I wish I was known as a man of my word. I don't think I am; but, I could be wrong. This should not be. My life is a reflection of Christ and He is a man of His Word. You will see this as you read His Word. If He says it you can mark it down that it is or will be.
So what about you? Are you considered a man or woman of your word? I sure hope so. If not it is never too late to begin to work on becoming a man or woman of your word.
Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
So many of us are so quick to say things that we regret. I know that I have a lot in my time walking this earth. I remember growing up it was my mouth that got me into more trouble than anything and sometimes it still does.
We live in a day that a person's word is not worth the breath that it takes to expel it. This is sad. I remember a day when I could go to the local store and get something and they would put it on a tab and it had to be paid weekly. If you did not pay your tab you lost the privilege.
I wish I was known as a man of my word. I don't think I am; but, I could be wrong. This should not be. My life is a reflection of Christ and He is a man of His Word. You will see this as you read His Word. If He says it you can mark it down that it is or will be.
So what about you? Are you considered a man or woman of your word? I sure hope so. If not it is never too late to begin to work on becoming a man or woman of your word.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 12, 2010
Today's reading: Job 42; Ecclesiastes 1, 2; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
Job 42:10, "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."
The other night I was laying in bed and I could not sleep. Have you ever had that happen? Most of us have I am sure. I laid there and laid there and could not go back to sleep. I considered getting up; but, I was afraid that if I did I would wake up everyone else. As I laid there I began to think of people. Then I thought to myself that I did not think these people were coming to mind for no reason at all. So, I began to pray for all those who came to mind. Only God knows why this happened.
As I was reading our Scripture passage for today I thought about laying in bed and praying the other night. I was caught by the phrase "...when he prayed for his friends:". I wonder how often things would be different in my life if I would just spend more time in fervent prayer. Maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I do not spend any time in fervent prayer and would be deeply convicted about it. The truth is that we all could afford to spend more time in prayer. I am not talking about the child's bedtime prayer of, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep...". This is far from what I am talking about. However; this is the kind of prayer I am afraid we most often issue up in hopes of getting them answered. This ought not to be.
Prayer is spiritual work. I hope the next time you think of me you take the opportunity to pray for me and my family. I do my very best to pray for all who come to my mind because I desperately depend upon the prayers of God's people.
So, how are you doing?
Job 42:10, "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."
The other night I was laying in bed and I could not sleep. Have you ever had that happen? Most of us have I am sure. I laid there and laid there and could not go back to sleep. I considered getting up; but, I was afraid that if I did I would wake up everyone else. As I laid there I began to think of people. Then I thought to myself that I did not think these people were coming to mind for no reason at all. So, I began to pray for all those who came to mind. Only God knows why this happened.
As I was reading our Scripture passage for today I thought about laying in bed and praying the other night. I was caught by the phrase "...when he prayed for his friends:". I wonder how often things would be different in my life if I would just spend more time in fervent prayer. Maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I do not spend any time in fervent prayer and would be deeply convicted about it. The truth is that we all could afford to spend more time in prayer. I am not talking about the child's bedtime prayer of, "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep...". This is far from what I am talking about. However; this is the kind of prayer I am afraid we most often issue up in hopes of getting them answered. This ought not to be.
Prayer is spiritual work. I hope the next time you think of me you take the opportunity to pray for me and my family. I do my very best to pray for all who come to my mind because I desperately depend upon the prayers of God's people.
So, how are you doing?
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
Today's reading: Job 39, 40, 41; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
Psalm 41:9-10, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them."
Today I had the opportunity to go to a local Church that has a daycare ministry and clean carpets. The Pastor approached me and asked me if I would be willing to clean the carpet in the Church's gym. I thought I could do this. He related to me as we walked through the building that in the past he had many men who were out of work ask for money or things to do around the Church and when they were to come and actually do the work they were a no call and no show.
In spite of being half an hour late I did make it and believe it or not I finished the job. It took me eight (8) hours with very little break time (big surprise I know). I did not see much difference in the carpet; but, the Pastor said he did and he was grateful to me for doing it. He asked me to come back and clean the chairs that have cloth coverings on them and I have agreed.
The Scripture today made me think of those who have said "yes" to the Pastor of that Church; but, never came to do the work. The Pastor had put his trust in these men and they just blew him off like it was nothing. If you cannot keep your word you are not much of a person let alone a Christian. Shame on us who cannot keep our word. We represent Christ and should be dependable and honest.
I am so thankful for the ability to do the work today. It was not me. I am so sore and hurting right now that I can barely move. It is a good stiff and sore though. It is that feeling you get after a hard day's work. Look at Psalm 71:16, "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." It was not me that was doing the work. It was God who enabled me to complete the task at hand. That gym looked huge at the beginning. At the end when I only had a dozen or so passes across the thing it did not look so big. I finished the job and for that I am thankful. Thank God!
So how are you doing? Are you honest and finish the job?
Psalm 41:9-10, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them."
Today I had the opportunity to go to a local Church that has a daycare ministry and clean carpets. The Pastor approached me and asked me if I would be willing to clean the carpet in the Church's gym. I thought I could do this. He related to me as we walked through the building that in the past he had many men who were out of work ask for money or things to do around the Church and when they were to come and actually do the work they were a no call and no show.
In spite of being half an hour late I did make it and believe it or not I finished the job. It took me eight (8) hours with very little break time (big surprise I know). I did not see much difference in the carpet; but, the Pastor said he did and he was grateful to me for doing it. He asked me to come back and clean the chairs that have cloth coverings on them and I have agreed.
The Scripture today made me think of those who have said "yes" to the Pastor of that Church; but, never came to do the work. The Pastor had put his trust in these men and they just blew him off like it was nothing. If you cannot keep your word you are not much of a person let alone a Christian. Shame on us who cannot keep our word. We represent Christ and should be dependable and honest.
I am so thankful for the ability to do the work today. It was not me. I am so sore and hurting right now that I can barely move. It is a good stiff and sore though. It is that feeling you get after a hard day's work. Look at Psalm 71:16, "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." It was not me that was doing the work. It was God who enabled me to complete the task at hand. That gym looked huge at the beginning. At the end when I only had a dozen or so passes across the thing it did not look so big. I finished the job and for that I am thankful. Thank God!
So how are you doing? Are you honest and finish the job?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010
Today's reading: Job 36, 37, 38; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
Job 38:29, "Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?"
Many of you know that I enjoy the hobby of photography. I have often thought about posting photos I have taken along with this blog; however, I keep talking myself out of it. As a photographer I have had the opportunity to see a lot of beautiful things. Hoary frost is one of them. It creates some of the most beautiful scenes. I wish I had an eye popping shot to post here but I don't. Maybe some day.
I believe the Bible to be true and without any error at all. It was funny one day speaking with another photographer and the subject of fog came up. They were quite amazed when I told them that hoary frost was in the Bible. I am not sure why this was such a revelation; but, it was. This just goes to show you that God's Word has it all covered.
I know that I look at things differently now. I see them as a photographer and even more so as a Christian. We who know Christ as our Saviour should look at things through the eye of Scripture so to speak. The Bible has the answer for everything and it is up to us to dig it out. When I look at a beautiful landscape I think about Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Not everyone looks at it that way. Then I decide how I am going to compose the shot and take it.
I want to challenge you to see things the way that God sees them today. Look at even the little things through the lens of the Scripture.
Job 38:29, "Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?"
Many of you know that I enjoy the hobby of photography. I have often thought about posting photos I have taken along with this blog; however, I keep talking myself out of it. As a photographer I have had the opportunity to see a lot of beautiful things. Hoary frost is one of them. It creates some of the most beautiful scenes. I wish I had an eye popping shot to post here but I don't. Maybe some day.
I believe the Bible to be true and without any error at all. It was funny one day speaking with another photographer and the subject of fog came up. They were quite amazed when I told them that hoary frost was in the Bible. I am not sure why this was such a revelation; but, it was. This just goes to show you that God's Word has it all covered.
I know that I look at things differently now. I see them as a photographer and even more so as a Christian. We who know Christ as our Saviour should look at things through the eye of Scripture so to speak. The Bible has the answer for everything and it is up to us to dig it out. When I look at a beautiful landscape I think about Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Not everyone looks at it that way. Then I decide how I am going to compose the shot and take it.
I want to challenge you to see things the way that God sees them today. Look at even the little things through the lens of the Scripture.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010
Today's reading: Job 33, 34, 35; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129, Proverbs 9
Job 33:21, "His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out."
As I was reading this Scripture passage I thought of the commercials that advertise to help feed hungry children all over the world. I thought about how their bones stick out under their skin and how horrible they appear. Then I was thinking about how we who are God's children probably look the same way spiritually speaking.
We are spiritually anemic. We do not take the time; like the men and women of old, to daily get into God's Word and not just read it but study it. I mean we need to get into the Word of God and dig like we are mining diamonds. Why don't we do this? I believe it is the flesh that keeps us from the Word of God. What is even more tragic is that the Scriptures are exactly what we need the most and we just casually look over it from time to time.
We are so blessed here in America. We have plenty and most of us are grossly overweight because we eat junk that is not good for us. On the other hand we are Spiritually starving ourselves. This ought not to be. Wake up America and get back to the Word of God daily. Pray like everything depends upon God. Study the Bible and find those Spiritual diamonds. Work until Jesus comes because it will not be much longer.
So, how are you doing?
Job 33:21, "His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out."
As I was reading this Scripture passage I thought of the commercials that advertise to help feed hungry children all over the world. I thought about how their bones stick out under their skin and how horrible they appear. Then I was thinking about how we who are God's children probably look the same way spiritually speaking.
We are spiritually anemic. We do not take the time; like the men and women of old, to daily get into God's Word and not just read it but study it. I mean we need to get into the Word of God and dig like we are mining diamonds. Why don't we do this? I believe it is the flesh that keeps us from the Word of God. What is even more tragic is that the Scriptures are exactly what we need the most and we just casually look over it from time to time.
We are so blessed here in America. We have plenty and most of us are grossly overweight because we eat junk that is not good for us. On the other hand we are Spiritually starving ourselves. This ought not to be. Wake up America and get back to the Word of God daily. Pray like everything depends upon God. Study the Bible and find those Spiritual diamonds. Work until Jesus comes because it will not be much longer.
So, how are you doing?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8, 2010
Today's reading: Job 30, 31, 32; Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, 128; Proverbs 8
Job 31:1, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"
I remember back in high school there was a girl that I had a crush on. Funny; but, I don't remember her name today. Ha,ha. I remember telling a friend of mine that I liked her. He told me that he had social studies with her and that if I wanted to write her a note that he would take it to her for me. It thought that was pretty nice of him. He was helping a friend out.
This practice went on for a while. One day someone told me that they thought that this girl had a boyfriend. I ignored it. This was not a smart thing to do. This girl came to me one day after hearing that she was now my girlfriend to inform me that her boyfriend did not appreciate that I was telling others that she was my girlfriend. Wow! I was crushed (and was about to be by her real boyfriend).
My trip down not-so-pleasant memory lane today was brought about by the Scripture reminding me to not focus on the outwardly of women; but, focus on the inwardly and the work of God. By inwardly I mean to be more concerned about a person's salvation than their outward appearance.
It seems far too easy for most of us to be distracted by the devil. We need to keep our focus on Christ and His work and not look at things that distract us. Easily said and not so easily done, I know. Remember I am still living in this fleshly body and I struggle just like everyone else struggles.
So, what are we focusing on today?
Job 31:1, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"
I remember back in high school there was a girl that I had a crush on. Funny; but, I don't remember her name today. Ha,ha. I remember telling a friend of mine that I liked her. He told me that he had social studies with her and that if I wanted to write her a note that he would take it to her for me. It thought that was pretty nice of him. He was helping a friend out.
This practice went on for a while. One day someone told me that they thought that this girl had a boyfriend. I ignored it. This was not a smart thing to do. This girl came to me one day after hearing that she was now my girlfriend to inform me that her boyfriend did not appreciate that I was telling others that she was my girlfriend. Wow! I was crushed (and was about to be by her real boyfriend).
My trip down not-so-pleasant memory lane today was brought about by the Scripture reminding me to not focus on the outwardly of women; but, focus on the inwardly and the work of God. By inwardly I mean to be more concerned about a person's salvation than their outward appearance.
It seems far too easy for most of us to be distracted by the devil. We need to keep our focus on Christ and His work and not look at things that distract us. Easily said and not so easily done, I know. Remember I am still living in this fleshly body and I struggle just like everyone else struggles.
So, what are we focusing on today?
Monday, June 7, 2010
June 7, 2010
Today's reading: Job 27, 28, 29; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 96, 127; Proverbs 7
Job 29:3, "When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;"
I remember being very scared of the dark growing up. I am so glad that I did not grow up during the era when going to the bathroom at night included a candle and a path out back. I would not have done well in such a case. Now that I am older we have indoor plumbing and I don't have to worry too much about the candle or flashlight. Some of my family remember vividly those days of a house having two (2) rooms and a "path". Not me.
Today I was reminded of such thinking about the candle mentioned in the Scripture for today. You know darkness is an interesting character. Have you ever noticed that when you went into a dark room and turned on the light that the darkness immediately flees? I think that is so awesome.
I am reminded of the sweet shepherd of Israel who walked "...through the valley of the shadow of death..." in Psalm 23:4. He feared no evil because he knew that God walked with him. God is light and darkness will flee away in His presence. I am sticking with the Light, myself.
It is my prayer and hope for you today that you are a child of the Light and are filled with the light of God so that in those dark days His light will shine on your path.
So, how are you shining?
Job 29:3, "When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;"
I remember being very scared of the dark growing up. I am so glad that I did not grow up during the era when going to the bathroom at night included a candle and a path out back. I would not have done well in such a case. Now that I am older we have indoor plumbing and I don't have to worry too much about the candle or flashlight. Some of my family remember vividly those days of a house having two (2) rooms and a "path". Not me.
Today I was reminded of such thinking about the candle mentioned in the Scripture for today. You know darkness is an interesting character. Have you ever noticed that when you went into a dark room and turned on the light that the darkness immediately flees? I think that is so awesome.
I am reminded of the sweet shepherd of Israel who walked "...through the valley of the shadow of death..." in Psalm 23:4. He feared no evil because he knew that God walked with him. God is light and darkness will flee away in His presence. I am sticking with the Light, myself.
It is my prayer and hope for you today that you are a child of the Light and are filled with the light of God so that in those dark days His light will shine on your path.
So, how are you shining?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
June 6, 2010
Today's reading: Job 24, 25, 26; Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126; Proverbs 6
Job 25:4, "How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?"
This is a great question. So many people ask this question today; but, they seek to justify themselves by what they do. It is not what you do. It is what Jesus did. To be justified is as some Christians of old used to say, "Just as if I have never sinned." This is true but it is way more than that. To be justified is to be standing before the Judge and He examines all of the evidence and hears all of the testimony from both sides and slams the gavel down and says, "Not guilty!" You see the Judge looks at the blood of Jesus and sees full payment for our sin. It is by His blood that we are justified and many other things also.
When you come to the realization of the truth of Scripture that Jesus died for you it should motivate you and I to tell others about salvation by grace, through faith. The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 126:5-6, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." What a promise of God. Sowing is telling others about Jesus and what He did for them. Reaping is actually showing them how to be saved. What an awesome privilege we have to share the Gospel with others or tell others how to be born-again. I hope you are telling others as you go. We are commanded to do so.
So, how are you doing?
Job 25:4, "How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?"
This is a great question. So many people ask this question today; but, they seek to justify themselves by what they do. It is not what you do. It is what Jesus did. To be justified is as some Christians of old used to say, "Just as if I have never sinned." This is true but it is way more than that. To be justified is to be standing before the Judge and He examines all of the evidence and hears all of the testimony from both sides and slams the gavel down and says, "Not guilty!" You see the Judge looks at the blood of Jesus and sees full payment for our sin. It is by His blood that we are justified and many other things also.
When you come to the realization of the truth of Scripture that Jesus died for you it should motivate you and I to tell others about salvation by grace, through faith. The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 126:5-6, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." What a promise of God. Sowing is telling others about Jesus and what He did for them. Reaping is actually showing them how to be saved. What an awesome privilege we have to share the Gospel with others or tell others how to be born-again. I hope you are telling others as you go. We are commanded to do so.
So, how are you doing?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 5, 2010
Today's reading: Job 21, 22, 23; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5
Proverbs 5:19-20, "Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?"
I am increasingly disturbed with the number of marriages that break up. This should not be. The problem is that the statistics are just as bad in the Church as they are in the world. this really should not be. We know one couple that have been married for (40) forty years and are in the process of getting a divorce. I am heart broken over this.
I know in one case that the husband did not heed the counsel of our Scripture verse for today. He "lost that lovin' feelin'." Well, I don't agree with that truthfully. I don't believe that we just fall in love and then fall out of love. You see love is a choice. What the world calls love the Bible calls lust. Love is not a feeling. It is a choice! I choose to love my wife or I choose not to love my wife; whatever, the case may be.
I look forward every month to reading this passage. I like it because it is such good practical advice. It is a great reminder to me and other men out there too. If we do not heed the teaching and warning of the Scripture then we will be like the man in Proverbs 5:22, "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." If you want to be free then you have to live the life that Christ sets forth or you will not be truly free. You will be enslaved to sin like so many others.
Do you know Christ as your Saviour? I hope so.
Proverbs 5:19-20, "Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?"
I am increasingly disturbed with the number of marriages that break up. This should not be. The problem is that the statistics are just as bad in the Church as they are in the world. this really should not be. We know one couple that have been married for (40) forty years and are in the process of getting a divorce. I am heart broken over this.
I know in one case that the husband did not heed the counsel of our Scripture verse for today. He "lost that lovin' feelin'." Well, I don't agree with that truthfully. I don't believe that we just fall in love and then fall out of love. You see love is a choice. What the world calls love the Bible calls lust. Love is not a feeling. It is a choice! I choose to love my wife or I choose not to love my wife; whatever, the case may be.
I look forward every month to reading this passage. I like it because it is such good practical advice. It is a great reminder to me and other men out there too. If we do not heed the teaching and warning of the Scripture then we will be like the man in Proverbs 5:22, "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." If you want to be free then you have to live the life that Christ sets forth or you will not be truly free. You will be enslaved to sin like so many others.
Do you know Christ as your Saviour? I hope so.
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4, 2010
Today's reading: Job 18, 19, 20; Psalm 4, 34, 64, 94, 124; Proverbs 4
Job 19:25, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:"
Today as I am writing this the news stations are reporting that the legendary coach John Wooden is in the hospital and his condition is listed as grave. He is 99 years old. Wow! What a successful life this man has led in the eyes of the world. I do not know his spiritual condition; but, I do pray that he has been born-again.
You and I who know Christ as our Saviour do not need to fear death. Our eternal destiny is as sure as Christ arose from the dead. That is the beauty of the resurrection of Christ. It is because He arose and now lives that you and I can rest assured that if we are His child then we will do likewise. Amen!
We serve a risen Saviour. You can go all over the world and find the grave of different "religious" leaders and they will contain what is left of their remains. You will never find the grave of Jesus with any remains in it whatsoever. He used a borrowed tomb because He only needed it for three (3) days.
I hope today that you and I will live like we serve a risen, living Saviour. We should because there are millions who do not know Him that are depending upon us to point them to Christ. Does the resurrection enable you to live for Jesus? I hope so.
How are you doing?
Job 19:25, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:"
Today as I am writing this the news stations are reporting that the legendary coach John Wooden is in the hospital and his condition is listed as grave. He is 99 years old. Wow! What a successful life this man has led in the eyes of the world. I do not know his spiritual condition; but, I do pray that he has been born-again.
You and I who know Christ as our Saviour do not need to fear death. Our eternal destiny is as sure as Christ arose from the dead. That is the beauty of the resurrection of Christ. It is because He arose and now lives that you and I can rest assured that if we are His child then we will do likewise. Amen!
We serve a risen Saviour. You can go all over the world and find the grave of different "religious" leaders and they will contain what is left of their remains. You will never find the grave of Jesus with any remains in it whatsoever. He used a borrowed tomb because He only needed it for three (3) days.
I hope today that you and I will live like we serve a risen, living Saviour. We should because there are millions who do not know Him that are depending upon us to point them to Christ. Does the resurrection enable you to live for Jesus? I hope so.
How are you doing?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3, 2010
Today's reading: Job 15, 16, 17; Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123; Proverbs 3
Psalm 33:18, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;"
I was reading "Larry Lilly's Journal" today. It came on time; but, sometimes I put off reading it as soon as it arrives in the mail. As I was reading today he related a story about a prisoner he was talking to recently. This man related that "Larry Lilly's Journal" saved his life. He had a gun pointed at his own head and was going to kill himself when he saw Dr. Lilly's faithful work for Jesus. He put the gun down and read the literary work. He repented of his sin and also went to the authorities and repented of some things. For this he is serving a sentence in prison. As he talked with Dr. Lilly he asked him, "So, what is your name?" You see this literary work was sent by God to this man's wife in order to preserve his life, I believe.
Today at lunch my mother, my son and I went to a local fast food establishment. The reason we went was because Zach works there. I was told that Zach wanted to see my son. You see, a few years ago Zach was a struggling boy. In hopes of giving him something to do to divert his attention somewhere other than where it was he was asked to be a peer in my son's class at school. Our son had been written off by school officials as a "bad kid" because of his inability to communicate. This makes him aggressive. Zach is the only person that has ever worked with our son who has never been hit by him. You see, they needed each other. In their own way they needed the other one and God worked it out in His timing to bring two boys across each other's path at just the right time. Zach is now almost 18 and walks several blocks to work and seems to be a responsible young man. Praise God!
My rant today? Simple really. Our Scripture today reminds us that God is not removed from you and I; but, He is ever watching us and meeting our needs. He is not watching us to pound us with His fist. He is watching over us and cares for us just like the Heavenly Father that He is and for that I am thankful. I don't know where our son would be today; nor, do I know where Zach would be either.
God is good! All of the time!
Psalm 33:18, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;"
I was reading "Larry Lilly's Journal" today. It came on time; but, sometimes I put off reading it as soon as it arrives in the mail. As I was reading today he related a story about a prisoner he was talking to recently. This man related that "Larry Lilly's Journal" saved his life. He had a gun pointed at his own head and was going to kill himself when he saw Dr. Lilly's faithful work for Jesus. He put the gun down and read the literary work. He repented of his sin and also went to the authorities and repented of some things. For this he is serving a sentence in prison. As he talked with Dr. Lilly he asked him, "So, what is your name?" You see this literary work was sent by God to this man's wife in order to preserve his life, I believe.
Today at lunch my mother, my son and I went to a local fast food establishment. The reason we went was because Zach works there. I was told that Zach wanted to see my son. You see, a few years ago Zach was a struggling boy. In hopes of giving him something to do to divert his attention somewhere other than where it was he was asked to be a peer in my son's class at school. Our son had been written off by school officials as a "bad kid" because of his inability to communicate. This makes him aggressive. Zach is the only person that has ever worked with our son who has never been hit by him. You see, they needed each other. In their own way they needed the other one and God worked it out in His timing to bring two boys across each other's path at just the right time. Zach is now almost 18 and walks several blocks to work and seems to be a responsible young man. Praise God!
My rant today? Simple really. Our Scripture today reminds us that God is not removed from you and I; but, He is ever watching us and meeting our needs. He is not watching us to pound us with His fist. He is watching over us and cares for us just like the Heavenly Father that He is and for that I am thankful. I don't know where our son would be today; nor, do I know where Zach would be either.
God is good! All of the time!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2, 2010
Today's reading: Job 12, 13, 14; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
Job 7:12, "But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:"
The other evening we were watching one of those shows on TV that have funny videos (some are not funny at all). On this episode there was a group whitewater rafting down a river. As they made their way down the river a kayak comes across the screen and is thrown into the boat with the group of kids. It was kind of funny. The next video was a large boat docking. A man jumped off the boat with rope in hand. When he landed he stumbled and fell down on the dock and rolled off the dock to the shore and then down the shore and under the dock as it paralleled the water's edge. I was laughing so hard I could almost not stop.
I am sure that you are wondering where I am going with this little trip down memory lane. I was thinking about that poor guy who fell and how he was not tied off to keep him from falling like that. This brought to my feeble mind that if you and I are not tied off to something stronger than us, we could fall at anytime.
Some of us do as Job 12:25, "They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. This makes me think of those who do not know Christ as their Saviour and how they do just what this passage says. They do not have the moorings to keep them stable.
Job is one of those guys in the Bible that you would say is tied off to the right place. Look at Job 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." This guy is putting his full faith and trust in God. Job is tied off right where he needs to be. You and I need to be tied off there too just like Job of old.
The best place in the world to get this mooring is God's house. Look at Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." What is your attitude at Church time? Is it a drudgery to go or is it a true pleasure? As you go to Church and learn more about God you will become more grounded and it will take less and less to knock you off course.
So, how is your mooring? Rock solid I hope.
Job 7:12, "But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:"
The other evening we were watching one of those shows on TV that have funny videos (some are not funny at all). On this episode there was a group whitewater rafting down a river. As they made their way down the river a kayak comes across the screen and is thrown into the boat with the group of kids. It was kind of funny. The next video was a large boat docking. A man jumped off the boat with rope in hand. When he landed he stumbled and fell down on the dock and rolled off the dock to the shore and then down the shore and under the dock as it paralleled the water's edge. I was laughing so hard I could almost not stop.
I am sure that you are wondering where I am going with this little trip down memory lane. I was thinking about that poor guy who fell and how he was not tied off to keep him from falling like that. This brought to my feeble mind that if you and I are not tied off to something stronger than us, we could fall at anytime.
Some of us do as Job 12:25, "They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. This makes me think of those who do not know Christ as their Saviour and how they do just what this passage says. They do not have the moorings to keep them stable.
Job is one of those guys in the Bible that you would say is tied off to the right place. Look at Job 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." This guy is putting his full faith and trust in God. Job is tied off right where he needs to be. You and I need to be tied off there too just like Job of old.
The best place in the world to get this mooring is God's house. Look at Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." What is your attitude at Church time? Is it a drudgery to go or is it a true pleasure? As you go to Church and learn more about God you will become more grounded and it will take less and less to knock you off course.
So, how is your mooring? Rock solid I hope.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June 1, 2010
Today's reading: Job 9, 10, 11; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
Job 11:6, "And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth."
Several years ago we went to Church with a guy that when you would ask him how he was doing he would reply, "Better than I deserve." This truth is substantiated here in our passage for today. If the truth be known we all deserve nothing but hell. Wow! That is not politically correct. I realize that it is not politically correct to talk about hell; but, it is a reality and must be talked about.
Job is telling us the truth here. He is reminding us that we deserve hell; but, God in His mercy has provided us a way of escape. Our escape plan? Jesus Christ. This also answers the question in Job 9:2, "I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?" Again the answer is Jesus Christ.
Persons who are just or justified are people that will not go to hell. Thanks be unto God! To be justified is to have been before the Judge and He looks at the evidence and sees that Jesus Christ has paid your personal sin debt and then strikes the gavel down and says, "Paid in full. Not guilty." This ought to do something for you. I know that it sure hit home to me today.
Now how do we live this truth out? It is simple really. Live like you have been freed from prison (the prison of sin). Live justified. Live your life like Jesus Christ is your King. Easy said, I know. Some days it is not so easily done.
So, how are you doing?
Job 11:6, "And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth."
Several years ago we went to Church with a guy that when you would ask him how he was doing he would reply, "Better than I deserve." This truth is substantiated here in our passage for today. If the truth be known we all deserve nothing but hell. Wow! That is not politically correct. I realize that it is not politically correct to talk about hell; but, it is a reality and must be talked about.
Job is telling us the truth here. He is reminding us that we deserve hell; but, God in His mercy has provided us a way of escape. Our escape plan? Jesus Christ. This also answers the question in Job 9:2, "I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?" Again the answer is Jesus Christ.
Persons who are just or justified are people that will not go to hell. Thanks be unto God! To be justified is to have been before the Judge and He looks at the evidence and sees that Jesus Christ has paid your personal sin debt and then strikes the gavel down and says, "Paid in full. Not guilty." This ought to do something for you. I know that it sure hit home to me today.
Now how do we live this truth out? It is simple really. Live like you have been freed from prison (the prison of sin). Live justified. Live your life like Jesus Christ is your King. Easy said, I know. Some days it is not so easily done.
So, how are you doing?
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