2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
God is a God of second chances. This New Year, it is important to remember that.
Whatever defeated you, whatever held you back in 2015, is part of the "old things" that have "passed away" - and you are "new" in Christ.
The price God paid for your redemption is far too precious for you to hang on to old blame, and guilt. No sin on earth approaches the power of the blood that set you free.
When you place your faith in Jesus, you are not only cleansed by His blood, you no longer bear any resemblance to the sinner who committed those transgressions. You are re-born as a "new creature". God says "...I will not remember your sins" (Isaiah 43:25) because frankly, they have nothing to do with you. "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)
When you consider the price He paid, you will know it is not a partial fix ... anything that incomprehensibly expensive is, and must be, a final resolution ... if you hear a voice saying you are still stained....it is not God.
Take this new year, and make it a year of Grace... Grace accepted, and grace offered.
As Jesus breathed his last mortal breath he said "It is finished!"... He was referring to your redemption..... live your life in the freedom produced by the finality of that statement.
His mercies are new each morning, and your "newness" was bought at a high price. Use it well.
"Perhaps the butterfly is God's way of showing that you can go through a great deal of darkness, and still become something beautiful" - anonymous
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Luke 2:11 Isaiah 55:9 12/22/15*2*
Luke 2:11
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
...and that changes everything.
That sentence changed the trajectory of human history forever. Our calendar is based on this event, as though one countdown ended and another began when this child was born.
As you celebrate this holiday season, take a moment to strip away everything that distracts from the actual meaning of Christ's birth. The lights, the gifts, the tree, all of it... even the good things like family, friends, and spending time together...while nice, they have little to do with the actual phenomenon we celebrate.
Forget all the traditions and consider this one moment in history, as though it is the first time you've heard of it..." a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah"
In the greatest act of love ever recorded, God sent a sacrifice to change us from objects of wrath, to objects of love. To offer us a relationship instead of rules. This act of love transformed us from a people separated from a Holy God, to children encouraged to enter the thrown-room and crawl into the lap of the King.
The impact of this birth is impossible to over emphasize, and the benefits of this gift are of a magnitude that we cannot fully comprehend. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9
Enjoy celebrating this Christmas season. Enjoy the blessing of family and loved ones.
But take time to step back, strip away the distractions, and realize that we are celebrating the most pivotal event in all of eternity
....and that this birth, and your response to it.....literally....changes everything.
Merry Christmas
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
2 Corinthians 7:10 Psalm 51:4 John 8:11 12/15/15
2 Corinthians 7:10
10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
We seem to view all sorrow the same way....as something to be avoided. But there is a difference in worldly sorrow, and Godly sorrow.
Worldly sorrow is self focused and does not lead to change. It leads to more self centered sorrow. It produces the self pity that makes us all victims.
Godly sorrow, on the other hand, is God focused and brings us to something vital to salvation...and that is repentance. "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." (Psalm 51:4)
It is important to realize that Godly sorrow is not repentance...but it leads to it. Godly sorrow is the catalyst that moves us to agree with God's judgement, and change direction, and that is repentance.
To the women caught in adultery Jesus said “...neither do I condemn you,” then He said “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) We eagerly accept that we are not condemned, but sometimes miss the call to repent. Repentance means we change the reason, and the way we live.
You do not change so you can be saved....you are saved so you can be changed.
The power of the Holy Spirit is what brings repentance, frees you from sin, and allows you to become "a new creation".
There is no way to overemphasis the importance of that fact. If we try to change on our own power, we fall back into worldly sorrow, and continue downward until something dies.
Agree with God. Accept His judgement. Accept His loving Grace.
....then allow His Spirit to lead you to repentance and a life that reflects the trans-formative power of the cross.
"The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance."
10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
We seem to view all sorrow the same way....as something to be avoided. But there is a difference in worldly sorrow, and Godly sorrow.
Worldly sorrow is self focused and does not lead to change. It leads to more self centered sorrow. It produces the self pity that makes us all victims.
Godly sorrow, on the other hand, is God focused and brings us to something vital to salvation...and that is repentance. "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." (Psalm 51:4)
It is important to realize that Godly sorrow is not repentance...but it leads to it. Godly sorrow is the catalyst that moves us to agree with God's judgement, and change direction, and that is repentance.
To the women caught in adultery Jesus said “...neither do I condemn you,” then He said “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) We eagerly accept that we are not condemned, but sometimes miss the call to repent. Repentance means we change the reason, and the way we live.
You do not change so you can be saved....you are saved so you can be changed.
The power of the Holy Spirit is what brings repentance, frees you from sin, and allows you to become "a new creation".
There is no way to overemphasis the importance of that fact. If we try to change on our own power, we fall back into worldly sorrow, and continue downward until something dies.
Agree with God. Accept His judgement. Accept His loving Grace.
....then allow His Spirit to lead you to repentance and a life that reflects the trans-formative power of the cross.
"The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance."
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
James 1:2 1 Peter 4:12 Romans 8:39 12/8/15
James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance
To understand this verse we have to understand the meaning of Joy.
Most people confuse Joy with happiness. But it is much deeper, and does not depend on circumstance.
In this verse, trials are seen as "spiritual weightlifting"....and joy is the "burn" you get when it is done correctly. Not a pleasant feeling, but there is satisfaction when it is achieved. That burn tells you that you are getting stronger, and athletes intentionally push themselves until they feel it.
God says Trials should be viewed in the same way. The temporary pain will build permanent endurance.
If our culture lacks anything today, it is endurance. We are accustomed to instant gratification, and we are quick to wave the white flag if things get difficult. It seems we have been taught that it should be easy...but God never said that, in fact He said the opposite:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ( 1 Peter 4:12)
In other words, we should not be surprised by trials, and when they come we should view them as opportunities to grow. We must be encouraged when we feel the burn, and know that we are gaining strength.
Add to that encouragement the fact that..." neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Romans 8:39) .....and that combination of "encouragement and inseparability", is the definition of "Joy".
To understand this verse we have to understand the meaning of Joy.
Most people confuse Joy with happiness. But it is much deeper, and does not depend on circumstance.
In this verse, trials are seen as "spiritual weightlifting"....and joy is the "burn" you get when it is done correctly. Not a pleasant feeling, but there is satisfaction when it is achieved. That burn tells you that you are getting stronger, and athletes intentionally push themselves until they feel it.
God says Trials should be viewed in the same way. The temporary pain will build permanent endurance.
If our culture lacks anything today, it is endurance. We are accustomed to instant gratification, and we are quick to wave the white flag if things get difficult. It seems we have been taught that it should be easy...but God never said that, in fact He said the opposite:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ( 1 Peter 4:12)
In other words, we should not be surprised by trials, and when they come we should view them as opportunities to grow. We must be encouraged when we feel the burn, and know that we are gaining strength.
Add to that encouragement the fact that..." neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Romans 8:39) .....and that combination of "encouragement and inseparability", is the definition of "Joy".
"The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."
Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon
Joy is not in things; it is in us.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
2 Timothy 1:7 2 Cor 10:5 12/1/15
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
We live in a culture paralyzed by fear and anxiety. We worry about offending.
We worry about being excluded. We worry about worrying.
All that creates in you something God never intended... Fear
If you are feeling timid or fearful, then those feelings did not come from God.
God has placed you here to accomplish amazing things. There are no JV Christians. No one is second team, intended to watch from the sidelines. God has equipped you with everything you need to make a huge impact on the world around you....but you cannot be afraid.
Instead God has GIVEN you power, love, and a sound mind. You don't have to pray for them -
He has given them to you already....you just have to use them.
Stop letting fear make you weak.
Stop letting hate take away your power.
Stop letting your thoughts control you... instead you control them. God tells us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5)
Courage is not ignorance of danger, it is simply trusting a power larger than that danger.
If you choose faith and reject fear, it will alter your life. It will let you live, and love courageously.
Let's boldly act with purpose, and impact everyone God puts in our path.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
We live in a culture paralyzed by fear and anxiety. We worry about offending.
We worry about being excluded. We worry about worrying.
All that creates in you something God never intended... Fear
If you are feeling timid or fearful, then those feelings did not come from God.
God has placed you here to accomplish amazing things. There are no JV Christians. No one is second team, intended to watch from the sidelines. God has equipped you with everything you need to make a huge impact on the world around you....but you cannot be afraid.
Instead God has GIVEN you power, love, and a sound mind. You don't have to pray for them -
He has given them to you already....you just have to use them.
Stop letting fear make you weak.
Stop letting hate take away your power.
Stop letting your thoughts control you... instead you control them. God tells us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5)
Courage is not ignorance of danger, it is simply trusting a power larger than that danger.
If you choose faith and reject fear, it will alter your life. It will let you live, and love courageously.
Let's boldly act with purpose, and impact everyone God puts in our path.
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
John 13:35 11/24/15
John 13:35
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus says the proof the world will use to determine whether or not you follow Him, is how you treat each other.
Based on that criteria alone, could you be convicted of being a Christian?
If you had to take off the Cross necklace, the christian T-shirt, the fish sticker off your car, and couldn't point to church attendance...would a jury convict you of following Christ because of your love for others?
Strip away all the external trappings - and honestly consider that question.
If , with no other information, the jury watched how you treat your family, how you treat the waiter at the restaurant, what you put on social media ....would they think you treat others in a way that marks you as a disciple of Christ?
Jesus says that loving each other is the only admissible evidence that the world will consider.
Let's be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.... Lets go out and perform acts of kindness, give to those in need, offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us. This, and this alone validates our witness in the world's eyes, and earns us the right to be heard regarding our faith.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus says the proof the world will use to determine whether or not you follow Him, is how you treat each other.
Based on that criteria alone, could you be convicted of being a Christian?
If you had to take off the Cross necklace, the christian T-shirt, the fish sticker off your car, and couldn't point to church attendance...would a jury convict you of following Christ because of your love for others?
Strip away all the external trappings - and honestly consider that question.
If , with no other information, the jury watched how you treat your family, how you treat the waiter at the restaurant, what you put on social media ....would they think you treat others in a way that marks you as a disciple of Christ?
Jesus says that loving each other is the only admissible evidence that the world will consider.
Let's be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.... Lets go out and perform acts of kindness, give to those in need, offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us. This, and this alone validates our witness in the world's eyes, and earns us the right to be heard regarding our faith.
By the way, the world is right. If we love God, we will love each other - and it will show.
"You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving" - Robert Louis Stevenson
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Acts 19:13-15 Joshua 24:15 11/17/15
13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ........ 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?”
The demon's answer is interesting . The evil spirit obviously knew Jesus. And there is a good bible study in the question "who are you?"... But what I want to discuss today is that fact that the evil spirit had heard of Paul.
The demon knew about Paul because he was an impact player for the Kingdom of God. Paul was preaching the Word, planting churches, and living his life completely committed to Christ. He was focused on the business of God, and was being used by God to make a difference.
Let me jump right to the challenge. Are you living a life so filled with the power of the Cross that the enemy knows your name? Are you a difference maker? Do you treat your family in a way that glorifies God? Do you conduct business with an integrity that points to Christ? Is making disciples "your" great commission?
It all comes down to focus....Jesus said you can not serve two masters....
Are you pursuing the shallow, meaningless trinkets this world offers, or are you running with reckless abandon toward the cross?
God has given you the power to do great things.. But it's your choice. Choose today to serve one Master, start living in a way that advances the Kingdom of God, and by God's power the gates of hell will know who you are.
.... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,.... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
The demon's answer is interesting . The evil spirit obviously knew Jesus. And there is a good bible study in the question "who are you?"... But what I want to discuss today is that fact that the evil spirit had heard of Paul.
The demon knew about Paul because he was an impact player for the Kingdom of God. Paul was preaching the Word, planting churches, and living his life completely committed to Christ. He was focused on the business of God, and was being used by God to make a difference.
Let me jump right to the challenge. Are you living a life so filled with the power of the Cross that the enemy knows your name? Are you a difference maker? Do you treat your family in a way that glorifies God? Do you conduct business with an integrity that points to Christ? Is making disciples "your" great commission?
It all comes down to focus....Jesus said you can not serve two masters....
Are you pursuing the shallow, meaningless trinkets this world offers, or are you running with reckless abandon toward the cross?
God has given you the power to do great things.. But it's your choice. Choose today to serve one Master, start living in a way that advances the Kingdom of God, and by God's power the gates of hell will know who you are.
.... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,.... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Matthew 5: 23 11/10/15
Matthew 5: 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Many people interpret this passage to say that you cannot properly give an offering to God when you are alienated from others.
While that is accurate, in context, it may mean more. These verses speak of the importance of never leaving disagreements unsettled. Jesus is teaching on the commandment not to kill, and adds that even those who are "angry" with their brother are in "danger of judgement". He then highlights the importance of reconciliation and says, no matter what you're doing, even if you have begun to worship... if you remember an offence ....stop, and go fix it.
In our culture people say that "time heals all wounds", but that is not true. Time does not heal all wounds, in fact it deepens some . Small disagreements, left untreated, become huge divides that never heal. There are instances where people literally don't remember the original issue, but since it was never addressed, their relationships remain broken.
Anger and bitterness need nothing but darkness to grow.
Jesus says immediately shine light on them.
No matter what you're doing, if you remember an issue, go deal with it. Don't let it take root. If God brings it to your mind...go do what you can to fix it.
Nothing is more painful, than the realization that you have wasted years being too prideful or busy to go to a friend or family member and try to show them that you love them too much to be apart.
whatever it is....do it now.
Many people interpret this passage to say that you cannot properly give an offering to God when you are alienated from others.
While that is accurate, in context, it may mean more. These verses speak of the importance of never leaving disagreements unsettled. Jesus is teaching on the commandment not to kill, and adds that even those who are "angry" with their brother are in "danger of judgement". He then highlights the importance of reconciliation and says, no matter what you're doing, even if you have begun to worship... if you remember an offence ....stop, and go fix it.
In our culture people say that "time heals all wounds", but that is not true. Time does not heal all wounds, in fact it deepens some . Small disagreements, left untreated, become huge divides that never heal. There are instances where people literally don't remember the original issue, but since it was never addressed, their relationships remain broken.
Anger and bitterness need nothing but darkness to grow.
Jesus says immediately shine light on them.
No matter what you're doing, if you remember an issue, go deal with it. Don't let it take root. If God brings it to your mind...go do what you can to fix it.
Nothing is more painful, than the realization that you have wasted years being too prideful or busy to go to a friend or family member and try to show them that you love them too much to be apart.
whatever it is....do it now.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Mark 4:37 Romans 8:39 11/4/2015
Mark 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The last question in this passage sometimes goes unnoticed as we try to comprehend a man who can tell the sea to "Be Still!". But the question is important.
Jesus asks His disciples, "do you still have no faith?", and I think emphasis was on the word "Still".....At this point they had lived and walked with Jesus...they had watched Him drive out demons, heal the sick, tell the crippled to walk, and much, more
...yet when danger arouse they still panicked, and questioned his plan, power, and affection for them.
How many times, when our personal worlds are threatened, do we become self absorbed - asking "God do you not care?" ....And how many times must He think "do you STILL have no faith?" Have you forgotten the times I have blessed you? Have you forgotten the times I have delivered you? Have you forgotten the price I paid to redeem your soul?
We have to resist the temptation to become self centered, and dramatic in our trials.
We must remember that the One we pray to tells the storm to "Be Still!" and it obeys. We must remember the miracles performed that have brought us to this point....and above all we must remember that His love for us is undeniable and limitless...." neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)
The last question in this passage sometimes goes unnoticed as we try to comprehend a man who can tell the sea to "Be Still!". But the question is important.
Jesus asks His disciples, "do you still have no faith?", and I think emphasis was on the word "Still".....At this point they had lived and walked with Jesus...they had watched Him drive out demons, heal the sick, tell the crippled to walk, and much, more
...yet when danger arouse they still panicked, and questioned his plan, power, and affection for them.
How many times, when our personal worlds are threatened, do we become self absorbed - asking "God do you not care?" ....And how many times must He think "do you STILL have no faith?" Have you forgotten the times I have blessed you? Have you forgotten the times I have delivered you? Have you forgotten the price I paid to redeem your soul?
We have to resist the temptation to become self centered, and dramatic in our trials.
We must remember that the One we pray to tells the storm to "Be Still!" and it obeys. We must remember the miracles performed that have brought us to this point....and above all we must remember that His love for us is undeniable and limitless...." neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
John 11:35 Psalm 56:8 1 Thes 4:13 Isaiah 25:8 10/27/15
John 11:35 Jesus wept.
You probably think I didn't feel like preparing this week so I picked everyone's favorite memory verse. But this little verse contains an amazing truth.
Jesus' friend Lazarus had died and Jesus was going to his hometown to call him out of the grave. On the way Lazarus' sister, Mary, met them and fell at Jesus' feet and wept.
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.35 Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)
The question is why?...what brought Him to tears?...He was coming to raise Lazarus from the Dead...why didn't Jesus just smile?... after all He was there to save the day.
Why would the toughest man in all of history, who will later be beaten, spit upon, and crucified without the slightest thought of himself, weep at that moment?
I believe the answer is in verse 33....His heart broke for her broken heart, just like it does for yours. God knows His plan, but that doesn't mean he ignores your pain. Psalm 56:8 says of God that .."you have collected all my tears in your bottle". That means your tears are important to Him, not one goes unnoticed.
So know that when you go through seasons of pain, God not only understands your tears, He is "deeply moved" and weeps with you. His heart hurts for you
We "do not not grieve as do the rest who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13) because we have been promised that the day will come when we will weep no more. "The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces"(Isaiah 25:8)
But until then never be ashamed to cry, and rest assured you never cry alone.
You probably think I didn't feel like preparing this week so I picked everyone's favorite memory verse. But this little verse contains an amazing truth.
Jesus' friend Lazarus had died and Jesus was going to his hometown to call him out of the grave. On the way Lazarus' sister, Mary, met them and fell at Jesus' feet and wept.
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.35 Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)
The question is why?...what brought Him to tears?...He was coming to raise Lazarus from the Dead...why didn't Jesus just smile?... after all He was there to save the day.
Why would the toughest man in all of history, who will later be beaten, spit upon, and crucified without the slightest thought of himself, weep at that moment?
I believe the answer is in verse 33....His heart broke for her broken heart, just like it does for yours. God knows His plan, but that doesn't mean he ignores your pain. Psalm 56:8 says of God that .."you have collected all my tears in your bottle". That means your tears are important to Him, not one goes unnoticed.
So know that when you go through seasons of pain, God not only understands your tears, He is "deeply moved" and weeps with you. His heart hurts for you
We "do not not grieve as do the rest who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13) because we have been promised that the day will come when we will weep no more. "The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces"(Isaiah 25:8)
But until then never be ashamed to cry, and rest assured you never cry alone.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Prov 16:18 Galatians 2:20 John 3:30 10/20/15
Proverbs 16:18 18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall
This proverb never fails, and God doesn't use the word destruction lightly.
It should be more ominous to us, we should fear it but we don't. Pride is somehow subtle and seductive to us and accepted with a hint of self sufficiency, but that doesn't alter this proverb.
Pride is one of the most destructive forces on earth. It has destroyed things in each of our lives, and in the lives around us. We have to learn to see it as the disease it is. It is insidious, never satisfied, and uncontrollable.
Pride is part of our DNA. It was the original sin, and it comes as "standard equipment" when we are born in sin.
It takes a rebirth to remove it. We can not be fixed, we have to be replaced. ..." I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30)
Our only hope is a rebirth into the freedom of the Cross.
Let's recognize the destructive power of Pride and allow the Holy Spirit to wash and renew us until we see others as more important than ourselves.
....the only other option leads to destruction.
This proverb never fails, and God doesn't use the word destruction lightly.
It should be more ominous to us, we should fear it but we don't. Pride is somehow subtle and seductive to us and accepted with a hint of self sufficiency, but that doesn't alter this proverb.
Pride is one of the most destructive forces on earth. It has destroyed things in each of our lives, and in the lives around us. We have to learn to see it as the disease it is. It is insidious, never satisfied, and uncontrollable.
Pride is part of our DNA. It was the original sin, and it comes as "standard equipment" when we are born in sin.
It takes a rebirth to remove it. We can not be fixed, we have to be replaced. ..." I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30)
Our only hope is a rebirth into the freedom of the Cross.
Let's recognize the destructive power of Pride and allow the Holy Spirit to wash and renew us until we see others as more important than ourselves.
....the only other option leads to destruction.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Jonah 1:1 Ephesians 3:18 10/13/15
Jonah 1:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
When we hear about Jonah we usually think of the fish...God providing Jonah a second chance to obey.
But the book is really about Jonah's disobedience and hardheartedness.
Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire and was a huge city, full of evil people. God sent Jonah to warn them to turn away from their wickedness and turn to God.
Jonah did not fear the people of Nineveh, and he wasn't afraid they would ignore him....he was afraid they wouldn't. He was afraid they would listen. He preferred God destroy them, and he feared his message would cause them to repent.
You see the people of Nineveh were not like Jonah. They had different colored skin, different beliefs, different political views. They were wicked people that did not follow, or respect the laws of God. The simple fact is Jonah didn't like them, and felt that God's goodness was being stretched too far if it included them...
Let's pray this week that God will eliminate our narrowness, and give us the ability to see others through His eyes. The ability to lovingly share the gospel regardless of our differences.
Let's Pray that what breaks God's heart, would break ours.....And that we " may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, (Eph. 3:18)
When we hear about Jonah we usually think of the fish...God providing Jonah a second chance to obey.
But the book is really about Jonah's disobedience and hardheartedness.
Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire and was a huge city, full of evil people. God sent Jonah to warn them to turn away from their wickedness and turn to God.
Jonah did not fear the people of Nineveh, and he wasn't afraid they would ignore him....he was afraid they wouldn't. He was afraid they would listen. He preferred God destroy them, and he feared his message would cause them to repent.
You see the people of Nineveh were not like Jonah. They had different colored skin, different beliefs, different political views. They were wicked people that did not follow, or respect the laws of God. The simple fact is Jonah didn't like them, and felt that God's goodness was being stretched too far if it included them...
Let's pray this week that God will eliminate our narrowness, and give us the ability to see others through His eyes. The ability to lovingly share the gospel regardless of our differences.
Let's Pray that what breaks God's heart, would break ours.....And that we " may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, (Eph. 3:18)
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Philippians 2:3 Philippians 2:5 10/6/15
Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
There are two points in this simple verse, both equally hard to swallow.
1. We are to do nothing because it is best for us. Much like our speech should be for the benefit of others, so should our actions. What a change in my daily routine if I were to "do nothing from selfishness".
2. We are to "regard one another as more important than ourselves." Not equal , which would be a big step up in my mind for most, but "more important". This seems unattainable. Can I actually value others more than myself? Can I love at that level?
Later in this chapter it says "5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus", and that brings it home. I have a blessed eternity because Jesus loved me, and viewed me as more important than His right to be treated as God. Instead He allowed Himself to be mistreated for my sake. That is what Love does, and there is not an easier way.
Christianity is not a buffet where you pick and choose what you like. Servant-hood and selfless love are required courses.- " if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit" .... Then we must live this way. It's not a suggestion.
I challenge you this week to try it....pick a day, assume everyone is more important than you, and act accordingly...you will experience encouragement, love, and fellowship like you have never known.
We have all played sports with "reckless abandon"... I dare you to live your faith the same way.
There are two points in this simple verse, both equally hard to swallow.
1. We are to do nothing because it is best for us. Much like our speech should be for the benefit of others, so should our actions. What a change in my daily routine if I were to "do nothing from selfishness".
2. We are to "regard one another as more important than ourselves." Not equal , which would be a big step up in my mind for most, but "more important". This seems unattainable. Can I actually value others more than myself? Can I love at that level?
Later in this chapter it says "5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus", and that brings it home. I have a blessed eternity because Jesus loved me, and viewed me as more important than His right to be treated as God. Instead He allowed Himself to be mistreated for my sake. That is what Love does, and there is not an easier way.
Christianity is not a buffet where you pick and choose what you like. Servant-hood and selfless love are required courses.- " if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit" .... Then we must live this way. It's not a suggestion.
I challenge you this week to try it....pick a day, assume everyone is more important than you, and act accordingly...you will experience encouragement, love, and fellowship like you have never known.
We have all played sports with "reckless abandon"... I dare you to live your faith the same way.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Luke 1:15-18 9/29/15 *11/18*
Luke 17: 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Ten men had lives full of pain and disease, and Jesus made them new. I am sure if you asked any one of them, they would tell you Jesus did it. I am sure they would have nice things to say about Christ.
But only one "when he saw he was healed', came back to worship and give thanks. One out of ten had a heart so full of gratitude that it changed how he acted, changed where he went, and changed what he did. It should be noted that he didn't return to "earn" his healing, only to thank God for it.
Jesus asks him a question that should pierce our hearts..."where are the other nine?"... because all of us, at one time or another, have been the other nine. All of us have had days when we forgot the "disease" from which we were delivered.
Only this forgetfulness can explain our propensity to judge and withhold forgiveness from others. Only this forgetfulness can explain our inability to schedule time to be still and worship.
So I will ask you, are you one of the other nine today ?
If so don't dwell on it - just stop where you are...Turn around, run back, and "throw yourself at Jesus feet". Thank Him for His unimaginable grace that would redeem your lost soul. Then offer redemption to those lost souls he puts in your path.
Lionel Hampton once said, "Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." Remember your condition when God found you and store that memory in your heart. It will drive you back to Jesus and fuel a grateful life of praising Him.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
Ten men had lives full of pain and disease, and Jesus made them new. I am sure if you asked any one of them, they would tell you Jesus did it. I am sure they would have nice things to say about Christ.
But only one "when he saw he was healed', came back to worship and give thanks. One out of ten had a heart so full of gratitude that it changed how he acted, changed where he went, and changed what he did. It should be noted that he didn't return to "earn" his healing, only to thank God for it.
Jesus asks him a question that should pierce our hearts..."where are the other nine?"... because all of us, at one time or another, have been the other nine. All of us have had days when we forgot the "disease" from which we were delivered.
Only this forgetfulness can explain our propensity to judge and withhold forgiveness from others. Only this forgetfulness can explain our inability to schedule time to be still and worship.
So I will ask you, are you one of the other nine today ?
If so don't dwell on it - just stop where you are...Turn around, run back, and "throw yourself at Jesus feet". Thank Him for His unimaginable grace that would redeem your lost soul. Then offer redemption to those lost souls he puts in your path.
Lionel Hampton once said, "Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." Remember your condition when God found you and store that memory in your heart. It will drive you back to Jesus and fuel a grateful life of praising Him.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Ephesians 4:29-30 Matthew 12:34 9/22/15
Ephesians 4
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Why do you speak?...When I speak it is usually to benefit me... I need something, or I want something, or I want you to know something....But this verse says that when I talk it is supposed to benefit others.
Talking in order to "benefit those who listen" instead of benefit those who are talking is so alien to us it is almost hard to take seriously. So Paul emphasizes it by stating that we "grieve" the Holy Spirit when we speak in a selfish or unwholesome manner.
The impact of the tongue is a constant theme in scripture. James references the rudder of a ship, and the bit in a horses mouth, to show how words can influence our lives.
Still this concept that our words should help others, instead of ourselves is not the norm.
What if it was?....What if we only spoke words that built up and edified others? ..... how would it change our Homes, our businesses, our Facebook pages? "
...But It almost seems impossible doesn't it?
There is however, some insight in Mathew 12:34 that may help. It says"...For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart"...Why is the tongue so important?...because it is the thermometer of the heart...the tongue reveals its content.....The way to make our words beneficial, is to fill our hearts with the perfect grace and love of God.
I once saw a sign that read "99% of the worlds problems occur because someone uses the wrong tone of voice." There is truth in that, and I would suggest the wrong tone of voice is an indication of the wrong content in the heart.
Clean up where they come from, and your words will "benefit those who listen".
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Why do you speak?...When I speak it is usually to benefit me... I need something, or I want something, or I want you to know something....But this verse says that when I talk it is supposed to benefit others.
Talking in order to "benefit those who listen" instead of benefit those who are talking is so alien to us it is almost hard to take seriously. So Paul emphasizes it by stating that we "grieve" the Holy Spirit when we speak in a selfish or unwholesome manner.
The impact of the tongue is a constant theme in scripture. James references the rudder of a ship, and the bit in a horses mouth, to show how words can influence our lives.
Still this concept that our words should help others, instead of ourselves is not the norm.
What if it was?....What if we only spoke words that built up and edified others? ..... how would it change our Homes, our businesses, our Facebook pages? "
...But It almost seems impossible doesn't it?
There is however, some insight in Mathew 12:34 that may help. It says"...For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart"...Why is the tongue so important?...because it is the thermometer of the heart...the tongue reveals its content.....The way to make our words beneficial, is to fill our hearts with the perfect grace and love of God.
I once saw a sign that read "99% of the worlds problems occur because someone uses the wrong tone of voice." There is truth in that, and I would suggest the wrong tone of voice is an indication of the wrong content in the heart.
Clean up where they come from, and your words will "benefit those who listen".
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Rev 3:15-16 9/15/2015
Revelation 3:15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
God sent these words to the church at Laodicea. Strong words against a life without passion.
A man on fire for Jesus - recognizes the price of the gift given him, and his life reflects that with passion and gratefulness.
A man that is cold and has denied God - rejects His free gift , and lives his life accordingly.
But a man that is lukewarm - claims to have accepted His Lordship, acknowledges the sacrifice that has been made on his behalf....but it doesn't seem to touch his heart.
This, according to scripture, literally nauseates God. His only Son took our place and chose to endure what should have been our brutal execution. To accept that gift without passion is an offense to God's love and holiness.
God ends the letter to the Laodiceans telling them to "be earnest and repent", Good advice for us as well. If we do that, it will create a passion in us that is unmistakable to the outside world.
A story is told of a young thief who was brought before Alexander The Great. When the ruler asked the boy his name he responded, "Alexander"...a pained expression crossed the great warriors face, and he simply said, "son, you change your ways, or you change your name."
Perhaps that is how God feels when we make him just a small part of our life, to be used when convenient or beneficial. Maybe He would prefer we didn't use His name, if we aren't moved by His grace.
This week let's make sure we consider the price paid for our salvation, and let that reality fill us with passion that lights our hearts on fire for Christ.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Ephesians 6:14-17 4:15 9/8/2015
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
As we prepare for spiritual battle we need to inventory our equipment. We would never enter a physical battle or contest without the proper tools. So let's check the list:
Belt of Truth - In almost any athletic movement, power comes from you hips. Any throw, swing, kick...power emanates from your waist. Spiritually the belt of Truth is where you power begins. Allow no hypocrisy or falsehoods to weaken you...speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
Breastplate of Righteousness - In a conflict, vital organs are covered by the breastplate. Your heart is protected by righteousness. Put on the breastplate of Christ's righteousness, and emulate his purity, and retain a reverence for the Holy Law of God.
Feet fitted with Gospel of Peace - An important piece of equipment for performance is a shoe that provides traction. Athletes can't perform, soldiers can't fight...without a good solid stance. In our battle knowing the gospel of peace, gives you that stability. You must put on knowledge of the gospel like you would put on your cleats before taking the field.
Shield of Faith - As the enemy fires flaming arrows at us during the fight we have a shield to block them. Faith by which we have been saved, can block, and extinguish the lust, pride, revenge, and other temptations fired at you... all shots by the enemy are useless against our faith.
Helmet of Salvation - Critical protection for the head which directs the warrior. Our assurance of victory, our ultimate salvation directs and protects us.
Sword of the Spirit - Our only offensive weapon is the Word of God. We must know how to handle it. As we prepare for battle this is where the bulk of our time should be spent...knowing the Word of God.
It's game time...check your equipment... get dressed... and let's hit the field!
As we prepare for spiritual battle we need to inventory our equipment. We would never enter a physical battle or contest without the proper tools. So let's check the list:
Belt of Truth - In almost any athletic movement, power comes from you hips. Any throw, swing, kick...power emanates from your waist. Spiritually the belt of Truth is where you power begins. Allow no hypocrisy or falsehoods to weaken you...speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
Breastplate of Righteousness - In a conflict, vital organs are covered by the breastplate. Your heart is protected by righteousness. Put on the breastplate of Christ's righteousness, and emulate his purity, and retain a reverence for the Holy Law of God.
Feet fitted with Gospel of Peace - An important piece of equipment for performance is a shoe that provides traction. Athletes can't perform, soldiers can't fight...without a good solid stance. In our battle knowing the gospel of peace, gives you that stability. You must put on knowledge of the gospel like you would put on your cleats before taking the field.
Shield of Faith - As the enemy fires flaming arrows at us during the fight we have a shield to block them. Faith by which we have been saved, can block, and extinguish the lust, pride, revenge, and other temptations fired at you... all shots by the enemy are useless against our faith.
Helmet of Salvation - Critical protection for the head which directs the warrior. Our assurance of victory, our ultimate salvation directs and protects us.
Sword of the Spirit - Our only offensive weapon is the Word of God. We must know how to handle it. As we prepare for battle this is where the bulk of our time should be spent...knowing the Word of God.
It's game time...check your equipment... get dressed... and let's hit the field!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
1 Samuel 17:47-48 9/1/15
47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.
We need to be bold men of action. While our culture seeks to water down masculinity ....the church needs men, who not only speak the truth, but without hesitation, act on it. Men who don't react in fear, but with purpose and resolve.
For a decade at Brazos Christian School, when the kickoff team broke the huddle the cry was usually "Run to the Battle!" It was based on this verse, and it got young men ready for football. It is a mindset that men of God need to embrace in order to live a life of effectiveness.
Too often we tip toe around... afraid to offend, afraid to fail, afraid to act. But the passage above shows David not only telling the giant what God was going to do, but then sprinting to the battle line to prove it. As the rest of Israel hid in fear, a little Sheppard boy grabbed some rocks and ran toward the problem.
Don't miss the fact that "As the Philistine moved closer" David charged. David did not act after God moved...he acted - convinced that God would move.
Action does not save us, faith does. But saving faith should produce action.
As men of faith, we should be bold and fearless when we are acting on Gods behalf. David was not afraid of failure, he was not afraid of being laughed at, he was not afraid of Goliath.
His only fear was disappointing his God.
So instead of political correctness, we should be concerned with biblical correctness. Instead of popularity we should pursue being right in God's eyes. Our lives should be marked with a humble, loving, bravery that screams confidence not in ourselves, but in our Creator.
Lets re-introduce the world to what a Man of God looks like. Brave, men of action who are afraid of nothing, except disappointing God.
"Run To The Battle!"
So instead of political correctness, we should be concerned with biblical correctness. Instead of popularity we should pursue being right in God's eyes. Our lives should be marked with a humble, loving, bravery that screams confidence not in ourselves, but in our Creator.
Lets re-introduce the world to what a Man of God looks like. Brave, men of action who are afraid of nothing, except disappointing God.
"Run To The Battle!"
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Mark 10:21-22 Exodus 20:3 Acts 4:12 8/25/15
Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
What a hard passage. This rich young man had just assured Jesus that he had "kept all the commandments since his youth"...the first of which is "have no God before Me"Exodus 20:3
This seems to be the commandment we all struggle with, and just like this young man, we often don't see it until we are forced to choose. The tragedy in this case is that when Christ's words revealed the idol, he was not willing to abandon it.
Jesus didn't tell him to sell everything in order to punish him... Jesus loved him, he was simply answering his question... "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
The answer...worship Me alone...and that will always be the answer.
It was the answer in the garden of Eden, and it will be the answer when Christ returns.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else...
"He went away sad, because he had great wealth." What irony. The young man walked away from Jesus, and unimaginable riches in Heaven, because he too greatly valued his temporary wealth on earth.
The question is what do you value?.... money? reputation? position? ....when Christ's words reveal your idols will you abandon them, or will you abandon Jesus? Apparently those are our only two options. Jesus Loved him, but as he "went away sad" there were no negotiations.
Tear down, and destroy anything that compromises your allegiance to Christ, then hold on for the ride...because His next words are..."come follow Me"
What a hard passage. This rich young man had just assured Jesus that he had "kept all the commandments since his youth"...the first of which is "have no God before Me"Exodus 20:3
This seems to be the commandment we all struggle with, and just like this young man, we often don't see it until we are forced to choose. The tragedy in this case is that when Christ's words revealed the idol, he was not willing to abandon it.
Jesus didn't tell him to sell everything in order to punish him... Jesus loved him, he was simply answering his question... "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
The answer...worship Me alone...and that will always be the answer.
It was the answer in the garden of Eden, and it will be the answer when Christ returns.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else...
"He went away sad, because he had great wealth." What irony. The young man walked away from Jesus, and unimaginable riches in Heaven, because he too greatly valued his temporary wealth on earth.
The question is what do you value?.... money? reputation? position? ....when Christ's words reveal your idols will you abandon them, or will you abandon Jesus? Apparently those are our only two options. Jesus Loved him, but as he "went away sad" there were no negotiations.
Tear down, and destroy anything that compromises your allegiance to Christ, then hold on for the ride...because His next words are..."come follow Me"
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
2 Cor 5:17 Gal 2:20 8/18/15
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
God didn't sacrifice His Son to only make you free from sin at your death. He did it to also set you free in your life.
God didn't sacrifice His Son to only make you free from sin at your death. He did it to also set you free in your life.
The high price of our sins is a huge aspect of the Cross, and spending eternity with our Father is the ultimate crown. But that eternity doesn't have to wait. If you are in Christ, your eternity has already begun. The verse doesn't say "will be a new creature", it says "IS a new creature".
What a gift from our Heavenly Father - that the old filth and failures have passed away...they have nothing to do with us anymore. We ARE clean, and new, and free.
By the power of the Holy Spirit we can walk differently than the old creature.
If you have accepted Christ, and you hear a voice talking about your past - you can be sure it is not God...God has taken care of your past - and His voice will always talk about your future.
By the power of the Holy Spirit we can walk differently than the old creature.
If you have accepted Christ, and you hear a voice talking about your past - you can be sure it is not God...God has taken care of your past - and His voice will always talk about your future.
Mercy is an amazing thing, forgiveness is incredible. But being made new...starting over...completely disassociated with the failures of the past. THAT is amazing grace... and an act of loving holiness that we cannot yet fully comprehend.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me
The Holiness of Christ has been forwarded to your account....Don't waste another second in the past. It is no longer your past. The old creature has nothing to do with you. It has been eliminated and in it's place is a new man, washed in the blood and free from the chains.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
James 1:14-15, Romans 6:18, 1 Cor 10:13 8/11/15
James 1: 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Sin is a process.
It's not a one time occurrence that we commit and leave behind. If we entertain evil desires, and are dragged into sin, it starts a process that unless interrupted ends in death. Sin is never stagnant...you are either moving away from it- or moving towards it. When you allow it to take hold in your life it begins to grow and its ultimate goal is destruction.
There are no "pet" sins, or sins that you can control...ANY sin, when it finishes growing - will kill things in your life. Either you destroy sin, or its destroys you.
I talk a lot about God's Grace, and if you know me, you know why... but God knows the destructive power of sin...and His Grace gives us freedom FROM sin, not freedom TO sin.
Roman 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Seize that freedom and never underestimate the destructive power of sin, or the price God paid to deliver you from its' grasp.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able
Take an honest look at your life, and make sure there are no areas where you are being "dragged" away and enticed. If you are, do whatever it takes to break free, stop the process, and live your life as a slave to righteousness...the only way to true freedom
Sin is a process.
It's not a one time occurrence that we commit and leave behind. If we entertain evil desires, and are dragged into sin, it starts a process that unless interrupted ends in death. Sin is never stagnant...you are either moving away from it- or moving towards it. When you allow it to take hold in your life it begins to grow and its ultimate goal is destruction.
There are no "pet" sins, or sins that you can control...ANY sin, when it finishes growing - will kill things in your life. Either you destroy sin, or its destroys you.
I talk a lot about God's Grace, and if you know me, you know why... but God knows the destructive power of sin...and His Grace gives us freedom FROM sin, not freedom TO sin.
Roman 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Seize that freedom and never underestimate the destructive power of sin, or the price God paid to deliver you from its' grasp.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Mathew 14:25-31 8/4/2015
Mathew 14: 25 .... Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Many lessons in this passage:
-1. You should be careful what you ask Jesus for.
- 2. Peter shouldn't worry about wind when he is walking on water.
- 3. Peter sank when he looked at the problem instead of Jesus.
- 4. Jesus caught Peter before he went under.
All great lessons, worthy of their own devos
...but today let's talk about how Peter's faith allowed him to do something extraordinary...
Granted, he might have been embarrassed when he sank in front of his friends.
And It probably hurt to have Christ ask why he had doubted.
And when it was over there were 9 or 10 guys who were safe, dry, and warm in that boat.
But in all of history there is only one man other than Jesus who walked on water...Peter.
That's impossible to do when your sitting in the boat.
If you act on your faith you might sink. There may be embarrassment. In the worlds eyes you may fail....but you also might walk on water.
So if you want to do something extraordinary, every morning challenge yourself to keep your eyes on Jesus, and get out of the boat.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Many lessons in this passage:
-1. You should be careful what you ask Jesus for.
- 2. Peter shouldn't worry about wind when he is walking on water.
- 3. Peter sank when he looked at the problem instead of Jesus.
- 4. Jesus caught Peter before he went under.
All great lessons, worthy of their own devos
...but today let's talk about how Peter's faith allowed him to do something extraordinary...
Granted, he might have been embarrassed when he sank in front of his friends.
And It probably hurt to have Christ ask why he had doubted.
And when it was over there were 9 or 10 guys who were safe, dry, and warm in that boat.
But in all of history there is only one man other than Jesus who walked on water...Peter.
That's impossible to do when your sitting in the boat.
If you act on your faith you might sink. There may be embarrassment. In the worlds eyes you may fail....but you also might walk on water.
So if you want to do something extraordinary, every morning challenge yourself to keep your eyes on Jesus, and get out of the boat.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
John 3:16, Acts 4:12 7/28/15
John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The danger of living in the bible belt is that we hear the truth so much we become callused to it.
Most of us have heard John 3:16 since we were children, but when was the last time you felt the power of what it says...The most Holy, powerful, intelligent, beautiful, Being that ever existed....loves you, and gave the ultimate sacrifice so you could have an eternal relationship with Him.
... I wish we could read that verse for the first time, again.
In our culture there is a danger of being "vaccinated" against Christianity. We run the risk of getting a small, ineffective dose of the gospel so we develop an immunity to the real disease. When that happens we never really know God's life changing power. The symptoms of the real disease are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...and it's extremely contagious. These symptoms are "fruit" from a relationship with Jesus.
Be intentional about getting completely infected by His Grace.
Make sure by faith, you have accepted the gift God offers through Christ so that you...shall not perish but have eternal life.
Use this week to spend time with Jesus, and catch the real disease. Once you get it, the symptoms will take care of themselves....all you need to do is spread it to others.
Acts 4: 12....for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
The danger of living in the bible belt is that we hear the truth so much we become callused to it.
Most of us have heard John 3:16 since we were children, but when was the last time you felt the power of what it says...The most Holy, powerful, intelligent, beautiful, Being that ever existed....loves you, and gave the ultimate sacrifice so you could have an eternal relationship with Him.
... I wish we could read that verse for the first time, again.
In our culture there is a danger of being "vaccinated" against Christianity. We run the risk of getting a small, ineffective dose of the gospel so we develop an immunity to the real disease. When that happens we never really know God's life changing power. The symptoms of the real disease are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...and it's extremely contagious. These symptoms are "fruit" from a relationship with Jesus.
Be intentional about getting completely infected by His Grace.
Make sure by faith, you have accepted the gift God offers through Christ so that you...shall not perish but have eternal life.
Use this week to spend time with Jesus, and catch the real disease. Once you get it, the symptoms will take care of themselves....all you need to do is spread it to others.
Acts 4: 12....for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Matthew 18: 21-35 7/21/15
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Earlier in this chapter Jesus talked about how to deal with those who sin against you. Most at that time, believed you should forgive someone 3 times. So Peter doubled it, added one to get to the number of completeness and proposed the number 7 to Christ. He and the other disciples were probably surprised by the answer.
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Christ was not telling us to count out 77 times and stop at 78...but instead, limitless forgiveness.
He then follows with a parable to illustrate how ridiculous it is for us to withhold forgiveness from anyone. (Mathew 18:23-35)
We can take allot from these verses but the point this morning is that we must learn to TRULY forgive. For those who offend you, and for yourself. Un-forgiveness does far more harm to the "un-forgiver" than the "un-forgiven". "Being bitter toward others is like eating rat poison and hoping the rats die".
As Christians we rely on grace that God has shown toward our sin against Him . In light of this, our holding a grudge against someone else would be laughable, if it was not so damaging.
We should take the same caution as I am sure his disciples did when Jesus ended the parable like this:
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
We all have people who have hurt us...take this week to inventory that list and unload your burden of bitterness, make sure you have forgiven them from your heart.
Because of your past you owe forgiveness to others.....because of your future you owe it to yourself.
Earlier in this chapter Jesus talked about how to deal with those who sin against you. Most at that time, believed you should forgive someone 3 times. So Peter doubled it, added one to get to the number of completeness and proposed the number 7 to Christ. He and the other disciples were probably surprised by the answer.
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Christ was not telling us to count out 77 times and stop at 78...but instead, limitless forgiveness.
He then follows with a parable to illustrate how ridiculous it is for us to withhold forgiveness from anyone. (Mathew 18:23-35)
We can take allot from these verses but the point this morning is that we must learn to TRULY forgive. For those who offend you, and for yourself. Un-forgiveness does far more harm to the "un-forgiver" than the "un-forgiven". "Being bitter toward others is like eating rat poison and hoping the rats die".
As Christians we rely on grace that God has shown toward our sin against Him . In light of this, our holding a grudge against someone else would be laughable, if it was not so damaging.
We should take the same caution as I am sure his disciples did when Jesus ended the parable like this:
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
We all have people who have hurt us...take this week to inventory that list and unload your burden of bitterness, make sure you have forgiven them from your heart.
Bernard Meltzer once said "When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future."
Because of your past you owe forgiveness to others.....because of your future you owe it to yourself.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Mathew 7: 1, 3, 5, 14, 21, 23 7/14/15
Mathew 7: 1, 3, 5, 21, 23
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
If we point out another's sin we often hear these verses in response. But we seldom hear what Jesus says immediately after these comments. Here is the continuation of the discussion:
5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven......23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
All the above verses were spoken by Jesus in the same conversation
This is why it is so important to read scripture in context.
Many people toss Mathew 7:1 around using "judge not" as a way to silence those who would condemn sin. Many quote verse 3, about not pointing out your brothers sin, as a way to reprimand those who do.
But they ignore the rest of the "sermon"
Verse 5 Actually instructs us to help our brother remove the speck (sin).
Verses 21-23 (some of the scariest verses in the bible) point out that not everyone who calls Jesus Lord will be saved, and refers to those who are not as "evil doers". Jesus then lays out the requirement for salvation, which is a relationship with Him - And apparently this relationship impacts who we are, and what we do.
Jesus' words recorded in Mathew 7, were never intended to say that we shouldn't call sin, sin.
Instead Christ says we must speak the truth about sin - and live lives that legitimize our words.
When Jesus granted forgiveness he said - "go your way and sin no more."
Tolerance of sinners is a good thing..... Tolerance of sin is intolerable.
We must be loving, we must be humble, we must remember that we have been saved by amazing grace..... But at the same time, in a dark world, we must shine light, even when the world prefers the dark.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Psalms 46:10 Philippians 4:8 7/7/15
Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Back in the 80's personal computers arrived with the promise of giving us all more leisure time by making us more productive. Of course that didn't happen, and then their evil spawn, the "smart phone" was created and we acquired an electronic leash, and "down time" became a thing of the past. Our stress level went through the roof, and we ended up with less leisure time than before.
According to God's word, we NEED to be still. Not just slow down, but completely stop our activities, and be still.
Like the computer there will be times when we need to reboot spiritually. We need to power down, and clean out our memory, and re-calibrate. Get a fresh start.
Truly being Still is a lost art in our fast paced world. How long has it been since you turned off all electronics, sat down by yourself somewhere quiet, and meditated on the fact that HE. IS. GOD.
The days you don't have time to do that... are the days you NEED to do that.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Before you hit the door this morning take a few minutes, find a quiet place, sit down
and BE STILL, AND KNOW
.....have a great week.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Back in the 80's personal computers arrived with the promise of giving us all more leisure time by making us more productive. Of course that didn't happen, and then their evil spawn, the "smart phone" was created and we acquired an electronic leash, and "down time" became a thing of the past. Our stress level went through the roof, and we ended up with less leisure time than before.
According to God's word, we NEED to be still. Not just slow down, but completely stop our activities, and be still.
Like the computer there will be times when we need to reboot spiritually. We need to power down, and clean out our memory, and re-calibrate. Get a fresh start.
Truly being Still is a lost art in our fast paced world. How long has it been since you turned off all electronics, sat down by yourself somewhere quiet, and meditated on the fact that HE. IS. GOD.
The days you don't have time to do that... are the days you NEED to do that.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Before you hit the door this morning take a few minutes, find a quiet place, sit down
and BE STILL, AND KNOW
.....have a great week.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
John 14:27 Philippians 1:27-28 John 16:33 6/30/15
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
When the world around us seems to be in a free fall - it is easy to become anxious. When a storm appears on the horizon it can cause us to have troubled hearts. This produces fear, aggression, and anxiety, instead of peace.
But Jesus says PEACE is the gift He gives.
HIS perfect peace - better than what the world offers.
That doesn't mean there will never be trouble. We live in a fallen world. Evil happens and things get broken. On top of that, we are commanded to speak the truth, and many don't like the truth. So there will be struggles.
But peace is not an absence of trouble, it is the promise that we don't face trouble alone. Even when things seem to be falling apart, God is not pacing the floor.
He is still on the thrown. He is still in control.
So our marching orders haven't changed:
Philippians 1: 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.
In a world full of hysteria, and knee-jerk reactions, there should be a quiet confidence in us that draws others to Christ.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
1 John 4:19-20 Matthew 23:37-39 6/23/15
1 John 4: 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.
Continuing the theme from last week of considering the amazing grace that allows us to have fellowship with our creator, we are confronted with the verses above. How can we say we love God and yet hate His children? God says, that person is a liar.
Just as someone could not tell you they loved you, but hate your children, we cannot claim to love God and hate those He loves, that are made in His image.
When they asked Jesus what the greatest commandment of all was, he gave them two:
Matthew 23: 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
He gave them two commands because they cannot be separated.
The truth is, you will never meet anyone who is truly happy that isn't loving and serving others.
It's what we were made to do.
Remember the amazing grace that saved you - and extend it to those that need it.
Continuing the theme from last week of considering the amazing grace that allows us to have fellowship with our creator, we are confronted with the verses above. How can we say we love God and yet hate His children? God says, that person is a liar.
Just as someone could not tell you they loved you, but hate your children, we cannot claim to love God and hate those He loves, that are made in His image.
When they asked Jesus what the greatest commandment of all was, he gave them two:
Matthew 23: 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
He gave them two commands because they cannot be separated.
The truth is, you will never meet anyone who is truly happy that isn't loving and serving others.
It's what we were made to do.
Remember the amazing grace that saved you - and extend it to those that need it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Luke 18:10-14 & Romans 5:8 6/16/15
Luke 18: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people— robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.
I often hear people say things like, "I'm not good enough to be a Christian". But a heart in that condition is ready for salvation. It is the heart that feels worthy that doesn't understand its condition and the Grace of God. In these verses Jesus says the humble man who acknowledged his sin and asked for mercy is the one who went home justified.
You don't clean up your life and come to God. You come to God, and He will clean up your life.
The hardest thing to grasp is that He actually loves you right where you are.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I often hear people say things like, "I'm not good enough to be a Christian". But a heart in that condition is ready for salvation. It is the heart that feels worthy that doesn't understand its condition and the Grace of God. In these verses Jesus says the humble man who acknowledged his sin and asked for mercy is the one who went home justified.
You don't clean up your life and come to God. You come to God, and He will clean up your life.
The hardest thing to grasp is that He actually loves you right where you are.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Acts 4:13-14 6/9/2015
Acts 4: 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.
These verses occur while the Jewish court is trying to charge Peter and John with a crime, and silence them from preaching about Jesus.
Two things we should consider:
1. We gain courage and power not from our occupation, or education, but from being with Jesus. Don't allow the urgent to push out the important. Spend time in the Word every day.
2. If you want to silence your critics make sure your faith impacts others. They can attack your ceremonies and rituals, but not the results.... Your detractors cannot discount the people who have been blessed and strengthened because of your ministry.
Make sure you spend time daily with Jesus this week, and let the strength and courage that it produces impact others in life changing ways.
These verses occur while the Jewish court is trying to charge Peter and John with a crime, and silence them from preaching about Jesus.
Two things we should consider:
1. We gain courage and power not from our occupation, or education, but from being with Jesus. Don't allow the urgent to push out the important. Spend time in the Word every day.
2. If you want to silence your critics make sure your faith impacts others. They can attack your ceremonies and rituals, but not the results.... Your detractors cannot discount the people who have been blessed and strengthened because of your ministry.
Make sure you spend time daily with Jesus this week, and let the strength and courage that it produces impact others in life changing ways.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 6/2/15
I have a
challenge for you guys this morning! Read these verses once, just as they
are written.
1st Corinthians 13
4 Love is
patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not
proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Now read them again and replace the
word "love" with your name,
and the word "it",
with the word "he".
How did you do?
Does it sound like you?
That is where the bar is set.…
and according to the versus just
before the ones we read, this is the ONLY way to be
useful and effective for the Kingdom.
I don't know about y'all, but I need
to hit my knees and ask God to work on my heart.
No matter what I do...If I don't do it
with love, it is worthless.
Don't settle for less, have a great
week.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
James 1: 19-20 5/26/15
James 1:19-2019 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Most of us "A type" athletes do it exactly backwards. Quick to anger, always know exactly what we want to say, and hardly ever listen....apparently that doesn't create the kind of life that God intended for us to live. In 54 years I can't think of many things I've done, or said in anger that I'm real proud of.
Proverbs 16:32 says the same: 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city
This week let's try it God's way - listen before we talk - and realize that man's anger can weaken us and cause us to live in a way God never intended.
Make it a great week.
Most of us "A type" athletes do it exactly backwards. Quick to anger, always know exactly what we want to say, and hardly ever listen....apparently that doesn't create the kind of life that God intended for us to live. In 54 years I can't think of many things I've done, or said in anger that I'm real proud of.
Proverbs 16:32 says the same: 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city
This week let's try it God's way - listen before we talk - and realize that man's anger can weaken us and cause us to live in a way God never intended.
Make it a great week.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Revelation 13: 15-17 5/19/15
Revelation 13: ....cause
all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 It
also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to
receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they
had the mark..
Chief
and Doug talked about this yesterday and it reminded me of these verses.
Many say that when a biometric chip, or ID is developed the most
effective place to put it will be in the hand so it can be confirmed through
fingerprints, or the forehead so it can be confirmed through retina scans. This
will make it harder to steal chips and use others identity.
I'm
sure this sounded ridiculous, and impossible 2000 years ago when it was
written.... but today it doesn't sound crazy at all.
Read the bible boys, it becomes more relevant every day....
“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
Read the bible boys, it becomes more relevant every day....
“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
-
Charles Spurgeon
Have
a great week!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
James 1:27 5/12/15
James 1:27
27 Religion that God our
Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows
in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Looks like maybe our
ceremonies are less important to God than how we live.
Apparently helping those who can't help themselves, and keeping our lives free from sin is what God considers real religion, and what allows us to have a real relationship with Him.
This is sometimes hard, but not really complicated. Keep fighting the good fight brothers, and have a great week.
Apparently helping those who can't help themselves, and keeping our lives free from sin is what God considers real religion, and what allows us to have a real relationship with Him.
This is sometimes hard, but not really complicated. Keep fighting the good fight brothers, and have a great week.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Galatians 6:7 5/5/15
Galatians
6:7
Good morning guys.
Welcome to OGB's first Tuesday Bible time.. or as Z calls it "Big O's
Bible time". Our first verse will be one of my favorites...
Galatians 6:7 "Be
not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap."
In OGB language I
think that would translate to something like " Don't be stupid,
you can't ignore God. If you plant it, it will grow"
All of us are old
enough to know the truth in this verse. We've all had our share of good
and bad harvests. Thankfully our salvation hinges on grace but our lives
are impacted by decisions we make. So be about the business of planting good
stuff today.
Have a great week boys!
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