"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Mat. 25:37-40).
Recently, a friend shared with me a blessing that He received from having a homeless man in his home for Thanksgiving. This man, who was born in another country and came to the USA a few years ago, shared with my friend that the Thanksgiving dinner he had in his home was the first one he had ever had since coming to the USA. Upon hearing this my friend was overcome with divine joy. Jesus said that what we do to the "least of these" we do to Him. In other words what my friend did for the homeless man he was doing to Jesus.
The Psalmist wrote concering being in the Lord's presence, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalms 16:11). Through the loving act of my friend he was welcoming another guest (Jesus) to the dinner table. And the joy my friend experienced was the sweet fellowship of Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Is God finding in us what He is looking for?
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars" (2 Chron 16:9).
These are the words of the prophet Hanani unto King Asa when he enter into an alliance with the King of Syria. We learned in a previous devotional that what made King Asa a great King was that he relied upon God even when facing insurmountable odds. But later in his reign when the King of Israel came against him he turned to the King of Syria for help. In fact he took the silver and gold from the treasury of the House of the Lord and gave it to the King of Syria to persuade him to become his ally. By doing so he gained the support of the king of Israel but forfeited the support of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was in that context that the Prophet Hanai spoke the words, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towrd Him." When Hanani spoke of God showing himself strong on behalf of those with a perfect Heart he did not mean a sinless heart. Hanai did not have a perfect heart not because he wasnt sinless but becasue he failed to rely upon God.
It seems to me that many churches today are relying on and spending lots of money on things like technology, modern facilities and programs but very little time and energy is given to corporate prayer. Big buildings and slick programs don't impress God. But a church that regularly gathers together to cry out to God in fervent prayer to do what only he can do is a church that God delights to show Himself strong on the behalf of. May God find what he is looking for in our churches namely hearts that our perfect toward Him.
These are the words of the prophet Hanani unto King Asa when he enter into an alliance with the King of Syria. We learned in a previous devotional that what made King Asa a great King was that he relied upon God even when facing insurmountable odds. But later in his reign when the King of Israel came against him he turned to the King of Syria for help. In fact he took the silver and gold from the treasury of the House of the Lord and gave it to the King of Syria to persuade him to become his ally. By doing so he gained the support of the king of Israel but forfeited the support of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was in that context that the Prophet Hanai spoke the words, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towrd Him." When Hanani spoke of God showing himself strong on behalf of those with a perfect Heart he did not mean a sinless heart. Hanai did not have a perfect heart not because he wasnt sinless but becasue he failed to rely upon God.
It seems to me that many churches today are relying on and spending lots of money on things like technology, modern facilities and programs but very little time and energy is given to corporate prayer. Big buildings and slick programs don't impress God. But a church that regularly gathers together to cry out to God in fervent prayer to do what only he can do is a church that God delights to show Himself strong on the behalf of. May God find what he is looking for in our churches namely hearts that our perfect toward Him.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
How to bring God into your fight?
"And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee" (2Chrn.14:11).
Asa was one of the few great Kings of Judah. One of the keys to his greatness was that he relied upon His God. When Asa faced an insurmountable foe he looked to His God in prayer for help. There our at least three elements to how Asa's dependence upon God led to victory over his foes. First, Asa cried unto the Lord for help recognizing that little is much when God is on your side. Prayer brings God into the fight. Secondly, Asa was victorious because he rested on His God. In other words he was not carrying all the weight of what he was facing on his own shoulders, but leaned on His God to support it. Thirdly, Asa identified His cause with God's cause and fought for the glory of His name.
We will be victorious in our lives when we too recognize that although we our weak, through prayer we bring God on our side of the battle field. When facing what might seem like insurmountable odds we must lean upon God while we seek to bring glory to his name in all that we do for Him.
Asa was one of the few great Kings of Judah. One of the keys to his greatness was that he relied upon His God. When Asa faced an insurmountable foe he looked to His God in prayer for help. There our at least three elements to how Asa's dependence upon God led to victory over his foes. First, Asa cried unto the Lord for help recognizing that little is much when God is on your side. Prayer brings God into the fight. Secondly, Asa was victorious because he rested on His God. In other words he was not carrying all the weight of what he was facing on his own shoulders, but leaned on His God to support it. Thirdly, Asa identified His cause with God's cause and fought for the glory of His name.
We will be victorious in our lives when we too recognize that although we our weak, through prayer we bring God on our side of the battle field. When facing what might seem like insurmountable odds we must lean upon God while we seek to bring glory to his name in all that we do for Him.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Grace of Contentment
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:5-6)
One key virtue that ought to stand out in the life of every Christian is the characteristic of contentment. You will not be an effective witness for Jesus Christ unless it is evident to those around you that in spite of your circumstances you possess a thankful and contented heart. Paul wrote that a believer ought to be "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding (overflowing) therein with thanksgiving" (Col 2:7). God's desire for you is that your life overflows with thanksgiving.
The key to a blessed life is not about finding the perfect spouse, the perfect situation or the perfect circumstances. The key to a blessed life is having the right attitude no matter what situation we find ourselves in namely an attitude of contentment. Thanksgiving flows from a heart of contentment. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow I want to share with you some truths to help you learn the secret of contentment:
I. The Problem of Covetousness:
The author of Hebrews writes, “Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without covetousness…” Covetousness is the opposite of contentment. A covetous person always wants more than what he or she has. It’s been said that when little is not enough nothing will ever be enough. Many people are deceived into thinking that they need more to be happy. That's a trap. If what you have is not enough what makes you think more will ever be enough. Solomon wrote, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Ecc. 5:10).
CCovetousness isn’t the answer to true happiness and contentment, it’s the enemy. Covetousness draws us away from the source of true contentment the leads to thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
Paul teaches us here that great gain is not found in having more money so that we can buy more things. You are rich—you have great gain when you possess godliness with contentment. Don’t allow the pursuit of money to draw you away for the source of true joy and contentment, namely pursuing God and walking with Him. Don’t ever go after money and material things to find happiness and contentment. And don’t ever go hard after money and material gain and the expense of pursuing hard after God.
The love of money will lead you away from the source of real joy and contentment and down a road that leads to misery and destruction.
II. The Power of Contentment:
The author of Hebrews gives the secret to a blessed life: He said that rather than being covetous, he wrote "be content": He said, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:” (Hebrews 9:5).
Contentment is a choice. It’s not based on circumstances and comforts. We can choose to be content. Choosing to be content is choosing to change our attitude. “Contentment has little to do with position and everything to do with your disposition.” And in order to change our attitude we need to change the way we think. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philip. 4:11-12).
The contentment that we can have through Christ is powerful because it doesn’t depend on our circumstances but on Jesus who strengthens our hearts and ministers to us the grace of contentment. We live in a world that bombards us with messages, advertisements and images that are designed to make us feel dissatisfied and discontent. And as a result we too often begin to focus on what we don't have rather than on the many blessings that we do have. We get so preoccupied with what we don't have that we fail to enjoy what we do have.
How does Jesus strengthen our hearts and fill them with the grace of contentment? Well, rather than thinking and focusing on what we don't have we need focus on what we do have and be thankful to God. And don't just focus on the things of this life that you should be thankful for but on the riches that we have in Christ--think on the promises of God--think on the spiritual blessing you have in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:15-19). And it’s in that process of focusing on the many blessings that we have in Christ and actually offering unto God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that God begins to pour out the grace of contentment into our hearts (Philip. 4:6-8).
III. The Promises of Christ:
Notice the reason that is given for why we can be content with what we have: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Someone said, “I rather know the baker than to have a warehouse full of bread.” Oh no matter how little or how much we have today we can be content today—and we ought to be so very thankful today because the bread of life—the God of the universe promises that he will be with us—that he will never leave us nor forsake us.
When God makes a promise we can count on it—we can stand on it—we can find hope and comfort through it. And because of the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us the author of Hebrews writes, “...that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper I will not fear…”
Martin Lloyd Jones said, “Do you realize that most of your unhappiness is the result of you listening to yourself more than talking to yourself.” Oh, when you are listening to yourself and feeling discouraged, dissatisfied or fearful you need to stand on the promises of God. And through those promise you need to learn to boldly preach to yourself and encourage yourself in the Lord. “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man or anything else will do unto me.”
The author of Hebrews writes, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
God will channel to us the grace of contentment as we offer unto him our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Let’s take some time not only during this thanksgiving holiday but continually to focus on the goodness of God, the blessings of God and the promises of God. And let us offer unto the Lord the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving with the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto his name.
One key virtue that ought to stand out in the life of every Christian is the characteristic of contentment. You will not be an effective witness for Jesus Christ unless it is evident to those around you that in spite of your circumstances you possess a thankful and contented heart. Paul wrote that a believer ought to be "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding (overflowing) therein with thanksgiving" (Col 2:7). God's desire for you is that your life overflows with thanksgiving.
The key to a blessed life is not about finding the perfect spouse, the perfect situation or the perfect circumstances. The key to a blessed life is having the right attitude no matter what situation we find ourselves in namely an attitude of contentment. Thanksgiving flows from a heart of contentment. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow I want to share with you some truths to help you learn the secret of contentment:
I. The Problem of Covetousness:
The author of Hebrews writes, “Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without covetousness…” Covetousness is the opposite of contentment. A covetous person always wants more than what he or she has. It’s been said that when little is not enough nothing will ever be enough. Many people are deceived into thinking that they need more to be happy. That's a trap. If what you have is not enough what makes you think more will ever be enough. Solomon wrote, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Ecc. 5:10).
CCovetousness isn’t the answer to true happiness and contentment, it’s the enemy. Covetousness draws us away from the source of true contentment the leads to thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
Paul teaches us here that great gain is not found in having more money so that we can buy more things. You are rich—you have great gain when you possess godliness with contentment. Don’t allow the pursuit of money to draw you away for the source of true joy and contentment, namely pursuing God and walking with Him. Don’t ever go after money and material things to find happiness and contentment. And don’t ever go hard after money and material gain and the expense of pursuing hard after God.
The love of money will lead you away from the source of real joy and contentment and down a road that leads to misery and destruction.
II. The Power of Contentment:
The author of Hebrews gives the secret to a blessed life: He said that rather than being covetous, he wrote "be content": He said, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:” (Hebrews 9:5).
Contentment is a choice. It’s not based on circumstances and comforts. We can choose to be content. Choosing to be content is choosing to change our attitude. “Contentment has little to do with position and everything to do with your disposition.” And in order to change our attitude we need to change the way we think. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philip. 4:11-12).
The contentment that we can have through Christ is powerful because it doesn’t depend on our circumstances but on Jesus who strengthens our hearts and ministers to us the grace of contentment. We live in a world that bombards us with messages, advertisements and images that are designed to make us feel dissatisfied and discontent. And as a result we too often begin to focus on what we don't have rather than on the many blessings that we do have. We get so preoccupied with what we don't have that we fail to enjoy what we do have.
How does Jesus strengthen our hearts and fill them with the grace of contentment? Well, rather than thinking and focusing on what we don't have we need focus on what we do have and be thankful to God. And don't just focus on the things of this life that you should be thankful for but on the riches that we have in Christ--think on the promises of God--think on the spiritual blessing you have in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:15-19). And it’s in that process of focusing on the many blessings that we have in Christ and actually offering unto God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that God begins to pour out the grace of contentment into our hearts (Philip. 4:6-8).
III. The Promises of Christ:
Notice the reason that is given for why we can be content with what we have: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Someone said, “I rather know the baker than to have a warehouse full of bread.” Oh no matter how little or how much we have today we can be content today—and we ought to be so very thankful today because the bread of life—the God of the universe promises that he will be with us—that he will never leave us nor forsake us.
When God makes a promise we can count on it—we can stand on it—we can find hope and comfort through it. And because of the promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us the author of Hebrews writes, “...that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper I will not fear…”
Martin Lloyd Jones said, “Do you realize that most of your unhappiness is the result of you listening to yourself more than talking to yourself.” Oh, when you are listening to yourself and feeling discouraged, dissatisfied or fearful you need to stand on the promises of God. And through those promise you need to learn to boldly preach to yourself and encourage yourself in the Lord. “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man or anything else will do unto me.”
The author of Hebrews writes, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
God will channel to us the grace of contentment as we offer unto him our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Let’s take some time not only during this thanksgiving holiday but continually to focus on the goodness of God, the blessings of God and the promises of God. And let us offer unto the Lord the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving with the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto his name.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The faith that God rewards
"And he did not many might works there because of their unbelief" (Mat 13:58).
When Jesus went into his hometown he preached the word of God with authority and did mighty works. But the people that were familiar with him and his family were skeptical of him. In fact the bible says that they took offense at him. In other words they had an attitude that said, "Who does he think he is coming into town thinking he can preach to us?" We know his family and he's nobody special." Because of this attitude Matthew wrote, "And he did not many might works there because of their unbelief." Notice that their lack of faith, which resulted in them not experiencing many mighty works, was due to their low view of who Jesus was.
There are many today that believe that faith is nothing more than positive thinking. They believe that if you just believe it you can achieve it. But true faith is as good as its object. True faith is not faith in faith. The quality of your faith is not about how much faith you have in your own faith. The quality of your faith is dependent upon what you think about Jesus. The reason that the people in Jesus' hometown didn't experience the mighty works of Jesus was not because they failed to claim them by faith but because of their inadequate view of Jesus. They saw him not as the son of God but as just an ordinary man. The faith that moves mountains is a faith the has a high and holy view of God. The author of Hebrews wrote, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). The faith that God rewards is not a faith that sees God as a glorified Santa Clause who grants every wish on our Christmas list. The faith that God rewards is the faith that diligently seeks God for who He is. The reason that many churches and Christian are not experiencing the mighty works of God is because of their low view of who God is. When we begin to see and know God for who he is we will trust him to do in us and through us what only He can do. Paul wrote, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
Do you desire a faith that will experience the mighty works of God? Get in the word of God in order that you might get to know the God of the word. The more you know Him the more that you will love Him. And the more you love Him the more you will trust Him. And the more you trust him the more you will obey Him. True faith is not about getting God to do what we want. True faith leads a person to trust God in order that he might do his mighty works through us to the glory of His name.
When Jesus went into his hometown he preached the word of God with authority and did mighty works. But the people that were familiar with him and his family were skeptical of him. In fact the bible says that they took offense at him. In other words they had an attitude that said, "Who does he think he is coming into town thinking he can preach to us?" We know his family and he's nobody special." Because of this attitude Matthew wrote, "And he did not many might works there because of their unbelief." Notice that their lack of faith, which resulted in them not experiencing many mighty works, was due to their low view of who Jesus was.
There are many today that believe that faith is nothing more than positive thinking. They believe that if you just believe it you can achieve it. But true faith is as good as its object. True faith is not faith in faith. The quality of your faith is not about how much faith you have in your own faith. The quality of your faith is dependent upon what you think about Jesus. The reason that the people in Jesus' hometown didn't experience the mighty works of Jesus was not because they failed to claim them by faith but because of their inadequate view of Jesus. They saw him not as the son of God but as just an ordinary man. The faith that moves mountains is a faith the has a high and holy view of God. The author of Hebrews wrote, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). The faith that God rewards is not a faith that sees God as a glorified Santa Clause who grants every wish on our Christmas list. The faith that God rewards is the faith that diligently seeks God for who He is. The reason that many churches and Christian are not experiencing the mighty works of God is because of their low view of who God is. When we begin to see and know God for who he is we will trust him to do in us and through us what only He can do. Paul wrote, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
Do you desire a faith that will experience the mighty works of God? Get in the word of God in order that you might get to know the God of the word. The more you know Him the more that you will love Him. And the more you love Him the more you will trust Him. And the more you trust him the more you will obey Him. True faith is not about getting God to do what we want. True faith leads a person to trust God in order that he might do his mighty works through us to the glory of His name.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
God is watching over me.
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing (cooper coin)? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:28-31).
I've been fearful of the future from time to time. But God is faithful to remind me that I am secure in his hands. The God of the universe knows my name and everything about me. And nothing that is happening to me or will happen to me will ever catch my God by surprise. "Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency meeting? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan's lies of fear, discouragement, and despair" (Adrian Rogers). The following words to that old hymn, "His eye is on the sparrow" is a great encouragement to me:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
God is watching over me. Amen!
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing (cooper coin)? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:28-31).
I've been fearful of the future from time to time. But God is faithful to remind me that I am secure in his hands. The God of the universe knows my name and everything about me. And nothing that is happening to me or will happen to me will ever catch my God by surprise. "Did you know the Holy Trinity never meets in an emergency meeting? God has never stepped down from His throne. Jesus has not left His right hand, and the Holy Spirit has not stopped interceding for you, His child. Refuse to listen to Satan's lies of fear, discouragement, and despair" (Adrian Rogers). The following words to that old hymn, "His eye is on the sparrow" is a great encouragement to me:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
God is watching over me. Amen!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
If you're not progressing you're regressing
"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (2 Chron. 12:14).
I remember reading a story about a married couple that went out on the ocean in their boat. Robert and Glenda decided to go for a swim. While they were swimming, the current changed and they drifted from their boat. They tried to swim back to the boat, but ht current was too strong and Glenda was not a strong enough swimmer. Robert decided to keep swimming to the boat and come back for her while Glenda floated. Robert made it back to the boat but was not able to find her. He search and search until He realized he was running out of gas. He was forced into having to make the decision to return to the shore or risk running out of gas and not be able to rescue his wife. Thankfully, the following morning the coast guard found Glenda floating in the ocean alive and well. Later, it was discovered that Glenda had drifted 15 miles from where she first began to float. Christian, you are in a battle. The current of this godless culture is strong and flowing in the opposite direction that you must go. We can't afford to just go through the motions.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philip. 3:14). If we are not progressing in our walk with God we are regressing. If we are not seeking hard after God we are drifting farther and farther away from God and the life that He intends for us to live. Prepare your heart to seek the Lord.
I remember reading a story about a married couple that went out on the ocean in their boat. Robert and Glenda decided to go for a swim. While they were swimming, the current changed and they drifted from their boat. They tried to swim back to the boat, but ht current was too strong and Glenda was not a strong enough swimmer. Robert decided to keep swimming to the boat and come back for her while Glenda floated. Robert made it back to the boat but was not able to find her. He search and search until He realized he was running out of gas. He was forced into having to make the decision to return to the shore or risk running out of gas and not be able to rescue his wife. Thankfully, the following morning the coast guard found Glenda floating in the ocean alive and well. Later, it was discovered that Glenda had drifted 15 miles from where she first began to float. Christian, you are in a battle. The current of this godless culture is strong and flowing in the opposite direction that you must go. We can't afford to just go through the motions.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philip. 3:14). If we are not progressing in our walk with God we are regressing. If we are not seeking hard after God we are drifting farther and farther away from God and the life that He intends for us to live. Prepare your heart to seek the Lord.
Wisdom and Success
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end" (Proverbs. 19:20).
Some time ago I read the following statement and found it to be rather humorous:
Teenagers: tired of stupid parents?
Act now! Move out -
get a job -
pay your own bills.
Do it while you still know everything!
The truth is that teenagers are not the only ones that act like they know it all. Adult Christians also suffer from the same malady. And this is a serious problem because God uses the wise counsel of others to help bring us to where He wants us to be. Paul wrote, "Be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17). Success in the Christians life is not about how talented, smart or gifted you are. Success in the eyes of God is about understanding what God's will is and walking in it. Wise and successful Christians know that they don't know it all and seek wise counsel.
Some time ago I read the following statement and found it to be rather humorous:
Teenagers: tired of stupid parents?
Act now! Move out -
get a job -
pay your own bills.
Do it while you still know everything!
The truth is that teenagers are not the only ones that act like they know it all. Adult Christians also suffer from the same malady. And this is a serious problem because God uses the wise counsel of others to help bring us to where He wants us to be. Paul wrote, "Be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17). Success in the Christians life is not about how talented, smart or gifted you are. Success in the eyes of God is about understanding what God's will is and walking in it. Wise and successful Christians know that they don't know it all and seek wise counsel.
Friday, November 19, 2010
God will never accept an alibi for our sin.
"Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak" (2 Chron. 12:6-7).
Due to King Rehoboam's sins, God revealed to Him through the prophet Shemiah that he was lifting His hand of protection from him as the King of Egypt came against Israel. But after hearing the prophet Shemaih's propetic words, the King and the princes of Israel humbled themselves saying, "The Lord is righteous." And as a result of the humility that they showed God granted deliverance. When they humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is righteous" they were in essence saying, "God your right and were wrong. We deserve what we got coming to us. We are to blame."
Recently, someone I know, who is fighting an addiction to drugs and alcohol relapsed. After he relapsed he tried to blame the pressures that He said others we're placing on him for his decision to use. God is a God of grace and mercy. When we come to Him for salvation through Christ he will save us and accept us. But although God accepts us just as we are He loves us to much to leave us there. When there is unconfessed and unforsaken sin in our lives God will chastise, correct and discipline us as any loving father would a wayward child (Hebrews 12). God's discipline is designed to bring his children to a place of repentance where once again they can begin to experience God's favor and blessing. One of the keys to genuine repentance of sin is humility. Like King Rehoboam and the princes of Egypt, we must humble ourselves saying "The Lord is righteous." In other words when we truly humble ourselves before God in genuine repentance for our sin we take full responsibility for it. We acknowledge that God is right and we're wrong. We don't blame God or anyone else for the wrong decisions that we make. God will never accept an alibi for our sin. But when we humbly confess our sins we can count on the fact that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Due to King Rehoboam's sins, God revealed to Him through the prophet Shemiah that he was lifting His hand of protection from him as the King of Egypt came against Israel. But after hearing the prophet Shemaih's propetic words, the King and the princes of Israel humbled themselves saying, "The Lord is righteous." And as a result of the humility that they showed God granted deliverance. When they humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is righteous" they were in essence saying, "God your right and were wrong. We deserve what we got coming to us. We are to blame."
Recently, someone I know, who is fighting an addiction to drugs and alcohol relapsed. After he relapsed he tried to blame the pressures that He said others we're placing on him for his decision to use. God is a God of grace and mercy. When we come to Him for salvation through Christ he will save us and accept us. But although God accepts us just as we are He loves us to much to leave us there. When there is unconfessed and unforsaken sin in our lives God will chastise, correct and discipline us as any loving father would a wayward child (Hebrews 12). God's discipline is designed to bring his children to a place of repentance where once again they can begin to experience God's favor and blessing. One of the keys to genuine repentance of sin is humility. Like King Rehoboam and the princes of Egypt, we must humble ourselves saying "The Lord is righteous." In other words when we truly humble ourselves before God in genuine repentance for our sin we take full responsibility for it. We acknowledge that God is right and we're wrong. We don't blame God or anyone else for the wrong decisions that we make. God will never accept an alibi for our sin. But when we humbly confess our sins we can count on the fact that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Manifest Presence of God
"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven...and the glory of the LORD filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house. 3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground...and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever" (2 Chron. 7:1-3).
In Psalm 63 we read that David thirsted for God as one would thirst for water in a dry and thirsty land. He desperately wanted to see the power and glory of God because he had seen it before and was so deeply satisfied. But the glory of God not only brought him great satisfaction it produced at the same time a greater hunger and longing for God.
Notice also that in 2 Chron. 7:1-3 we read that David's son Solomon, after the temple was built, dedicated it unto the Lord in prayer. And after He prayed the fire of God came down from heaven and the glory of God filled the temple. There was such an awesome manifestation of the presence of God that when the children of Israel saw it they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground and began to worship and praise the Lord. Oh how the church today needs such an encounter with the manifest presence of God. In 1 Cor. 14 Paul wrote, "But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" (1 Cor. 14:24-25). In these scriptures Paul teaches that when the gifts of the Spirit of God like prophesy (speaking forth God's word) are genuinely in operation in the church others will see it as a manifestation of the presence of God and they will also fall down on their face and worship God.
Paul also wrote, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:4-5). What Paul is saying here is that when He preached there was a supernatural manifestation of God's power that had nothing to do with his eloquence or his own wisdom. And it was this manifestation of God in His preaching that made the difference in others producing in them faith in God. I believe that the manifest presence and power of God is absent in the church. Oh the church has programs, preaching, and praise songs but where is the manifests presence of God the cause’s people to fall on their faces in worship before God? As long as we are content to go on without it we will never see it. But if we would long to see God's glory and power as David long to see it and pray for the fire of Heaven to fall upon our churches God might very well just do it. Let us pray and not cease unto we can truly say, "Surely the presence of the Lord is in our midst."
In Psalm 63 we read that David thirsted for God as one would thirst for water in a dry and thirsty land. He desperately wanted to see the power and glory of God because he had seen it before and was so deeply satisfied. But the glory of God not only brought him great satisfaction it produced at the same time a greater hunger and longing for God.
Notice also that in 2 Chron. 7:1-3 we read that David's son Solomon, after the temple was built, dedicated it unto the Lord in prayer. And after He prayed the fire of God came down from heaven and the glory of God filled the temple. There was such an awesome manifestation of the presence of God that when the children of Israel saw it they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground and began to worship and praise the Lord. Oh how the church today needs such an encounter with the manifest presence of God. In 1 Cor. 14 Paul wrote, "But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" (1 Cor. 14:24-25). In these scriptures Paul teaches that when the gifts of the Spirit of God like prophesy (speaking forth God's word) are genuinely in operation in the church others will see it as a manifestation of the presence of God and they will also fall down on their face and worship God.
Paul also wrote, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:4-5). What Paul is saying here is that when He preached there was a supernatural manifestation of God's power that had nothing to do with his eloquence or his own wisdom. And it was this manifestation of God in His preaching that made the difference in others producing in them faith in God. I believe that the manifest presence and power of God is absent in the church. Oh the church has programs, preaching, and praise songs but where is the manifests presence of God the cause’s people to fall on their faces in worship before God? As long as we are content to go on without it we will never see it. But if we would long to see God's glory and power as David long to see it and pray for the fire of Heaven to fall upon our churches God might very well just do it. Let us pray and not cease unto we can truly say, "Surely the presence of the Lord is in our midst."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Seek God's Face Not Just His Hand
"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God" (2 Chron. 5:13-14).
There are so many reasons why true praise and worship is so vital. First of all we should praise the Lord because He is worthy to be worshiped. Secondly, as we worship Him in Spirit and in truth we are brought into the presence of God. A church where the presence of God is encountered and where the glory of God is seen is a Church that is experiencing revival. “Revival awakens in our hearts an increased awareness of the presence of God, a new love for God, a new hatred for sin and a hunger for His Word" (Del Fehsefeld Jr.).
What changes our lives and brings refreshing to our souls is the manifest presence of God in our midst. But sadly many Churches today are absent of God’s Holy presence. And as a result the church has become lifeless, barren and unfruitful. The church today must seek God’s face and not just His hand. When we are seeking God’s face we are not just seeking something from Him to relieve our hurt. We are seeking Him to revive our hearts. And nothing will revive our hearts and bring the refreshing that we need for our souls more then coming into the presence of God. The Psalmist wrote, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). Come before God in true worship and thanksgiving. Praise Him for He is good and His mercy endures forever.
There are so many reasons why true praise and worship is so vital. First of all we should praise the Lord because He is worthy to be worshiped. Secondly, as we worship Him in Spirit and in truth we are brought into the presence of God. A church where the presence of God is encountered and where the glory of God is seen is a Church that is experiencing revival. “Revival awakens in our hearts an increased awareness of the presence of God, a new love for God, a new hatred for sin and a hunger for His Word" (Del Fehsefeld Jr.).
What changes our lives and brings refreshing to our souls is the manifest presence of God in our midst. But sadly many Churches today are absent of God’s Holy presence. And as a result the church has become lifeless, barren and unfruitful. The church today must seek God’s face and not just His hand. When we are seeking God’s face we are not just seeking something from Him to relieve our hurt. We are seeking Him to revive our hearts. And nothing will revive our hearts and bring the refreshing that we need for our souls more then coming into the presence of God. The Psalmist wrote, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). Come before God in true worship and thanksgiving. Praise Him for He is good and His mercy endures forever.
What matters most is not what man sees but what God knows.
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly"(Matthew 6:5-6).
In this passage Jesus was not teaching against public prayer. Jesus Himself prayed publicly. Jesus was speaking against those who did religious things to appear spiritual before men. People are often more concern with their reputation (what other people think about them) than their character (what God knows about them). But God is more interested in our character than He is our reputation. The religious Jews of Jesus day wanted to be known by others as men of prayer. In other words they wanted to have the reputation among men that they sought God through prayer. But God's doesn't reward us based on our reputation (what others think of us). God's reward is based on our character (what He knows about us). It's been said that your character is best measured by what you do that no one else sees but God.
Are you a man or woman of prayer? The way to answer that question is to examine your secret life. Do you seek God in prayer when no one is looking? Does prayer characterize your private life? So what if others know you to be a man of prayer. What matters most is not what man sees but what God knows. Those who care more for their reputation might gain the praise of man but lose the reward of the Almighty. The spiritual things we do only have value when we do them for God's eyes only. Seek God because He is worthy to be sought.
In this passage Jesus was not teaching against public prayer. Jesus Himself prayed publicly. Jesus was speaking against those who did religious things to appear spiritual before men. People are often more concern with their reputation (what other people think about them) than their character (what God knows about them). But God is more interested in our character than He is our reputation. The religious Jews of Jesus day wanted to be known by others as men of prayer. In other words they wanted to have the reputation among men that they sought God through prayer. But God's doesn't reward us based on our reputation (what others think of us). God's reward is based on our character (what He knows about us). It's been said that your character is best measured by what you do that no one else sees but God.
Are you a man or woman of prayer? The way to answer that question is to examine your secret life. Do you seek God in prayer when no one is looking? Does prayer characterize your private life? So what if others know you to be a man of prayer. What matters most is not what man sees but what God knows. Those who care more for their reputation might gain the praise of man but lose the reward of the Almighty. The spiritual things we do only have value when we do them for God's eyes only. Seek God because He is worthy to be sought.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
God is for me
"You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:8-11).
As I face a difficult trial (please pray for me) what great encouragement I receive when I'm reminded that I'm able to say as the Psalmist did, "This I know, that God is for me." The God that created the universe, the God who knows every hair on my head, that keeps count of all my tossing and turning, that saves every tear that I shed in a bottle, He is with me and for me. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). So no matter what I'm facing I know that God is going to see me through. He's done so countless times before and he will do it again. I don't know what the future may hold, But this one thing I know for sure, "God is for me." (Psalm 56:9) Can I get a witness?
As I face a difficult trial (please pray for me) what great encouragement I receive when I'm reminded that I'm able to say as the Psalmist did, "This I know, that God is for me." The God that created the universe, the God who knows every hair on my head, that keeps count of all my tossing and turning, that saves every tear that I shed in a bottle, He is with me and for me. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). So no matter what I'm facing I know that God is going to see me through. He's done so countless times before and he will do it again. I don't know what the future may hold, But this one thing I know for sure, "God is for me." (Psalm 56:9) Can I get a witness?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Do whatever it takes to keep your heart pure
"You have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27).
Jesus was not only concern with people keeping the letter of the Law like the religious Jews did in his day, He stressed that it was more important that we keep the spirit of the law. In other words, God is more concerned with inward purity of the heart than outward conformity to the law. And in the context of inward purity of the heart Jesus went on to say, "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:28-29). In other words Jesus is saying that we must do whatever it takes no matter how drastic it is to guard our hearts and keep it pure. We must eradicate anything in our control that is feeding the evil desires of our hearts. When Jesus said that its better to pluck out your eye than to be cast into hell he does not mean that a save person can lose their salvation. But I believe that what he is saying is that any person with an unwillingness to protect their hearts from those things which fuel their sinful passions gives evidence that they are on a highway to Hell.
The reason Jesus refers to our right eye and our right hand is that they represent parts of our bodies that are of utmost value. Now Jesus does not mean that we are to literally pluck our eyes out. But what he does mean is that even those things that we deem to be essential to our lives we must be ready to cast off if they are sources of temptations that feed our sinful lust. Paul wrote, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).
Are you struggling with internet pornography? Get rid of your computer. Is there a certain relationship that you have with someone that makes you vulnerable and more susceptible to lust? End the relationship. “Be killing sin or it will be killing you (Owens).
Jesus was not only concern with people keeping the letter of the Law like the religious Jews did in his day, He stressed that it was more important that we keep the spirit of the law. In other words, God is more concerned with inward purity of the heart than outward conformity to the law. And in the context of inward purity of the heart Jesus went on to say, "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:28-29). In other words Jesus is saying that we must do whatever it takes no matter how drastic it is to guard our hearts and keep it pure. We must eradicate anything in our control that is feeding the evil desires of our hearts. When Jesus said that its better to pluck out your eye than to be cast into hell he does not mean that a save person can lose their salvation. But I believe that what he is saying is that any person with an unwillingness to protect their hearts from those things which fuel their sinful passions gives evidence that they are on a highway to Hell.
The reason Jesus refers to our right eye and our right hand is that they represent parts of our bodies that are of utmost value. Now Jesus does not mean that we are to literally pluck our eyes out. But what he does mean is that even those things that we deem to be essential to our lives we must be ready to cast off if they are sources of temptations that feed our sinful lust. Paul wrote, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).
Are you struggling with internet pornography? Get rid of your computer. Is there a certain relationship that you have with someone that makes you vulnerable and more susceptible to lust? End the relationship. “Be killing sin or it will be killing you (Owens).
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
"There are no victories at discount prices."
"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him" (Matthew 4:18-20).
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? It means to follow Jesus where ever he leads. And Jesus made it very clear that following him will come with a cost. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." In a devotional entitled "No discount disciples" Ron Hutchcraft wrote, "After the Allied forces stormed ashore at Normandy on D-Day, charging into deadly German fire and land mines, General Eisenhower said, "There are no victories at discount prices." The same is true when it comes to following Jesus." Unless we take up His cross we will not experience the victories and abundant Christian life that Jesus intended for us to live. Again, Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).
There are many today that are trying to find their life. But the key to finding life is to lose your life for Jesus sake. And all who do will experience a fellowship with Jesus that will be out of this world.
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? It means to follow Jesus where ever he leads. And Jesus made it very clear that following him will come with a cost. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." In a devotional entitled "No discount disciples" Ron Hutchcraft wrote, "After the Allied forces stormed ashore at Normandy on D-Day, charging into deadly German fire and land mines, General Eisenhower said, "There are no victories at discount prices." The same is true when it comes to following Jesus." Unless we take up His cross we will not experience the victories and abundant Christian life that Jesus intended for us to live. Again, Jesus said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).
There are many today that are trying to find their life. But the key to finding life is to lose your life for Jesus sake. And all who do will experience a fellowship with Jesus that will be out of this world.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Going all out for the glory of God
"And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods" (2 Chron. 2:5).
The temple that Solomon built for the Lord was magnificent. The reason that Solomon went all out in gathering the resources and the man power that it would take for its construction was that it was being built for the Lord. In Solomon's mind God is great and therefore what he was going to do in the name of the Lord deserved his very best effort. God made it clear that he doesn't need a house to dwell in and he doesn't require the elaborate in order for man to worship Him. God had previously manifested his presence in a tabernacle (tent). But although God doesn't require the elaborate he does deserve and is worthy of our best. Solomon went all out in building the temple because he wanted others, who looked upon the temple, to be reminded of the greatness of God.
Today, believers are the temple of God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Like Solomon are you going all out to glorify God--to make God look good in your body, which belongs to God? In all we do for God let's give Him our very best. He's Worthy!
The temple that Solomon built for the Lord was magnificent. The reason that Solomon went all out in gathering the resources and the man power that it would take for its construction was that it was being built for the Lord. In Solomon's mind God is great and therefore what he was going to do in the name of the Lord deserved his very best effort. God made it clear that he doesn't need a house to dwell in and he doesn't require the elaborate in order for man to worship Him. God had previously manifested his presence in a tabernacle (tent). But although God doesn't require the elaborate he does deserve and is worthy of our best. Solomon went all out in building the temple because he wanted others, who looked upon the temple, to be reminded of the greatness of God.
Today, believers are the temple of God. The Apostle Paul wrote, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Like Solomon are you going all out to glorify God--to make God look good in your body, which belongs to God? In all we do for God let's give Him our very best. He's Worthy!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Saved to Serve
"And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD." (1 Chron. 28:19-20).
If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior you are saved and on your way to heaven (John 5:24). You are heaven born and heaven bound. But we've been saved not just to know we're going to heaven. We've been saved to serve.
God called Solomon to build the temple or House of the Lord. In Solomon's day the temple was a physical building. But today the temple is the church, which is made up not of walls but of born again believers. In Ephesians Paul wrote, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph. 2:19-22).
According to Paul the church (made up of believers) is the habitation of God through the Spirit. And its within that community of believers Christian are to grow in the Lord as they serve one another.
David encouraged his son to be faithful in the building up of the temple by saying, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD." In the same way that Solomon was to be faithful to build up the temple, Chrisitans are to build up eachother in the Lord. And when we are serving God in and through the church, like Solomon we can stand on the promise that God will be with us and equip us for the work he has called us to do. Find out what God wants you to do and do it trusting that the Lord will be with you.
If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior you are saved and on your way to heaven (John 5:24). You are heaven born and heaven bound. But we've been saved not just to know we're going to heaven. We've been saved to serve.
God called Solomon to build the temple or House of the Lord. In Solomon's day the temple was a physical building. But today the temple is the church, which is made up not of walls but of born again believers. In Ephesians Paul wrote, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph. 2:19-22).
According to Paul the church (made up of believers) is the habitation of God through the Spirit. And its within that community of believers Christian are to grow in the Lord as they serve one another.
David encouraged his son to be faithful in the building up of the temple by saying, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD." In the same way that Solomon was to be faithful to build up the temple, Chrisitans are to build up eachother in the Lord. And when we are serving God in and through the church, like Solomon we can stand on the promise that God will be with us and equip us for the work he has called us to do. Find out what God wants you to do and do it trusting that the Lord will be with you.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Heman, the Real Super Hero
"And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God" (1 Chron. 25:5-7).
In the early 80s there was a cartoon called "Heman the Master of the Universe." Back then kids like me loved to watch cartoons with superheroes like Heman that fought against evil villains. But what children need today are real heroes. Let me tell you about a real He-man. David set apart a man named Heman as a musician to serve in the house of the Lord. God blessed Heman with 14 sons and 3 daughters. Concerning his children the bible says, "All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD." Heman took the time to train his children to play music unto the Lord in worship. Oh how we need fathers who will direct their children to worship and serve the Lord. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
Sadly, we have fathers who want to master the universe but have not mastered being a father in their homes. Fathers, be real Heman to your children by teaching them and more importantly showing them what it means to be a true worshipper of God.
In the early 80s there was a cartoon called "Heman the Master of the Universe." Back then kids like me loved to watch cartoons with superheroes like Heman that fought against evil villains. But what children need today are real heroes. Let me tell you about a real He-man. David set apart a man named Heman as a musician to serve in the house of the Lord. God blessed Heman with 14 sons and 3 daughters. Concerning his children the bible says, "All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD." Heman took the time to train his children to play music unto the Lord in worship. Oh how we need fathers who will direct their children to worship and serve the Lord. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
Sadly, we have fathers who want to master the universe but have not mastered being a father in their homes. Fathers, be real Heman to your children by teaching them and more importantly showing them what it means to be a true worshipper of God.
Good intentions are not good enough
"Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel." (1 Chron. 22:11-13).
Although David desired to build God's house, God revealed to him that it was not His will for him to do so. Solomon his son was given the responsibility by God to build the house of the Lord. If you desire to do something for God good intentions are not good enough. In order to have God's blessings we must not only seek to do God's will, but we must do it God's way.
Too often we are more focused on achieving a result more than being faithful to God's word. Pleasing God, which is what our ultimate desire ought to be, is not about failure and success, but faithfulness and service. In fact God's doesn't want us to do something for Him, He wants to do something through us. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philip. 4:13).
"What a blessed peace possesses us when once we realize that we are not called on to originate or initiate, nor to make great far-reaching plans and try to execute them; but just to believe that God is prepared to work through our hands, speak by our life, dwell in our bodies, and fulfill in us the good purposes of His will. Be full of God’s rest. Let there be no burry, precipitation, or fret; yield to God’s hands, that He may mould thee: hush thy quickly throbbing pulse! So shalt thou build to good and lasting purpose" (F.B. Meyer).
Don't tell God what you want to do and then ask Him to bless it. Find out what God wants you to do and do it relying on His grace to get it done. You see "God's will done God's way will never lack God's supply." Therefore focus on being faithful to God's word as you serve Him and leave the results to Him.
Although David desired to build God's house, God revealed to him that it was not His will for him to do so. Solomon his son was given the responsibility by God to build the house of the Lord. If you desire to do something for God good intentions are not good enough. In order to have God's blessings we must not only seek to do God's will, but we must do it God's way.
Too often we are more focused on achieving a result more than being faithful to God's word. Pleasing God, which is what our ultimate desire ought to be, is not about failure and success, but faithfulness and service. In fact God's doesn't want us to do something for Him, He wants to do something through us. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philip. 4:13).
"What a blessed peace possesses us when once we realize that we are not called on to originate or initiate, nor to make great far-reaching plans and try to execute them; but just to believe that God is prepared to work through our hands, speak by our life, dwell in our bodies, and fulfill in us the good purposes of His will. Be full of God’s rest. Let there be no burry, precipitation, or fret; yield to God’s hands, that He may mould thee: hush thy quickly throbbing pulse! So shalt thou build to good and lasting purpose" (F.B. Meyer).
Don't tell God what you want to do and then ask Him to bless it. Find out what God wants you to do and do it relying on His grace to get it done. You see "God's will done God's way will never lack God's supply." Therefore focus on being faithful to God's word as you serve Him and leave the results to Him.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Declaration of Dependence
"And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it...And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly" (1Chron. 21:1-2, 7-8).
After experiencing great military victories David was enticed by Satan to number Israel. Why was this a sinful thing that displeased God and brought his judgment? Pride! David forgot that the reason for his success was not the size of his kingdom but the blessings of God. David was a great king not because of how big his kingdom was but because of how big His God was. But when David ordered for the census to be taken he was making a declaration of independence. In other words he was saying that his strength was in numbers rather than in God. Do you realize that the essence of sin is an act of independence from God? And from day one Satan's goal has been to tempt man to act independently of God. But great Christians are men and women that recognize there utter need for God. And one of the greatest measures of dependence on God is prayer. Prayer is our declaration of dependence. "Pray as if your life depended upon it. It does!" (P. Yancey)
After experiencing great military victories David was enticed by Satan to number Israel. Why was this a sinful thing that displeased God and brought his judgment? Pride! David forgot that the reason for his success was not the size of his kingdom but the blessings of God. David was a great king not because of how big his kingdom was but because of how big His God was. But when David ordered for the census to be taken he was making a declaration of independence. In other words he was saying that his strength was in numbers rather than in God. Do you realize that the essence of sin is an act of independence from God? And from day one Satan's goal has been to tempt man to act independently of God. But great Christians are men and women that recognize there utter need for God. And one of the greatest measures of dependence on God is prayer. Prayer is our declaration of dependence. "Pray as if your life depended upon it. It does!" (P. Yancey)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Following Your Heart?
"Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go and tell David...Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in" (1 Chron. 17:1-4).
Have you ever sought a persons advice who responded by saying to you, "just follow your heart?" When David alluded to building a house for God Nathan said, "Do all that is in thine heart." But later "the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go and tell David...Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house." According to Jer. 17:9 our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. People including Christians can easily justify and rationalize making the wrong decisions. Therefore we must be careful to examine our hearts in prayer and in the light of God's word before any decision that we make. The Psalmist wrote, " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalmist 119:105).
There are times, especially when our emotions are involved, that we need to seek out the advice of a trusted friend, Pastor or a Christian counsellor who can take the light of God's word and help us to discern God's direction. We need people in our lives who will tell us in love what we need to hear not what we want to hear. Although Nathan didn't get it right the first time when he told David to follow his heart, he did come back to him later and shared with him the word of the Lord. And Nathan did so knowing that it was not what David desired to do. On another occasion Nathan was used of God to point out the sin in David life that led Him to repentance and restoration with God (2 Samuel 12). Thank God for the Nathans in our lives. Let the light of God's word be your guide.
Have you ever sought a persons advice who responded by saying to you, "just follow your heart?" When David alluded to building a house for God Nathan said, "Do all that is in thine heart." But later "the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go and tell David...Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house." According to Jer. 17:9 our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. People including Christians can easily justify and rationalize making the wrong decisions. Therefore we must be careful to examine our hearts in prayer and in the light of God's word before any decision that we make. The Psalmist wrote, " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalmist 119:105).
There are times, especially when our emotions are involved, that we need to seek out the advice of a trusted friend, Pastor or a Christian counsellor who can take the light of God's word and help us to discern God's direction. We need people in our lives who will tell us in love what we need to hear not what we want to hear. Although Nathan didn't get it right the first time when he told David to follow his heart, he did come back to him later and shared with him the word of the Lord. And Nathan did so knowing that it was not what David desired to do. On another occasion Nathan was used of God to point out the sin in David life that led Him to repentance and restoration with God (2 Samuel 12). Thank God for the Nathans in our lives. Let the light of God's word be your guide.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
"Striving together for the faith of the gospel”
"All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart...to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king" (1 Chron. 12:38).
When the time came for David to be enthroned as the new King of Israel it was written, "that the men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart ...to make David king over all Israel." As a result Israel became a great and mighty nation with David as their king. In this passage we find the secret to a united church that is enabled by God to do damage to the kingdom of darkness. Like the men of war in David's time, individual believers must come together in a local church with hearts that our seeking the preeminence of Christ. Paul wrote, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philip. 1:27-28).
What does it mean to demonstrate a manner of life that is becoming or worthy of the gospel of Christ? The gospel of Christ is the good news that Jesus humbled himself and in love gave his life to save sinners like you and I. When a believer is living a life worthy of the gospel they are living a life that reflects the selfless nature of Christ. But sadly there are believers today that are more focused on their own agendas, rights and preferences than they are glorifying the gospel of Christ. It’s been said when Christians focus on their rights you’ll have a revolution. But when they focus on their responsibilities you’ll have revival. It’s when each individual believers seeks to exalt the Savior with their lives and not self that they will be united and become a mighty force in advancing the kingdom of God.
When the time came for David to be enthroned as the new King of Israel it was written, "that the men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart ...to make David king over all Israel." As a result Israel became a great and mighty nation with David as their king. In this passage we find the secret to a united church that is enabled by God to do damage to the kingdom of darkness. Like the men of war in David's time, individual believers must come together in a local church with hearts that our seeking the preeminence of Christ. Paul wrote, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philip. 1:27-28).
What does it mean to demonstrate a manner of life that is becoming or worthy of the gospel of Christ? The gospel of Christ is the good news that Jesus humbled himself and in love gave his life to save sinners like you and I. When a believer is living a life worthy of the gospel they are living a life that reflects the selfless nature of Christ. But sadly there are believers today that are more focused on their own agendas, rights and preferences than they are glorifying the gospel of Christ. It’s been said when Christians focus on their rights you’ll have a revolution. But when they focus on their responsibilities you’ll have revival. It’s when each individual believers seeks to exalt the Savior with their lives and not self that they will be united and become a mighty force in advancing the kingdom of God.
Monday, November 1, 2010
And they were helped…for they cried to God in the battle
"The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him"(1 Chron. 5:18-20).
Like the 3 tribes mentioned above Christians need to be armed and ready for war. Paul wrote, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph. 6:10-12).
We are in a war not only against the world and our own sinful nature but against demonic forces that seek to destroy us. In this war we are easy prey unless we have "cried out to God in the battle" (1 Chron. 5:20). Notice that the three tribes mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:20 prayed "in the battle." These skillful warriors didn't just pray to prepare for the battle they fought the battle with prayer. They wielded their swords and they raised their shields but the secret to their success was that they cried out to God in the process. Prayer was the key to victory. "The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray" (Samuel Chadwick). God will answer the urgent pleas of all those who trust in Him.
Like the 3 tribes mentioned above Christians need to be armed and ready for war. Paul wrote, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph. 6:10-12).
We are in a war not only against the world and our own sinful nature but against demonic forces that seek to destroy us. In this war we are easy prey unless we have "cried out to God in the battle" (1 Chron. 5:20). Notice that the three tribes mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:20 prayed "in the battle." These skillful warriors didn't just pray to prepare for the battle they fought the battle with prayer. They wielded their swords and they raised their shields but the secret to their success was that they cried out to God in the process. Prayer was the key to victory. "The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray" (Samuel Chadwick). God will answer the urgent pleas of all those who trust in Him.
Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed
"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested" (1 Chron. 4:9-10).
Among all the genealogy listed in First Chronicles the writer pauses to give a brief testimony about Jabez. Part of that testimony was that Jabez stood out as an honorable man in his generation. What made Jabez the great man that he was? It is said of him that he "called on the God of Israel." Jabez was bold in prayer. He was not only bold but he was very specific in his prayer to God. He prayed for God to expand his territory, (influence) for protection and for God's hand (strength) to be with him. And specifically it is said that God granted his request.
“Jabez's prayer reminds us of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel, who also had a breakthrough time of prayer with God one day. One night Jacob wrestled with God-in-the-form-of-a-man and afterward uttered a sentence that has inspired many people throughout the centuries to fervently seek God for more. As the man sought to leave, Jacob responded, "I will not let you go unless you bless me"(Genesis 32:26). This kind of passionate, desperate prayer is definitely out of vogue today. Maybe that's the reason we experience so little divine blessing on both the church as a whole and her individual members. So often we seem content with the status quo rather than reaching out for more of God. Because of this, we seem to have little effect on the world around us. The sad truth is that most of our churches experience relatively few conversions. Instead, we grieve over large numbers of wayward children, a growing tide of divorce, and increased addiction to pornography. All these afflict the church itself — yet even this host of ills can't seem to stir us up enough so that we cry out to God, even wrestling with him if necessary, to secure supernatural help from heaven” (Jim Cymbala).
We will never stand out in our generation as being blessed of God unless we are men and women of bold and fervent prayer. We will not conquer greater territory for God, we will not experience God’s protection and strengthening hand unless we first and foremost labor in unceasing prayer until God pours out His blessing upon us. Neither Jabez nor Jacob was content to live without God’s blessing. I believe that the reason that many churches and Christians are living their lives without God’s supernatural blessings upon them is that they have accepted a life without it. As long as we are satisfied to live apart for God’s blessing we will not experience God’s blessings.
"We read in the biographies of our forefathers, who were most successful in winning souls, that they prayed for hours in private. The question therefore arises, can we get the same results without following their example? If we can, then let us prove to the world that we have found a better way; but if not, then in God's name let us begin to follow those who through faith and patience obtained the promise. Our forefathers wept and prayed and agonized before the Lord for sinners to be saved, and would not rest until they were slain by the Sword of the Word of God. That was the secret of their mighty success; when things were slack and would not move they wrestled in prayer till God poured out His Spirit upon the people and sinners were converted" (Oswald J. Smith).
Oh that we would pray to God like Jabez saying, "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed."
Among all the genealogy listed in First Chronicles the writer pauses to give a brief testimony about Jabez. Part of that testimony was that Jabez stood out as an honorable man in his generation. What made Jabez the great man that he was? It is said of him that he "called on the God of Israel." Jabez was bold in prayer. He was not only bold but he was very specific in his prayer to God. He prayed for God to expand his territory, (influence) for protection and for God's hand (strength) to be with him. And specifically it is said that God granted his request.
“Jabez's prayer reminds us of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel, who also had a breakthrough time of prayer with God one day. One night Jacob wrestled with God-in-the-form-of-a-man and afterward uttered a sentence that has inspired many people throughout the centuries to fervently seek God for more. As the man sought to leave, Jacob responded, "I will not let you go unless you bless me"(Genesis 32:26). This kind of passionate, desperate prayer is definitely out of vogue today. Maybe that's the reason we experience so little divine blessing on both the church as a whole and her individual members. So often we seem content with the status quo rather than reaching out for more of God. Because of this, we seem to have little effect on the world around us. The sad truth is that most of our churches experience relatively few conversions. Instead, we grieve over large numbers of wayward children, a growing tide of divorce, and increased addiction to pornography. All these afflict the church itself — yet even this host of ills can't seem to stir us up enough so that we cry out to God, even wrestling with him if necessary, to secure supernatural help from heaven” (Jim Cymbala).
We will never stand out in our generation as being blessed of God unless we are men and women of bold and fervent prayer. We will not conquer greater territory for God, we will not experience God’s protection and strengthening hand unless we first and foremost labor in unceasing prayer until God pours out His blessing upon us. Neither Jabez nor Jacob was content to live without God’s blessing. I believe that the reason that many churches and Christians are living their lives without God’s supernatural blessings upon them is that they have accepted a life without it. As long as we are satisfied to live apart for God’s blessing we will not experience God’s blessings.
"We read in the biographies of our forefathers, who were most successful in winning souls, that they prayed for hours in private. The question therefore arises, can we get the same results without following their example? If we can, then let us prove to the world that we have found a better way; but if not, then in God's name let us begin to follow those who through faith and patience obtained the promise. Our forefathers wept and prayed and agonized before the Lord for sinners to be saved, and would not rest until they were slain by the Sword of the Word of God. That was the secret of their mighty success; when things were slack and would not move they wrestled in prayer till God poured out His Spirit upon the people and sinners were converted" (Oswald J. Smith).
Oh that we would pray to God like Jabez saying, "Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed."
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