" If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
The group Mercy Me, recently released a song called "Even if" based on this verse. Listening to it, I wonder if we have lost the perspective these three teenage boys had as they stood before King Nebuchadnezzar.
So many of us fall away because we feel our prayers have gone unanswered, simply because the answer is no. Jesus himself, prayed that He could avoid the cross. His prayer was so intense that He sweated blood, but thankfully for us, the answer was still "no", and His final comment was,..."not My will, but Yours".
Does that describe your prayer life? Do you come to God with questions ... or with answers?... Even when the intensity of our prayer feels like we will sweat blood ... do we remember who you are talking to?
Our prayer life becomes worship when "in Jesus' name" means what it is supposed to mean. Too often it becomes a magic incantation, a rubbing of the lamp so the Genie will produce what we want, and that pollutes our prayer life and makes it something it was never intended to be.
I remember as a child, the relief that would wash over me when I could finally tell my Dad about whatever problem I was facing. Then I could relax. I put it in his hands, and knew he would handle it properly. Do I have that kind of confidence in God? Does relief flood my soul when I speak to my Heavenly Father?
If we can remember that we are speaking to The All Powerful God Of The Universe. And also remember that He loves us beyond our ability to comprehend. We can make prayer what it was intended to be ... the ultimate spiritual pre-workout . We should rise from our knees energized, confident, and at peace.
This verse is not an escape clause to release God of responsibility in case He cannot deliver.
He can. He is able, He is all knowing, and He answers prayer.
...But even if the answer is not what we asked for ... our hope, our confidence, and our salvation... remains steadfastly in Him.
“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”
― Mother Teresa
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Ephesians 2:3 4/18/17
"We all lived among them at one time in the cravings of our flesh, indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath."
Jesus didn't die because He loves us...He died because we sinned.
He chose to die because He loves, but our sin made it necessary.
We were terminal. Infected by our sinfulness and His sacrifice saved us. If we now ignore the sins of others in the name of tolerance, we lose the opportunity to show them the path to healing. If we shun those who suffer with the same disease we have been delivered from, we become the ultimate hypocrites.
I have never met a Cancer survivor who doesn't hate cancer, and at the same time deeply love those who suffer with it. Never would they ignore the disease, nor shun those who have it.
We can never condone sin, nor reject those suffering from it.
We must realize our sin was not ignored, it was paid for...we were children of wrath...destined for destruction. But we have been redeemed, and that changes our mission.
As Christians we are not hospice workers...we are first responders. We are not here to avoid offending those who are perishing and make them comfortable. We are here to aggressively deal with what is killing them, and provide the healing truth of the gospel, all the while remembering that we were healed by the same free grace we offer them.
Keep both of these points clear and you will be an effective minister ... confuse either one and you will be of no use in the battle against sin.
"He who has felt his own ruin will not imagine the case of any to be hopeless; nor will he think them too fallen to be worthy his regard." - Charles Spurgeon
Jesus didn't die because He loves us...He died because we sinned.
He chose to die because He loves, but our sin made it necessary.
We were terminal. Infected by our sinfulness and His sacrifice saved us. If we now ignore the sins of others in the name of tolerance, we lose the opportunity to show them the path to healing. If we shun those who suffer with the same disease we have been delivered from, we become the ultimate hypocrites.
I have never met a Cancer survivor who doesn't hate cancer, and at the same time deeply love those who suffer with it. Never would they ignore the disease, nor shun those who have it.
We can never condone sin, nor reject those suffering from it.
We must realize our sin was not ignored, it was paid for...we were children of wrath...destined for destruction. But we have been redeemed, and that changes our mission.
As Christians we are not hospice workers...we are first responders. We are not here to avoid offending those who are perishing and make them comfortable. We are here to aggressively deal with what is killing them, and provide the healing truth of the gospel, all the while remembering that we were healed by the same free grace we offer them.
Keep both of these points clear and you will be an effective minister ... confuse either one and you will be of no use in the battle against sin.
"He who has felt his own ruin will not imagine the case of any to be hopeless; nor will he think them too fallen to be worthy his regard." - Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
1 Cor. 15:19 4/11/2017
"If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied."
Easter is the ballgame...it changes everything.
If Jesus didn't rise from the dead then we are pitiful fools worthy of the worlds sympathy.
If Christ was just a good guy, who had some useful advice, and was martyred for His opinions, then we have nothing but some interesting stories, and a mentor.
But if the grave is empty...that changes who, and what we are.
So there is no hedging your bet, no playing it safe...
Christ Himself said pick up your cross, give all you have away, leave all you know ... and follow me. That is not a mentor, that is a King. So it is either nothing, or everything, and Easter is the determining factor.
If they found His body, then He lied and we are fools. But if His tomb is empty we are redeemed. Those are your two logical choices. But the most common choice is somewhere in the middle and Paul says that is lunacy.
If you follow a guy who falsely claimed to be God, because you like some of the things He said, that is irrational. If you believe Jesus is God and rose from the grave, and yet it doesn't impact how you live, that too is insanity. So make the call.
This Easter make a decision ... if He is who He said He is ... it should change you. If faith, in fact, changes your eternal destination, then it is worth living and dying for and should impact everything you do from this moment on.
Easter is our deliverance, it is the most important event in human history and it is the only reason for Christmas and the Cross. When Christ walked out of that grave He changed our eternity.
This Easter don't be distracted by the pageantry. Instead contemplate the single moment in time that changed everything - and let it change you.
“Without the resurrection, the cross is meaningless.”
― Billy Graham
Easter is the ballgame...it changes everything.
If Jesus didn't rise from the dead then we are pitiful fools worthy of the worlds sympathy.
If Christ was just a good guy, who had some useful advice, and was martyred for His opinions, then we have nothing but some interesting stories, and a mentor.
But if the grave is empty...that changes who, and what we are.
So there is no hedging your bet, no playing it safe...
Christ Himself said pick up your cross, give all you have away, leave all you know ... and follow me. That is not a mentor, that is a King. So it is either nothing, or everything, and Easter is the determining factor.
If they found His body, then He lied and we are fools. But if His tomb is empty we are redeemed. Those are your two logical choices. But the most common choice is somewhere in the middle and Paul says that is lunacy.
If you follow a guy who falsely claimed to be God, because you like some of the things He said, that is irrational. If you believe Jesus is God and rose from the grave, and yet it doesn't impact how you live, that too is insanity. So make the call.
This Easter make a decision ... if He is who He said He is ... it should change you. If faith, in fact, changes your eternal destination, then it is worth living and dying for and should impact everything you do from this moment on.
Easter is our deliverance, it is the most important event in human history and it is the only reason for Christmas and the Cross. When Christ walked out of that grave He changed our eternity.
This Easter don't be distracted by the pageantry. Instead contemplate the single moment in time that changed everything - and let it change you.
“Without the resurrection, the cross is meaningless.”
― Billy Graham
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Proverbs 15:31 4/4/2017*
"Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise."
We often discuss how we should talk to others ... but what about how we should listen?
This verse talks about the side of the transaction that we sometimes neglect. When is the last time you appreciated a correction? When someone admonishes you, what is your initial response?
Most of us only hear about half of a reprimand before we begin to prepare our defense ... and our defense inevitably contains a counter- attack against the reprimand-er.
What if we changed that? What if we actually considered the content when someone filed a complaint against us....even if the rebuke was delivered poorly, it may have some validity, and it's consideration could have a positive impact on us.
Real wisdom and positive change can only come from humility ... and humility can only come from confidence.
That sounds counter intuitive, but it is true. Confidence in your worth as a Child of God, releases you from any obligation to defend yourself, and allows you to consider all information without feeling threatened. This puts you in a position to improve.
We often discuss how we should talk to others ... but what about how we should listen?
This verse talks about the side of the transaction that we sometimes neglect. When is the last time you appreciated a correction? When someone admonishes you, what is your initial response?
Most of us only hear about half of a reprimand before we begin to prepare our defense ... and our defense inevitably contains a counter- attack against the reprimand-er.
What if we changed that? What if we actually considered the content when someone filed a complaint against us....even if the rebuke was delivered poorly, it may have some validity, and it's consideration could have a positive impact on us.
Real wisdom and positive change can only come from humility ... and humility can only come from confidence.
That sounds counter intuitive, but it is true. Confidence in your worth as a Child of God, releases you from any obligation to defend yourself, and allows you to consider all information without feeling threatened. This puts you in a position to improve.
This week let's try an experiment. When someone reprimands you, hold your tongue for a moment
- and listen.
Honestly consider the information and determine what part, if any, has merit. After considering the input, respond in a appreciative, and respectful manner and see what happens. My guess is, it will bless those who are honestly trying to help you, and greatly confuse those who are not.
- and listen.
Honestly consider the information and determine what part, if any, has merit. After considering the input, respond in a appreciative, and respectful manner and see what happens. My guess is, it will bless those who are honestly trying to help you, and greatly confuse those who are not.
Either way, you will display maturity, and process information that could help you. This is the only response that in the end, benefits you and makes you at home among the wise.
"The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. "
Helmut Schmidt
Helmut Schmidt
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Proverbs 26:1 3/28/2017
"As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife."
Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
Some see it as a badge of honor to aggressively debate, anyone who holds a different opinion. Truth and facts are not important, only winning matters, and if you destroy somebody in the process that's even better. Social media has made arguing a spectator sport, it is our new form of entertainment.
However, scripture is clear that pain is the result of being argumentative. Strife, and misery need fuel to exist, and quarrelsome people provide it. When you are around contentious people, the slightest provocation leads to an explosive response, like gasoline on a fire.
Have you bought into society's proposition that it is a sign of strength to always be ready to ignite a quarrel...or have you learned the art of snuffing out the flame? Have you gone against the grain and learned to diffuse arguments rather than escalate them?
No doubt there are times when we must speak unpopular truth. But there is a difference in contending for what is right, and being contentious.
This week lets be peace-makers. Let's pause before we react. Instead of our words being like metal on metal, let's wrap them in fur that won't cause sparks when received. If we can come to the realization that understanding is as important as winning, we will learn to listen differently. It might change our mind, but even if it doesn't, it will definitely change our tone.
....The power in what you say, lies in it's truth...not the volume in which it is said.
"It takes two to quarrel, but only one to end it."
Matthew Prior
Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
Some see it as a badge of honor to aggressively debate, anyone who holds a different opinion. Truth and facts are not important, only winning matters, and if you destroy somebody in the process that's even better. Social media has made arguing a spectator sport, it is our new form of entertainment.
However, scripture is clear that pain is the result of being argumentative. Strife, and misery need fuel to exist, and quarrelsome people provide it. When you are around contentious people, the slightest provocation leads to an explosive response, like gasoline on a fire.
Have you bought into society's proposition that it is a sign of strength to always be ready to ignite a quarrel...or have you learned the art of snuffing out the flame? Have you gone against the grain and learned to diffuse arguments rather than escalate them?
No doubt there are times when we must speak unpopular truth. But there is a difference in contending for what is right, and being contentious.
This week lets be peace-makers. Let's pause before we react. Instead of our words being like metal on metal, let's wrap them in fur that won't cause sparks when received. If we can come to the realization that understanding is as important as winning, we will learn to listen differently. It might change our mind, but even if it doesn't, it will definitely change our tone.
....The power in what you say, lies in it's truth...not the volume in which it is said.
"It takes two to quarrel, but only one to end it."
Matthew Prior
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
2 Corinthians 5:21 John 8:36 3/21/2017
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Do you struggle with guilt? Is it hard to let go of things you have done in your past?
The enemy would have you believe this is because you are humble and know you're not worthy of forgiveness...in fact it is really the opposite. The inability to forgive yourself is actually thinly veiled self-centeredness. It means you are focused on the wrong part of the equation.
This verse is very clear. Christ became, and then destroyed your sin. In doing so he transferred His holiness to you.... you now stand in His perfection.
Pseudo-humility that insist on self debasement, questions God's ability to forgive, and insist that the spotlight stay on us and our failures. Don't allow that. Focus on God's power, not your deficiency.
Focus on the fact that you have been set free....walk away. Don't look back. The decay that wrecked your life has been obliterated. It no longer exist..you are a new creation. If you hear a voice condemning you for things in your past that have been covered by the blood of Christ...I assure you it is not God. He would never pay such a price for partial forgiveness.
The greatest insult you can give to God is to imply that the blood of His Son was not enough.
Never entertain guilt again...Confess, repent and accept forgiveness. Drop the load you have been carrying for so long. The ultimate price has been paid. ... You are free and "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)
"Stop remembering what God has forgotten" - Anonymous
Do you struggle with guilt? Is it hard to let go of things you have done in your past?
The enemy would have you believe this is because you are humble and know you're not worthy of forgiveness...in fact it is really the opposite. The inability to forgive yourself is actually thinly veiled self-centeredness. It means you are focused on the wrong part of the equation.
This verse is very clear. Christ became, and then destroyed your sin. In doing so he transferred His holiness to you.... you now stand in His perfection.
Pseudo-humility that insist on self debasement, questions God's ability to forgive, and insist that the spotlight stay on us and our failures. Don't allow that. Focus on God's power, not your deficiency.
Focus on the fact that you have been set free....walk away. Don't look back. The decay that wrecked your life has been obliterated. It no longer exist..you are a new creation. If you hear a voice condemning you for things in your past that have been covered by the blood of Christ...I assure you it is not God. He would never pay such a price for partial forgiveness.
The greatest insult you can give to God is to imply that the blood of His Son was not enough.
Never entertain guilt again...Confess, repent and accept forgiveness. Drop the load you have been carrying for so long. The ultimate price has been paid. ... You are free and "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)
"Stop remembering what God has forgotten" - Anonymous
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
1 Tim 2:3-4 John 15:16 3/14/2017
1 Timothy 2:3-4 "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit"
Great theologians have argued over these verses for centuries. So I will not attempt to settle the Calvinism vs Armenian debate today.
But I will tell you that both verses are "God breathed" and complete truth. The fact that our intellect cannot settle their co-existence is a reflection of our inability not their veracity.
Here is the clear truth that comes from these two passages of scripture.
If you are saved, it is not because you are smarter or better than those who are lost. It is not because your sin was less offensive to God than others. It is because God chose to rescued an arrogant sinner who didn't even know he was lost until he was convicted by the Holy Spirit. And because of God's great mercy He paid an unspeakable price, to redeemed you from your sin.
If you are not saved, it is not because God doesn't love you, or your sin is worse than others. It's not because Jesus didn't die for you. It is not because it is not God's will for you to be saved ... It is simply because you have said that you do not need a Savior, and rejected the free gift of God.
So the bottom line is this: if you are saved, no one deserves credit but God, and if you are lost no one is to blame but you...and most importantly if you're reading this and lost, all of Heaven is hoping you will change that.
“We cross a line when we are more focused on mastering theology than on being mastered by Christ.”
- Greg Dutcher
John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit"
Great theologians have argued over these verses for centuries. So I will not attempt to settle the Calvinism vs Armenian debate today.
But I will tell you that both verses are "God breathed" and complete truth. The fact that our intellect cannot settle their co-existence is a reflection of our inability not their veracity.
Here is the clear truth that comes from these two passages of scripture.
If you are saved, it is not because you are smarter or better than those who are lost. It is not because your sin was less offensive to God than others. It is because God chose to rescued an arrogant sinner who didn't even know he was lost until he was convicted by the Holy Spirit. And because of God's great mercy He paid an unspeakable price, to redeemed you from your sin.
If you are not saved, it is not because God doesn't love you, or your sin is worse than others. It's not because Jesus didn't die for you. It is not because it is not God's will for you to be saved ... It is simply because you have said that you do not need a Savior, and rejected the free gift of God.
So the bottom line is this: if you are saved, no one deserves credit but God, and if you are lost no one is to blame but you...and most importantly if you're reading this and lost, all of Heaven is hoping you will change that.
“We cross a line when we are more focused on mastering theology than on being mastered by Christ.”
- Greg Dutcher
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Matthew 5:37 3/6/2017
"But let your statement 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and 'No,' 'No.' Anything more than these comes from evil."
Jesus is discussing the use of vows, and swearing on objects to guarantee the validity of a statement or promise. He clearly says not to do it.
The point is it shouldn't be necessary. If you say yes, it should mean yes... and no should mean no. Elaborate declarations should not be required to assure people you are being truthful.
There should be no need for you to promise, or swear, or take a vow...if it comes out of your mouth it should be the truth, and everyone should know it.
God holds truth in much higher esteem then our society does.
We use words like slick, smooth, or polished as compliments for those who can twist the truth. While fib, white lies, and exaggeration are words used to gloss over what is in fact untruthfulness.
God is clear on this issue because He knows there is nothing more devastating than a lie. There is no doubt that many relationships have been wounded by the speaking of a hard truth. But a lie destroys the relationship, and the tools needed to repair it. If words cannot be believed how can they bring healing?
The truth cuts clean, and heals quickly. But a lie rips and tears, and heals slowly... and always leaves a scar.
Live in such a way that no one questions your word...Be a man of integrity and provide a firm foundation for strong, secure relationships. At times it may be painful, but it gives hope for the future because it preserves trust.
You must decide that truth is always your only option... that is the non-negotiable price of integrity.
"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters."
- Harvey Mackay
Jesus is discussing the use of vows, and swearing on objects to guarantee the validity of a statement or promise. He clearly says not to do it.
The point is it shouldn't be necessary. If you say yes, it should mean yes... and no should mean no. Elaborate declarations should not be required to assure people you are being truthful.
There should be no need for you to promise, or swear, or take a vow...if it comes out of your mouth it should be the truth, and everyone should know it.
God holds truth in much higher esteem then our society does.
We use words like slick, smooth, or polished as compliments for those who can twist the truth. While fib, white lies, and exaggeration are words used to gloss over what is in fact untruthfulness.
God is clear on this issue because He knows there is nothing more devastating than a lie. There is no doubt that many relationships have been wounded by the speaking of a hard truth. But a lie destroys the relationship, and the tools needed to repair it. If words cannot be believed how can they bring healing?
The truth cuts clean, and heals quickly. But a lie rips and tears, and heals slowly... and always leaves a scar.
Live in such a way that no one questions your word...Be a man of integrity and provide a firm foundation for strong, secure relationships. At times it may be painful, but it gives hope for the future because it preserves trust.
You must decide that truth is always your only option... that is the non-negotiable price of integrity.
"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters."
- Harvey Mackay
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
1 Peter 2:11 2/28/2017*
"Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls."
Do you ever stop and consider your destiny. Do you ever meditate on your pedigree as a Christian?
We are in this world, but we are not of it ...we are aliens... royal ambassadors from another place.
We don't belong here permanently...we are simply on our way home.
Like fish from the ocean placed in a fish bowl, we are restricted, and not in the environment for which we were created.
The problem is if you only focus on your life in the fish bowl, you forget about the ocean. If you only pursue worldly desires, only focus on your daily circles in the bowl, the depression of meaningless, and not belonging, will war against your soul. You will forget the magnificence of the sea, as you are consumed by your preoccupation with plastic plants and painted rocks.
Don't allow yourself to lose your identity. You must remember who you are. Do the things of your homeland. Make church a priority. Faithfully attend a bible study. Sit and read the Word of God, and ponder the truly meaningful things in life. Break the monotony of swimming in circles and remember your destiny.
There are people in this world with empty lives who think this is all there is... They think they were created to swim in circles ... tell them about the vast, magnificent home you are headed for, tell them your Father has prepared a place for them as well ... and then bring them with you.
"Purposes, plans, and achievements of men may all disappear like the cloud upon the mountain's summit; but, like the mountain itself, the things which are of God shall stand fast for ever and ever." - Charles Spurgeon
Do you ever stop and consider your destiny. Do you ever meditate on your pedigree as a Christian?
We are in this world, but we are not of it ...we are aliens... royal ambassadors from another place.
We don't belong here permanently...we are simply on our way home.
Like fish from the ocean placed in a fish bowl, we are restricted, and not in the environment for which we were created.
The problem is if you only focus on your life in the fish bowl, you forget about the ocean. If you only pursue worldly desires, only focus on your daily circles in the bowl, the depression of meaningless, and not belonging, will war against your soul. You will forget the magnificence of the sea, as you are consumed by your preoccupation with plastic plants and painted rocks.
Don't allow yourself to lose your identity. You must remember who you are. Do the things of your homeland. Make church a priority. Faithfully attend a bible study. Sit and read the Word of God, and ponder the truly meaningful things in life. Break the monotony of swimming in circles and remember your destiny.
There are people in this world with empty lives who think this is all there is... They think they were created to swim in circles ... tell them about the vast, magnificent home you are headed for, tell them your Father has prepared a place for them as well ... and then bring them with you.
"Purposes, plans, and achievements of men may all disappear like the cloud upon the mountain's summit; but, like the mountain itself, the things which are of God shall stand fast for ever and ever." - Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Galatians 1:10 2/21/2017 *
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Paul is defending himself from those accusing him of being, in essence, a salesman. People in Galatia were saying he would preach whatever he needed to get converts.
His enemies were sighting Paul's willingness to do whatever it takes to reach others for Christ. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul said "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."
(1 Corinthians 9:22)
Paul is defending himself from those accusing him of being, in essence, a salesman. People in Galatia were saying he would preach whatever he needed to get converts.
His enemies were sighting Paul's willingness to do whatever it takes to reach others for Christ. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul said "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."
(1 Corinthians 9:22)
Some churches today have done what Paul's enemies accused him of doing. They have watered down the message of God in order to increase membership. Some have explained away things in scripture that might be offensive, and replaced them with feel good platitudes.
But that is not what Paul was doing.
But that is not what Paul was doing.
So what is the difference?...
The difference is found in Paul's statement to the Galatians, and it deals with who you serve. If your goal is popularity?...if the size of your following is your main objective, then you are serving men, and cannot be a servant of Christ.
Our conviction must be, that we will do anything it takes, and become anything we must become, in order to reach others for Christ....but we will not change the message.
As soon as we change the gospel, it is no longer the gospel. If you alter the Truth, it ceases to be the Truth...and it is gutted of it's power. We must speak the pure, unpolluted Truth of God.
Be careful not to let the pendulum swing in either direction....don't water down God's word so it does not offend, and do not demand more than scripture does from those who seek to be children of God.
Your responsibility is to serve Christ only...take His unchanged message to His children, and get it to them any way you can.
"You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say."
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
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