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?
Friday, June 11, 2010
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.
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