"So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord" (Ex. 28:29).
When Aaron the priest went before the Lord he didn't just come representing himself. He came representing the people of God. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel were not only etched on stones that he bore upon his shoulders, but the 12 precious stones on his breastpiece also represented the 12 tribes. So when he came before the presence of God he came with the burdens of his people on his shoulders and concern for their welfare on his heart. God's people today are to come before the Lord in a similar fashion. The blood of Jesus has made all believers kings and priest before God (1 Pet. 2:9). As such, we are to come before God not only with our own burdens, but with the burdens of others on our shoulders and their concerns on our hearts. Do you come before the Lord with the needs of others on your heart?
If you're like me sometimes your memory will fail you. Therefore, as the priest wore stones etched with the names of the tribes of Israel to remind them of who they were representing before God, we should do the same. I don't mean that we should put on the attire of an Old Testament Priest. But what we can do is keep a prayer journal. It's been said, "The weakest ink is better then the best memory." Remember to pray for others.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Seek the glory of God
"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it" (Ex. 25:8-9).
God commanded Moses and His people to build a tabernacle where He could dwell and commune with them. In addition, he gave them a very specific pattern for how it was to be constructed. When the tabernacle was completed in accordance with God's design, his glorious presence would fill the place. Today, God doesn't dwell in tents, but He does dwell in the hearts of His people. And His glory can be and must be manifested in His body, which is the church. When His glory is not seen in the church, the church looses it's power to effect change in the world. Sadly, when people go to church today they're looking for everything, but the glory of God. We look for things like entertaining music, abundance of programs, dramas, comedy, etc. And because many churches believe that success means drawing a bigger crowd, they are more concern with giving people what they're looking for then they are the glory of God.
The manifest glory of God, as it relates to the church, has to do with God's beauty and power being seen in the church. We can manufacture things like good music by human means, but we can't manufacture the glory of God. What we can do is follow the pattern that God has set in His word for what the church is to major on (i.e. worship, prayer and the word) and give ourselves wholly to it. May we give ourselves to seeking the glory of God.
God commanded Moses and His people to build a tabernacle where He could dwell and commune with them. In addition, he gave them a very specific pattern for how it was to be constructed. When the tabernacle was completed in accordance with God's design, his glorious presence would fill the place. Today, God doesn't dwell in tents, but He does dwell in the hearts of His people. And His glory can be and must be manifested in His body, which is the church. When His glory is not seen in the church, the church looses it's power to effect change in the world. Sadly, when people go to church today they're looking for everything, but the glory of God. We look for things like entertaining music, abundance of programs, dramas, comedy, etc. And because many churches believe that success means drawing a bigger crowd, they are more concern with giving people what they're looking for then they are the glory of God.
The manifest glory of God, as it relates to the church, has to do with God's beauty and power being seen in the church. We can manufacture things like good music by human means, but we can't manufacture the glory of God. What we can do is follow the pattern that God has set in His word for what the church is to major on (i.e. worship, prayer and the word) and give ourselves wholly to it. May we give ourselves to seeking the glory of God.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The best evidence for Christianity
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13).
Although the Apostles did not have any formal training they made a tremendous impact upon their culture for Christ that is still felt today. Even those that did not believe were amazed by their powerful witness. In addition, they attested to the fact that their bold witness was the result of the fact that they had been with Jesus.
Someone has well said, "The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians--when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths."
If you were on trial for being a Christian and those in your circle of influence were the jury what would be their verdict? Remember that even the lost in the Apostles day knew that their amazing witness came from being with Jesus. Have you been much with Jesus lately in prayer and in the word?
The Apostle Paul wrote, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18). The more that we seek and behold the glory of Christ the more we will be like him. The Psalmist also wrote in the following passages, "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4). "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee" (Psalm 63:1).
As the moon reflects the light of the sun because the sun shines upon it, so too will we reflect the light of Jesus. The more we spend time with the son the more the light of His glory will shine upon us and transform our lives. Seek and you will find!
Although the Apostles did not have any formal training they made a tremendous impact upon their culture for Christ that is still felt today. Even those that did not believe were amazed by their powerful witness. In addition, they attested to the fact that their bold witness was the result of the fact that they had been with Jesus.
Someone has well said, "The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians--when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths."
If you were on trial for being a Christian and those in your circle of influence were the jury what would be their verdict? Remember that even the lost in the Apostles day knew that their amazing witness came from being with Jesus. Have you been much with Jesus lately in prayer and in the word?
The Apostle Paul wrote, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18). The more that we seek and behold the glory of Christ the more we will be like him. The Psalmist also wrote in the following passages, "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4). "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee" (Psalm 63:1).
As the moon reflects the light of the sun because the sun shines upon it, so too will we reflect the light of Jesus. The more we spend time with the son the more the light of His glory will shine upon us and transform our lives. Seek and you will find!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Little by little
"I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land" (Ex. 22:29-30).
The Lord brought the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt to bring them into the promise land. He promised to go before them, and drive out their enemies so that they might take possession of the land. But although the Lord had the power to do so, he was not going to drive out their enemies over night. He said that he would do it, "little by little." The reason for this was because if he drove them all out at once the Israelites would not be prepared to occupy and care for the land. In addition, the Lord knew that it would take time for them to be ready. Therefore, the Lord would drive out the enemy little by little knowing that his people would grow in preparation to take possession of the land little by little.
God has more for you, but you need to be prepared for it. How do you get prepared for it? Little by little, day by day and step by step. Are you having financial struggles? Don't ask God to bless you with more if you are not faithfully handling the little that he's already given you. Many are in debt today because of poor choices and then they want God to bless their mess. Someone might be asking, "How do I get out of my mess? How about deciding today that you are not going to keep adding to your mess and with God's help you're going to drive out the enemy little by little, one day at a time and one step at a time.
In addition, we tend to want all that God desires for us all at once. We want the promotion, the success, and the blessings but we don't want to pay the price for it. We want it easy. We don't take up our cross, we don't labor in prayer, we don't study the word, we don't spend time cultivating our relationship with God. In the parable of the pounds Jesus rewarded the faithful servant by saying, "And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17). Be faitful to God where you are no matter how little or big the task my seem and God will bless you with more.
The Lord brought the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt to bring them into the promise land. He promised to go before them, and drive out their enemies so that they might take possession of the land. But although the Lord had the power to do so, he was not going to drive out their enemies over night. He said that he would do it, "little by little." The reason for this was because if he drove them all out at once the Israelites would not be prepared to occupy and care for the land. In addition, the Lord knew that it would take time for them to be ready. Therefore, the Lord would drive out the enemy little by little knowing that his people would grow in preparation to take possession of the land little by little.
God has more for you, but you need to be prepared for it. How do you get prepared for it? Little by little, day by day and step by step. Are you having financial struggles? Don't ask God to bless you with more if you are not faithfully handling the little that he's already given you. Many are in debt today because of poor choices and then they want God to bless their mess. Someone might be asking, "How do I get out of my mess? How about deciding today that you are not going to keep adding to your mess and with God's help you're going to drive out the enemy little by little, one day at a time and one step at a time.
In addition, we tend to want all that God desires for us all at once. We want the promotion, the success, and the blessings but we don't want to pay the price for it. We want it easy. We don't take up our cross, we don't labor in prayer, we don't study the word, we don't spend time cultivating our relationship with God. In the parable of the pounds Jesus rewarded the faithful servant by saying, "And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17). Be faitful to God where you are no matter how little or big the task my seem and God will bless you with more.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Does your view of God need some adjusting?
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3).
In the movie, "The Adjustment Bureau," staring Matt Damon, God, (referred to as the Chairman), is viewed as some supernatural being who goes by many names, and who has a unique plan for each earthly individual. Man is viewed as evolving, but not yet at the point where they can figure out on their own the best plan for their lives. Therefore, the Chairman, in the mean time, maps out the course for their lives with the help of mysterious agents who run interference and intervene whenever a subject deviates from the "Chairman's" plan. And that is precisely what happens when the two main characters fall in love contrary to the chairman's plan. But in the end their desire and persistence to be together, not only convinced the "Chairman" that their plan was best, but moved him to adjust his plan to accommodate their plan.
This view of a god which restricts man to keep them from pursuing something good was painted by Satan in the garden and they fell for it. What about you? Have you fallen for Satan's spin on who God is? The first commandment states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3). Although you may profess to only worship the one God of the bible you're breaking the first commandment if your view God is something other than what God intends for it to be.
In a article written by Pastor Colin Smith He shares his take of this movie. He writes, "The Adjustment Bureau suggests that you need to make choices that will deliver you from a dark and sinister God. But the real story is about how you need the sovereign God to deliver you from the dark and sinister power that inhabits your choices. The film suggests that your will is supremely good and that God cannot be trusted. But the real story is that God is supremely good and that you dare not trust your own will. The Adjustment Bureau suggests that the best plan for your life is the one that originates with you. The real story is that pleasures beyond anything you can imagine are at God’s right hand, and he is able to deliver you from the self indulgent choices that would keep you from them." You can find the entire artice by Pastor Colin Smith at the link below.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/05/13/the-adjustment-bureau-adjusted/
If you believe that God needs to adjust His will to yours then your view of God needs some serious adjustment. God knows and desires your good? Let Him be God in your life.
In the movie, "The Adjustment Bureau," staring Matt Damon, God, (referred to as the Chairman), is viewed as some supernatural being who goes by many names, and who has a unique plan for each earthly individual. Man is viewed as evolving, but not yet at the point where they can figure out on their own the best plan for their lives. Therefore, the Chairman, in the mean time, maps out the course for their lives with the help of mysterious agents who run interference and intervene whenever a subject deviates from the "Chairman's" plan. And that is precisely what happens when the two main characters fall in love contrary to the chairman's plan. But in the end their desire and persistence to be together, not only convinced the "Chairman" that their plan was best, but moved him to adjust his plan to accommodate their plan.
This view of a god which restricts man to keep them from pursuing something good was painted by Satan in the garden and they fell for it. What about you? Have you fallen for Satan's spin on who God is? The first commandment states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3). Although you may profess to only worship the one God of the bible you're breaking the first commandment if your view God is something other than what God intends for it to be.
In a article written by Pastor Colin Smith He shares his take of this movie. He writes, "The Adjustment Bureau suggests that you need to make choices that will deliver you from a dark and sinister God. But the real story is about how you need the sovereign God to deliver you from the dark and sinister power that inhabits your choices. The film suggests that your will is supremely good and that God cannot be trusted. But the real story is that God is supremely good and that you dare not trust your own will. The Adjustment Bureau suggests that the best plan for your life is the one that originates with you. The real story is that pleasures beyond anything you can imagine are at God’s right hand, and he is able to deliver you from the self indulgent choices that would keep you from them." You can find the entire artice by Pastor Colin Smith at the link below.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/05/13/the-adjustment-bureau-adjusted/
If you believe that God needs to adjust His will to yours then your view of God needs some serious adjustment. God knows and desires your good? Let Him be God in your life.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Keep fighting, keep trusting, keep believing
"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord" (John 20:19-20).
After the crucifixion of Jesus the disciples, who had trusted in Jesus as the messiah, became confused and afraid. And on the first day of the week, when he had promised that he would rise again, they were assembled together. But this was no Sunday worship service. They were hiding in fear. But then Jesus appeared in their midst. And when they saw him and knew that he was alive, these sad disciple became glad disciples. What seemed to be the greatest tragedy of the lives was actually the greatest triumph. Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. Keep fighting, keep trusting and keeping believing.
After the crucifixion of Jesus the disciples, who had trusted in Jesus as the messiah, became confused and afraid. And on the first day of the week, when he had promised that he would rise again, they were assembled together. But this was no Sunday worship service. They were hiding in fear. But then Jesus appeared in their midst. And when they saw him and knew that he was alive, these sad disciple became glad disciples. What seemed to be the greatest tragedy of the lives was actually the greatest triumph. Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. Keep fighting, keep trusting and keeping believing.
Caring for someone in need
"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home" (John 19:26-27).
As Jesus hung on the cross before His death He saw HIs mother and John His beloved disciple standing near by. And although he was suffering as he was giving up his life for the sins of the world (including his mother's sin), he was also concerned about the physical welfare of his earthly mother. Therefore he looked to John the disciple whom he loved and says, "Behold thy mother!" What did Jesus mean by this? Notice what John records that he did next, "And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." John took what Jesus said to mean that He wanted him to care for His mother. James wrote, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction." Show the love of Jesus to the world by adopting a child, visiting the sick or caring for someone in need.
As Jesus hung on the cross before His death He saw HIs mother and John His beloved disciple standing near by. And although he was suffering as he was giving up his life for the sins of the world (including his mother's sin), he was also concerned about the physical welfare of his earthly mother. Therefore he looked to John the disciple whom he loved and says, "Behold thy mother!" What did Jesus mean by this? Notice what John records that he did next, "And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." John took what Jesus said to mean that He wanted him to care for His mother. James wrote, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction." Show the love of Jesus to the world by adopting a child, visiting the sick or caring for someone in need.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Holding up our leaders with prayer
"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword" (Ex. 17:11-13).
While Joshua led the fight against the Amalekites down in the valley, Moses stood on the hill above holding up the rod of God. As long as he held up the rod of God in his hand, Israel prevailed against the enemy. But when Moses got tired and lowered his hands the enemy prevailed. Therefore Aaron and Hur put a stone under him so he could sit down and also came along side of him to help hold up the rod of God in his hand. As a result, Israel was victorious over the enemy. But although God ultimately gave his people the victory, Israel still had to fight and fight hard. God is not going to do for us what we are to do ourselves. God is not going to bless laziness. But at the same time we can't do for ourselves what only God can do.
The picture of Moses holding up the rod of God is symbolic of our need to depend upon God. As Moses held up the rod of God the people were being held up by God against their enemy. We can do the same thing for others today through prayer. One of the best things that a leader can do for those he's called to lead is to pray for them. And one of the best things we can do for leaders is to pray for them too. We need our leaders to lead with the power of God. But they are still human and life beats them up like it beats up those who they lead. Hold up your leaders with love and prayer. We will all be better off for it. Amen!
While Joshua led the fight against the Amalekites down in the valley, Moses stood on the hill above holding up the rod of God. As long as he held up the rod of God in his hand, Israel prevailed against the enemy. But when Moses got tired and lowered his hands the enemy prevailed. Therefore Aaron and Hur put a stone under him so he could sit down and also came along side of him to help hold up the rod of God in his hand. As a result, Israel was victorious over the enemy. But although God ultimately gave his people the victory, Israel still had to fight and fight hard. God is not going to do for us what we are to do ourselves. God is not going to bless laziness. But at the same time we can't do for ourselves what only God can do.
The picture of Moses holding up the rod of God is symbolic of our need to depend upon God. As Moses held up the rod of God the people were being held up by God against their enemy. We can do the same thing for others today through prayer. One of the best things that a leader can do for those he's called to lead is to pray for them. And one of the best things we can do for leaders is to pray for them too. We need our leaders to lead with the power of God. But they are still human and life beats them up like it beats up those who they lead. Hold up your leaders with love and prayer. We will all be better off for it. Amen!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Prayer moves the hand that moves the world
"There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;" ( Psalm 33:16-18).
Where does your hope come from and where do your derive your sense of security? Is your hope and security in money, favorable circumstances or people? Perhaps most Christians would say that their hope is in the Lord and that's where it should be. But ourr life styles don't always match our professions. It's been said and I believe its true, "many who profess Christianity live like practical atheist." Is that true of you and me? One of the best ways to test whether we are truly hoping in the Lord is to check our prayer lives. Your prayer life is the greatest proof of the measure of your hope and trust in the Lord.
There is no military power or weapon on the planet that is greater than the power of the God who spoke the world into existence. And that same God said, "Ask and it shall be given." Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. There are many forces in this world that men look to for hope.
"But there's a power, which man can wield
When mortal aid is vain,
That eye, that arm, that love to reach,
That listening ear to gain.
That power is prayer, which soars on high,
Through Jesus to the throne,
And moves the hand which moves the world,
To bring salvation down (J. A. Wallace).
Hope in God.
Where does your hope come from and where do your derive your sense of security? Is your hope and security in money, favorable circumstances or people? Perhaps most Christians would say that their hope is in the Lord and that's where it should be. But ourr life styles don't always match our professions. It's been said and I believe its true, "many who profess Christianity live like practical atheist." Is that true of you and me? One of the best ways to test whether we are truly hoping in the Lord is to check our prayer lives. Your prayer life is the greatest proof of the measure of your hope and trust in the Lord.
There is no military power or weapon on the planet that is greater than the power of the God who spoke the world into existence. And that same God said, "Ask and it shall be given." Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. There are many forces in this world that men look to for hope.
"But there's a power, which man can wield
When mortal aid is vain,
That eye, that arm, that love to reach,
That listening ear to gain.
That power is prayer, which soars on high,
Through Jesus to the throne,
And moves the hand which moves the world,
To bring salvation down (J. A. Wallace).
Hope in God.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Oh, What a Savior!
"And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. 11 And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians...12 The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. 13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. 14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. 15 And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. 16 And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel" (Judges 10:10-16).
In a fiery sermon, Pastor Fred Boyd, who recently spoke at church said, "We make sinful decisions and serve the devil and then when things go wrong we blame God or we cry out to him for mercy. Why don't you cry out to the devil for mercy--he's the one that you've been serving." God used that sermon to bring several in our church to repentance. One of them said to me, "Pastor, I've been blaming everybody else for the consequences of the poor decisions that I've been making. But it's nobody else's fault, but mine. Today, I'm taking responsibility for my sinful decisions and their consequences. I've asked the Lord to forgive me and from this point on I want to serve and honor him with my life."
Have we truly repented of our sin? In other words, have we turned from it and desire instead to honor and please the Lord? A person that has truly repented has an attitude that says, "I deserve whatever consequences I have coming to me. And whether or not God has mercy on me I'm going to, with his help, forsake my sin and serve him." God is merciful and if he gave us what we really deserve we would be in Hell. But God is also a Holy and loving God that will deal with the sin in our lives. Have you sinned against the Lord? If you are a Christian that has strayed from the Lord, Cry out to him in true repentance and God will be faithful and just to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). If you've never been born again I urge you to turn from your sin and self rule and trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. God's holiness demands that you pay for your sin in hell for all eternity. God's love and grace cannot bear to see you there. Therefore God sent his son Jesus Christ to die on a cruel Roman cross to satisfy his justice on your behalf. Three days later he conqurered death by rising again, proving that he has the power to grant eternal life to all who believe in him. Oh, what a savior!
O what a Savior
Verse 1
Once I was straying
In sin’s dark valley
No hope within could I see
But they searched through Heaven
And found a Savior
To save a poor lost soul like me
Chorus
O what a Savior
O Hallelujah
His heart was broken
On Calvary
His hands were nail scared
His side was riven
He gave His life’s blood for even me
Verse 2
Death’s chilly waters
I’ll soon be crossing
But His hand will lead me safely o’er
Then I’ll join that chorus
In that great city
I’ll sing up there forever and ever more
Repeat Chorus
In a fiery sermon, Pastor Fred Boyd, who recently spoke at church said, "We make sinful decisions and serve the devil and then when things go wrong we blame God or we cry out to him for mercy. Why don't you cry out to the devil for mercy--he's the one that you've been serving." God used that sermon to bring several in our church to repentance. One of them said to me, "Pastor, I've been blaming everybody else for the consequences of the poor decisions that I've been making. But it's nobody else's fault, but mine. Today, I'm taking responsibility for my sinful decisions and their consequences. I've asked the Lord to forgive me and from this point on I want to serve and honor him with my life."
Have we truly repented of our sin? In other words, have we turned from it and desire instead to honor and please the Lord? A person that has truly repented has an attitude that says, "I deserve whatever consequences I have coming to me. And whether or not God has mercy on me I'm going to, with his help, forsake my sin and serve him." God is merciful and if he gave us what we really deserve we would be in Hell. But God is also a Holy and loving God that will deal with the sin in our lives. Have you sinned against the Lord? If you are a Christian that has strayed from the Lord, Cry out to him in true repentance and God will be faithful and just to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). If you've never been born again I urge you to turn from your sin and self rule and trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. God's holiness demands that you pay for your sin in hell for all eternity. God's love and grace cannot bear to see you there. Therefore God sent his son Jesus Christ to die on a cruel Roman cross to satisfy his justice on your behalf. Three days later he conqurered death by rising again, proving that he has the power to grant eternal life to all who believe in him. Oh, what a savior!
O what a Savior
Verse 1
Once I was straying
In sin’s dark valley
No hope within could I see
But they searched through Heaven
And found a Savior
To save a poor lost soul like me
Chorus
O what a Savior
O Hallelujah
His heart was broken
On Calvary
His hands were nail scared
His side was riven
He gave His life’s blood for even me
Verse 2
Death’s chilly waters
I’ll soon be crossing
But His hand will lead me safely o’er
Then I’ll join that chorus
In that great city
I’ll sing up there forever and ever more
Repeat Chorus
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Order My steps Lord and I'll do your blessed will
"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me" (Psalm 119:133).
People often ask the question, "What is God's will for my life? But an even more important question we need to ask ourselves with regularity is, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do today?" When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus he asked, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord, rather then giving him a detailed plan for his life, said, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do" (Acts 9). Paul did have a general understanding that he was to preach the gospel to the gentiles, but Paul did not know how that was all going to play out ahead of time. In fact, it wasn't until a few years later that Paul received direction from the Lord about going on his first missionary journey. What Paul did know to do when he first encountered the Lord was to go into the city of Damascus. After praying and fasting for 3 days Paul would encounter a disciple of Jesus named Ananias, who Jesus also gave direction to about meeting up with Paul. This encounter was another step in how God would direct Paul's life. I think many r missing out on what God wants them to do today because they're trying to figure out what God's will is for their whole life first. God's will for your life is discovered as u seek for God to lead u one day at a time. Let God order your life one step and one day at a time.
Brooklyn Tabernacle sings a song titled, "Order my Steps." This song has encouraged my heart and I believe it will bless you too.
Order my steps in Your word, dear Lord
Lead me, guide me everyday
Send your anointing Father, I pray
Order my steps in Your word
Please order my steps in Your word
(Repeat Chorus)
Humbly I ask Thee, teach me Your will
While You are working help me be still
Though Satan is busy, God is real
Order my steps in Yor word
Please order my steps in Your word
Bridle my tongue, let my words edify
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight
Take charge of my thoughts both day and night
Order my steps in Your Word
Please order my steps in Your word
Bridge
I Want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill
Please order my steps, Lord
And I'll do Your blessed will
The world is ever changing
But You are still the same
Please order my steps, Lord
I'll praise Your name
Order my steps- In Your Word
Order my tongue- In Your Word
Guide my feet- In Your Word
Wash my heart- In Your Word
Show me how to walk- In Your Word
Show me how to talk- In Your Word
When I need a brand new song to sing
Show me how to let Your praises ring
In Your Word, in Your Word
Please order my steps in Your Word (2xs)
People often ask the question, "What is God's will for my life? But an even more important question we need to ask ourselves with regularity is, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do today?" When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus he asked, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord, rather then giving him a detailed plan for his life, said, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do" (Acts 9). Paul did have a general understanding that he was to preach the gospel to the gentiles, but Paul did not know how that was all going to play out ahead of time. In fact, it wasn't until a few years later that Paul received direction from the Lord about going on his first missionary journey. What Paul did know to do when he first encountered the Lord was to go into the city of Damascus. After praying and fasting for 3 days Paul would encounter a disciple of Jesus named Ananias, who Jesus also gave direction to about meeting up with Paul. This encounter was another step in how God would direct Paul's life. I think many r missing out on what God wants them to do today because they're trying to figure out what God's will is for their whole life first. God's will for your life is discovered as u seek for God to lead u one day at a time. Let God order your life one step and one day at a time.
Brooklyn Tabernacle sings a song titled, "Order my Steps." This song has encouraged my heart and I believe it will bless you too.
Order my steps in Your word, dear Lord
Lead me, guide me everyday
Send your anointing Father, I pray
Order my steps in Your word
Please order my steps in Your word
(Repeat Chorus)
Humbly I ask Thee, teach me Your will
While You are working help me be still
Though Satan is busy, God is real
Order my steps in Yor word
Please order my steps in Your word
Bridle my tongue, let my words edify
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight
Take charge of my thoughts both day and night
Order my steps in Your Word
Please order my steps in Your word
Bridge
I Want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill
Please order my steps, Lord
And I'll do Your blessed will
The world is ever changing
But You are still the same
Please order my steps, Lord
I'll praise Your name
Order my steps- In Your Word
Order my tongue- In Your Word
Guide my feet- In Your Word
Wash my heart- In Your Word
Show me how to walk- In Your Word
Show me how to talk- In Your Word
When I need a brand new song to sing
Show me how to let Your praises ring
In Your Word, in Your Word
Please order my steps in Your Word (2xs)
Light up your life
"Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him" (John 11:9-11).
These words spoken by Jesus were in response to the concerns of his disciples who worried that he was making a mistake in deciding to go back into Judea. But Jesus didn't go anywhere without a divine purpose and clear direction from His Father above. I've stubbed my toe enough times to know by now that its safer to navigate my way around my bedroom with the night light on then to try to do so in the dark. This is the point that Jesus was making. Jesus knew what he was doing and where he was going because he was not walking in darkness but in the light.
Notice also that Jesus said that those who stumble do so "because there is no light in him." Do you have enough light in you to keep you from stumbling? The Psalmist wrote, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). When we daily store up God's word in our hearts the Spirit of God will use it to illuminate our lives and guide us in the way we should go. Get God's word in your heart and the Spirit will light up your life.
These words spoken by Jesus were in response to the concerns of his disciples who worried that he was making a mistake in deciding to go back into Judea. But Jesus didn't go anywhere without a divine purpose and clear direction from His Father above. I've stubbed my toe enough times to know by now that its safer to navigate my way around my bedroom with the night light on then to try to do so in the dark. This is the point that Jesus was making. Jesus knew what he was doing and where he was going because he was not walking in darkness but in the light.
Notice also that Jesus said that those who stumble do so "because there is no light in him." Do you have enough light in you to keep you from stumbling? The Psalmist wrote, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). When we daily store up God's word in our hearts the Spirit of God will use it to illuminate our lives and guide us in the way we should go. Get God's word in your heart and the Spirit will light up your life.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Bow your knees to the God you need
"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them" (John 12:37-40).
Why did many in Jesus day not believe in him even though he worked great miracles? John explained that the Lord hardened the hearts of Jews in his day and as a result they did not believe. What does this mean? Men often reject God's revelation of himself because they want to be god or because they want to create their own image of God. The religious Jews rejected Jesus because he did not meet their expectations of what the messiah was suppose to be like and also because they sought their own glory rather than God's glory. God knew they would and in fact the bible says that God planned it that way. "God gave them what they absolutely needed and did not want, and in that way 'blinded their eyes and hardened their heart" (Piper). Are you rejecting the God u need for the god you want? Bow you knees to the God u need.
Why did many in Jesus day not believe in him even though he worked great miracles? John explained that the Lord hardened the hearts of Jews in his day and as a result they did not believe. What does this mean? Men often reject God's revelation of himself because they want to be god or because they want to create their own image of God. The religious Jews rejected Jesus because he did not meet their expectations of what the messiah was suppose to be like and also because they sought their own glory rather than God's glory. God knew they would and in fact the bible says that God planned it that way. "God gave them what they absolutely needed and did not want, and in that way 'blinded their eyes and hardened their heart" (Piper). Are you rejecting the God u need for the god you want? Bow you knees to the God u need.
Saved, Sanctified and Sent
"Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him" (John 10:36-38).
As Jesus spoke to the religious crowd of his day he challenged them to believe that he was sanctified and sent by God not only because of the words that he proclaimed but because of the works that he performed. Jesus not only talked the talk he walked the walk. As the world was to believe that Jesus was sanctified and sent by God in His day, so the world today is to believe that Christians r sanctified and sent unto them as witnesses for Jesus. To this end Jesus prayed unto the Father saying, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth" (John 17:18-19). If u r a Christian today u have been saved, sanctified and sent by Jesus to be a witness of His saving grace. To be effective witnesses, like Jesus we must give more than lip service. We must live r lives in a way that makes God look good. Repeat these words, "As Jesus was sent into the world, so have I been sent into the word." U r a sent one. Live like it for Jesus sake. Amen!
As Jesus spoke to the religious crowd of his day he challenged them to believe that he was sanctified and sent by God not only because of the words that he proclaimed but because of the works that he performed. Jesus not only talked the talk he walked the walk. As the world was to believe that Jesus was sanctified and sent by God in His day, so the world today is to believe that Christians r sanctified and sent unto them as witnesses for Jesus. To this end Jesus prayed unto the Father saying, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth" (John 17:18-19). If u r a Christian today u have been saved, sanctified and sent by Jesus to be a witness of His saving grace. To be effective witnesses, like Jesus we must give more than lip service. We must live r lives in a way that makes God look good. Repeat these words, "As Jesus was sent into the world, so have I been sent into the word." U r a sent one. Live like it for Jesus sake. Amen!
Walk in the light of the Lord
"Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth" (John 9:41).
Jesus came into the world to open the eyes of those who r spiritually blind so that they might know Him and be saved. Some who were blind when they saw his miracles and heard his messages believed on him unto salvation. But there were others who, although they saw with their physical eyes his miracles, refused to trust in him. And in so doing the spiritual darkness and blindness of their hearts was furthered revealed. In addition, the more they resisted the light of Jesus the more dark and blinded their hearts became. The light of Jesus could have showed them how blind they were and how much they needed to embrace his light that they might see. But instead their resistance to the light, on the account of believing that they could already see, actually resulted in more darkness and greater blindness. Jesus also said, "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light" (John 12:36a). When we respond to the light that God gives us he will give us more light. But when we resist the light we plunge ourselves into greater darkness and blindness. To those who have embraced the light of Jesus Paul wrote, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Eph 5:8). Do u desire to see brighter days? Walk in the light of the Lord.
Jesus came into the world to open the eyes of those who r spiritually blind so that they might know Him and be saved. Some who were blind when they saw his miracles and heard his messages believed on him unto salvation. But there were others who, although they saw with their physical eyes his miracles, refused to trust in him. And in so doing the spiritual darkness and blindness of their hearts was furthered revealed. In addition, the more they resisted the light of Jesus the more dark and blinded their hearts became. The light of Jesus could have showed them how blind they were and how much they needed to embrace his light that they might see. But instead their resistance to the light, on the account of believing that they could already see, actually resulted in more darkness and greater blindness. Jesus also said, "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light" (John 12:36a). When we respond to the light that God gives us he will give us more light. But when we resist the light we plunge ourselves into greater darkness and blindness. To those who have embraced the light of Jesus Paul wrote, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Eph 5:8). Do u desire to see brighter days? Walk in the light of the Lord.
Give God's word its rightful place in your life
"I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you" (john 8:37).
Jesus rebukes the religious crowd of his day saying that the reason they sought to kill him was because his word had "no place" in them. The reason the word had no place in them was because they were filled with others things like pride, envy and their own agendas. Is there room for God's word in your life. Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4). If we r going to be strong in the Lord God's word must have more than a prominent place in r lives, it must have the preeminent place in r lives. We must not just find time but we must make time to hear, read and study God's word. Too often we r so filled with this world that not only do we not make time for the word of God, we have no appetite for the word of God. Its been said, "The more u read the word the more u want to. The less u read the less u want to. Give God's word its rightful place in your life.
Jesus rebukes the religious crowd of his day saying that the reason they sought to kill him was because his word had "no place" in them. The reason the word had no place in them was because they were filled with others things like pride, envy and their own agendas. Is there room for God's word in your life. Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4). If we r going to be strong in the Lord God's word must have more than a prominent place in r lives, it must have the preeminent place in r lives. We must not just find time but we must make time to hear, read and study God's word. Too often we r so filled with this world that not only do we not make time for the word of God, we have no appetite for the word of God. Its been said, "The more u read the word the more u want to. The less u read the less u want to. Give God's word its rightful place in your life.
Experiencing God's Love
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).
It seems that Jesus is saying here that if we love him and keep his commandments he will love us and manifest himself to us. And yet the apostle John also wrote, "We love Him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Does God love and manifest himself to us only if we love Him first and keep His commandments or do we love God because He loved us first? Before we try to answer that question know that the commandments that Jesus is referring to, which we must keep for God to love us, (so it seems) r loving God and r neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40). So the question is even more clearer, Does God love us only if we love him and others or do we love him and others because he first loved us? Is there a contradiction here? The answer is that they r both true. First of all, we love God because he first demonstrated his love to us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. At the same time the more that we love God because he first loved us, the more that we will "experience" His love. God is love. If your saved there is noting u can do to make Him love u more and there is noting u can do to make him love u less. But the more devoted u r to him, the more u spend time with him, the more u love Him, the more of His love u will experience. God's love for u is like an ocean that never runs dry. Devote yourself wholly to the one who loves u with an everlasting love (this means serving others too) and u will not only know greater and greater depths of His love, but His love will overflow in your life unto others.
It seems that Jesus is saying here that if we love him and keep his commandments he will love us and manifest himself to us. And yet the apostle John also wrote, "We love Him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Does God love and manifest himself to us only if we love Him first and keep His commandments or do we love God because He loved us first? Before we try to answer that question know that the commandments that Jesus is referring to, which we must keep for God to love us, (so it seems) r loving God and r neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40). So the question is even more clearer, Does God love us only if we love him and others or do we love him and others because he first loved us? Is there a contradiction here? The answer is that they r both true. First of all, we love God because he first demonstrated his love to us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. At the same time the more that we love God because he first loved us, the more that we will "experience" His love. God is love. If your saved there is noting u can do to make Him love u more and there is noting u can do to make him love u less. But the more devoted u r to him, the more u spend time with him, the more u love Him, the more of His love u will experience. God's love for u is like an ocean that never runs dry. Devote yourself wholly to the one who loves u with an everlasting love (this means serving others too) and u will not only know greater and greater depths of His love, but His love will overflow in your life unto others.
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