"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.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
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.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Reading for the glory of God
"For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" (John 5:46-47).
In Jesus day the religious crowd claimed to believe the Old Testament, but they failed to believe in the one that the sum of the Old Testament pointed to, namely Jesus. They knew a lot about the bible, but they didn't really know God as he desired for them to know him. If they had they would have believed in Jesus who is the brightness of God's glory. The whole of the bible is not only to make us wise unto salvation in Jesus, but to cause us to grow in his grace and knowledge. Jesus said that one of the causes for why the religious crowd missed the whole reason for the bible is that they were more interested in their own glory rather than the glory of God (John 5:44). They wanted to be made much of more then wanting to make much of God. They loved the praises of men more then the praises of God. Many today are missing the whole point of the bible not only because they are not reading it, but because they are not seeking the glory of God. If you really want to know the bible don't read it as one would read a self help book looking for things that will suite your fancy. Instead, read it with a desire to seek and live for the glory of God.
In Jesus day the religious crowd claimed to believe the Old Testament, but they failed to believe in the one that the sum of the Old Testament pointed to, namely Jesus. They knew a lot about the bible, but they didn't really know God as he desired for them to know him. If they had they would have believed in Jesus who is the brightness of God's glory. The whole of the bible is not only to make us wise unto salvation in Jesus, but to cause us to grow in his grace and knowledge. Jesus said that one of the causes for why the religious crowd missed the whole reason for the bible is that they were more interested in their own glory rather than the glory of God (John 5:44). They wanted to be made much of more then wanting to make much of God. They loved the praises of men more then the praises of God. Many today are missing the whole point of the bible not only because they are not reading it, but because they are not seeking the glory of God. If you really want to know the bible don't read it as one would read a self help book looking for things that will suite your fancy. Instead, read it with a desire to seek and live for the glory of God.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Leave your water pot behind you
"So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" (John 4:28-29).
Notice that after the woman at the well had an encounter with Jesus she left her water jar behind and went back into town to tell others about what Jesus had done in her life. Why did she leave the water jar behind? Was she so excited about meeting the one who gives "living water" that she had forgotten why she came to the well in the first place? Perhaps, but more then likely she wanted so bad to tell others about what Jesus had done for her that she left the water jar behind so that it would not slow her down. There are so many spiritual applications (if you see one please share) that we can make here, but I will just focus on one. Sometimes we hold on to people, places or things so tightly, which might not be a sin in and of itself that it hinders us from doing what God is calling us to do. Jesus saves, sanctifies and satisfies by his grace power and love. He is our fountain of living water that never runs dry. We were created and saved to enjoy searching the depths of his ocean of love. We were also saved to share his love and spread his fame to all nations. Leave the water jar behind, serve the cause of Christ and he will do in and through you what only he can. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Whatever It Takes
There's a voice calling me, from an old rugged tree
And He whispers draw closer to me
Leave this world far behind, There are new heights to climb
And a new place in Me you will find
And whatever it takes, to draw closer to You Lord That's what I'd be wiling to do And whatever it takes, to be more like you That's what I'd be willing to do
Take my houses and lands, Take my dreams and my plans. I place my who life in Your hands. And if you call me someday, To a land far away, Lord, I'll go and Your will obey.
And whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord, That's what I'll be willing to do. And whatever it takes for my will to break, That's what I'll be willing to do.
TAKE THE DEAREST THINGS TO ME, IF THAT'S HOW IT MUST BE TO DRAW ME CLOSER TO THEE LET THE DISSAPOINTMENTS COME,LONELY DAYS WITHOUT THE SUN IF THROUGH SORROW MORE LIKE YOU I'LL BECOME.
And whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord, That's what I'll be willing to do. And whatever it takes for my will to break, That's what I'll be willing to do.
Notice that after the woman at the well had an encounter with Jesus she left her water jar behind and went back into town to tell others about what Jesus had done in her life. Why did she leave the water jar behind? Was she so excited about meeting the one who gives "living water" that she had forgotten why she came to the well in the first place? Perhaps, but more then likely she wanted so bad to tell others about what Jesus had done for her that she left the water jar behind so that it would not slow her down. There are so many spiritual applications (if you see one please share) that we can make here, but I will just focus on one. Sometimes we hold on to people, places or things so tightly, which might not be a sin in and of itself that it hinders us from doing what God is calling us to do. Jesus saves, sanctifies and satisfies by his grace power and love. He is our fountain of living water that never runs dry. We were created and saved to enjoy searching the depths of his ocean of love. We were also saved to share his love and spread his fame to all nations. Leave the water jar behind, serve the cause of Christ and he will do in and through you what only he can. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Whatever It Takes
There's a voice calling me, from an old rugged tree
And He whispers draw closer to me
Leave this world far behind, There are new heights to climb
And a new place in Me you will find
And whatever it takes, to draw closer to You Lord That's what I'd be wiling to do And whatever it takes, to be more like you That's what I'd be willing to do
Take my houses and lands, Take my dreams and my plans. I place my who life in Your hands. And if you call me someday, To a land far away, Lord, I'll go and Your will obey.
And whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord, That's what I'll be willing to do. And whatever it takes for my will to break, That's what I'll be willing to do.
TAKE THE DEAREST THINGS TO ME, IF THAT'S HOW IT MUST BE TO DRAW ME CLOSER TO THEE LET THE DISSAPOINTMENTS COME,LONELY DAYS WITHOUT THE SUN IF THROUGH SORROW MORE LIKE YOU I'LL BECOME.
And whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord, That's what I'll be willing to do. And whatever it takes for my will to break, That's what I'll be willing to do.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Integrity matters
"Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee" (John 1:47-48).
In Proverbs we read, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold" (Prov. 22:1).
Our word ought to be more valuable to us than gold. But sadly we live in a world that values money and material possessions more than their personal integrity. People today will not only lie, steal and cheat to get ahead, but they will do all these things and expect for God to give them His blessing. He will have to violate his own word to do so and he will not. Although many today may not value being men and women of integrity, God sure does. And what the God who holds our breath in his hands knows about us ought to matter to us more than anything in this world. Jesus said of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile (deceit)!" What does Jesus see in you? Be a man, be a woman of integrity. It's worth more than gold.
In Proverbs we read, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold" (Prov. 22:1).
Our word ought to be more valuable to us than gold. But sadly we live in a world that values money and material possessions more than their personal integrity. People today will not only lie, steal and cheat to get ahead, but they will do all these things and expect for God to give them His blessing. He will have to violate his own word to do so and he will not. Although many today may not value being men and women of integrity, God sure does. And what the God who holds our breath in his hands knows about us ought to matter to us more than anything in this world. Jesus said of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile (deceit)!" What does Jesus see in you? Be a man, be a woman of integrity. It's worth more than gold.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Obedience without compromise
"So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. And he said to them, "Go, serve the Lord your God. But which ones are to go?" Moses said, "We will go with our young and our old. We will go with our sons and daughters and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the Lord." But he said to them, "The Lord be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. No! Go, the men among you, and serve the Lord, for that is what you are asking..." (Ex 10:8-11).
When the Plagues became to much for Pharaoh to deal with he would reluctantly agree to let God's people go. But he would only agree to let them go under certain conditions. One such condition was that he would only allow the men to go and worship the Lord. The women and children were to stay behind and remain slaves in Egypt. In the same way the god of this world, if he fails to keep us blinded to the freedom we can find in Jesus and slaves to sin, he will switch to plan b. Plan b is keeping us from influencing others for Jesus including our families. And if we compromise in this way we will not only be disobeying God but we will not experience the fullness of God's mighty power and presence in our lives. Moses made it out of Egypt alive, but God sent him back to lead his people out of there too. And because he obeyed God without compromise he got to experience the hand of God at work in many miraculous ways. Do you desire to see God at work in your life? Get out of you comfort zone and ask God to use you to bring somebody into a saving relationship with Jesus.
When the Plagues became to much for Pharaoh to deal with he would reluctantly agree to let God's people go. But he would only agree to let them go under certain conditions. One such condition was that he would only allow the men to go and worship the Lord. The women and children were to stay behind and remain slaves in Egypt. In the same way the god of this world, if he fails to keep us blinded to the freedom we can find in Jesus and slaves to sin, he will switch to plan b. Plan b is keeping us from influencing others for Jesus including our families. And if we compromise in this way we will not only be disobeying God but we will not experience the fullness of God's mighty power and presence in our lives. Moses made it out of Egypt alive, but God sent him back to lead his people out of there too. And because he obeyed God without compromise he got to experience the hand of God at work in many miraculous ways. Do you desire to see God at work in your life? Get out of you comfort zone and ask God to use you to bring somebody into a saving relationship with Jesus.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
One more night with those stinking frogs
And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? And he said, To morrow" (Ex. 8:8-10).
Because Pharaoh refused to let the children of Israel go, God displayed his mighty power through a number of plagues that would come upon Egypt. One such plague was causing the land of Egypt to be overwhelmed with frogs. The frogs were everywhere; including in their houses. When Pharaoh finally had enough, so it seemed, he came to Moses and asked him to plead with God to get rid of the frogs. Moses then ask Pharaoh to tell him when he should plead with God to destroy the frogs. And Pharaoh responded, Tomorrow. It appears that Pharaoh wanted one more night with the frogs. In 1935 Cane Toads were imported from Hawaii to Australia to deal with Beetle's that were destroying their sugar cane crops. But because of how fast these frogs multiplied and the toxins that they produce, today in Australia these frogs are consider a dangerous pest that are causing major environmental problems. The frogs in Moses day were also a major headache that they needed to get rid of. But pharaoh said, give me just one more night with the frogs. Why? Was it Pride, stubbornness, or maybe he thought if he just waited one more night they would just go away? Perhaps it was all the above. But what did waiting one more day really accomplish in Egypt when Pharaoh decided to put off the disposing of the frogs until tomorrow? The next day Pharaoh and all of Egypt woke up to more frogs, bigger problems and greater aggravation. Putting off dealing with a problem until tomorrow doesn't make it go away. Instead, it multiples the problem. It's been said, "If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it." Is it about time that you started dealing with the frogs in your life? Don't multiply the problem by putting it off until tomorrow. Start dealing with it today. Ribbit!
Because Pharaoh refused to let the children of Israel go, God displayed his mighty power through a number of plagues that would come upon Egypt. One such plague was causing the land of Egypt to be overwhelmed with frogs. The frogs were everywhere; including in their houses. When Pharaoh finally had enough, so it seemed, he came to Moses and asked him to plead with God to get rid of the frogs. Moses then ask Pharaoh to tell him when he should plead with God to destroy the frogs. And Pharaoh responded, Tomorrow. It appears that Pharaoh wanted one more night with the frogs. In 1935 Cane Toads were imported from Hawaii to Australia to deal with Beetle's that were destroying their sugar cane crops. But because of how fast these frogs multiplied and the toxins that they produce, today in Australia these frogs are consider a dangerous pest that are causing major environmental problems. The frogs in Moses day were also a major headache that they needed to get rid of. But pharaoh said, give me just one more night with the frogs. Why? Was it Pride, stubbornness, or maybe he thought if he just waited one more night they would just go away? Perhaps it was all the above. But what did waiting one more day really accomplish in Egypt when Pharaoh decided to put off the disposing of the frogs until tomorrow? The next day Pharaoh and all of Egypt woke up to more frogs, bigger problems and greater aggravation. Putting off dealing with a problem until tomorrow doesn't make it go away. Instead, it multiples the problem. It's been said, "If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it." Is it about time that you started dealing with the frogs in your life? Don't multiply the problem by putting it off until tomorrow. Start dealing with it today. Ribbit!
Are you in the place where Jesus can nourish your soul?
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families" (Gen. 47:12).
In order to nourish his brethren during a time of famine, Joseph brought them from their land to Egypt. In the land of Egypt where Joseph ruled he was able to be near to and care for his entire family. Like Joseph, Jesus desires to care for and nourish the souls of all who are in the family of God. He does so as we draw near to his heart, abide under his rule and feed on his word. Are u at the place where Jesus can nourish and care for your soul? "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8).
In order to nourish his brethren during a time of famine, Joseph brought them from their land to Egypt. In the land of Egypt where Joseph ruled he was able to be near to and care for his entire family. Like Joseph, Jesus desires to care for and nourish the souls of all who are in the family of God. He does so as we draw near to his heart, abide under his rule and feed on his word. Are u at the place where Jesus can nourish and care for your soul? "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8).
Regard not your stuff
Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. 20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours" (Gen. 45:19-21).
When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers to be alive and ruling in the land of Egypt, he commanded them to bring the rest of the family to Egypt to escape the famine. In order to do so Joseph provided wagons and the provision needed for the journey. He also gave the following admonition, "regard not your stuff (goods) for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours." Egypt was the most powerful and prosperous kingdom on earth. And God worked it out so that all that his covenant people needed to continue to advance God's heavenly kingdom was available to them. When we are living to advance God's kingdom today, like Joseph brothers we can trust that God will provide for all our needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Philip 4:19). Are you worried about stuff? Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous and all these things shall be added unto you." If seeking first God's kingdom is your # 1 priority Jesus is saying to you today, "Regard not your stuff for the riches and power of heaven is behind you."
When Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers to be alive and ruling in the land of Egypt, he commanded them to bring the rest of the family to Egypt to escape the famine. In order to do so Joseph provided wagons and the provision needed for the journey. He also gave the following admonition, "regard not your stuff (goods) for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours." Egypt was the most powerful and prosperous kingdom on earth. And God worked it out so that all that his covenant people needed to continue to advance God's heavenly kingdom was available to them. When we are living to advance God's kingdom today, like Joseph brothers we can trust that God will provide for all our needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Philip 4:19). Are you worried about stuff? Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous and all these things shall be added unto you." If seeking first God's kingdom is your # 1 priority Jesus is saying to you today, "Regard not your stuff for the riches and power of heaven is behind you."
Guilt
"When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him" (Gen. 50:15).
Although Joseph had forgiven his brothers for their sin against him, they did not feel secure. They feared that he was determine to pay them back for what they did to him. But they had Joseph all wrong. He had not only fully forgiven them he was fully committed to looking out for their best interest. Joseph's willingness to forgive his brothers is a reflection of the wonderful grace and mercy of God. In addition to their wrong view of Joseph, his brothers probably still had unresolved guilt regarding their past sin. What they needed to do was make things right with God, seek his forgiveness and rest in His grace and mercy. Do you have feelings of guilt and insecurity? Make things right with God and others to the best of your ability. But above all rest in the love of God demonstrated on the cross where Jesus shed His blood for you. Amen!
Although Joseph had forgiven his brothers for their sin against him, they did not feel secure. They feared that he was determine to pay them back for what they did to him. But they had Joseph all wrong. He had not only fully forgiven them he was fully committed to looking out for their best interest. Joseph's willingness to forgive his brothers is a reflection of the wonderful grace and mercy of God. In addition to their wrong view of Joseph, his brothers probably still had unresolved guilt regarding their past sin. What they needed to do was make things right with God, seek his forgiveness and rest in His grace and mercy. Do you have feelings of guilt and insecurity? Make things right with God and others to the best of your ability. But above all rest in the love of God demonstrated on the cross where Jesus shed His blood for you. Amen!
It's not for me to reason why; It's but for me to dare and die.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?" (Ex 5:22-23).
When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt it took some persuading. Moses had no confidence in himself to lead. God had to reassure him that he would be behind him with all his mighty power. All that Moses had to do was to trust and obey and God would do the rest. But the results of his first attempt at trusting and obeying the Lord didn't turn out as he hoped. In fact, things went from bad to worse. Not only did Pharaoh refuse to let the people go, he made their lives even more miserable by increasing their work load. Therefore, Moses filed a formal complaint to the Lord and personally delivered it. Moses cried unto the Lord saying, "Why is it that thou has sent me." God graciously responded to Moses and reassured him that he would deliver Israel and display his power through Pharaoh's stubbornness and pride. Moses was to continue to trust and obey.
Spurgeon, while preaching on the obedience of faith wrote, "Theirs not to reason why; Theirs but to dare and die." Spurgeon no doubt was quoting Alfred Tennyson, who wrote a similar phrase in his famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade." In the poem, Tennyson writes about the bravery and heroism of soldiers, who at the command of their superiors charged into battle against all odds. God could have responded to Moses, "Yours is not to reason why;
Yours is but to dare and die." Who is Moses and who r we to question God? Paul wrote, "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9).
Although it is foolishness for us to question God, he knows that we r but dust and he let's us do it. And sometimes he will even gives us an answer. But not always. Sometimes we must march forward into the fray trusting that God knows what he's doing. The reason that we enjoy the freedoms that we have today is because of those who without hesitation obeyed their orders and fought for those freedoms even if it cost them their lives. Let us never forget not only their sacrifices, but the sacrifice of r savior who in obedience to the Father laid down his life to save r souls. May we have the kind of faith in r great savior to be willing to say, "It's not for me to reason why; It's but for me to dare and die." God knows what he's doing. When we trust and obey his grace will see us through. Take up your cross and follow Jesus.
When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt it took some persuading. Moses had no confidence in himself to lead. God had to reassure him that he would be behind him with all his mighty power. All that Moses had to do was to trust and obey and God would do the rest. But the results of his first attempt at trusting and obeying the Lord didn't turn out as he hoped. In fact, things went from bad to worse. Not only did Pharaoh refuse to let the people go, he made their lives even more miserable by increasing their work load. Therefore, Moses filed a formal complaint to the Lord and personally delivered it. Moses cried unto the Lord saying, "Why is it that thou has sent me." God graciously responded to Moses and reassured him that he would deliver Israel and display his power through Pharaoh's stubbornness and pride. Moses was to continue to trust and obey.
Spurgeon, while preaching on the obedience of faith wrote, "Theirs not to reason why; Theirs but to dare and die." Spurgeon no doubt was quoting Alfred Tennyson, who wrote a similar phrase in his famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade." In the poem, Tennyson writes about the bravery and heroism of soldiers, who at the command of their superiors charged into battle against all odds. God could have responded to Moses, "Yours is not to reason why;
Yours is but to dare and die." Who is Moses and who r we to question God? Paul wrote, "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9).
Although it is foolishness for us to question God, he knows that we r but dust and he let's us do it. And sometimes he will even gives us an answer. But not always. Sometimes we must march forward into the fray trusting that God knows what he's doing. The reason that we enjoy the freedoms that we have today is because of those who without hesitation obeyed their orders and fought for those freedoms even if it cost them their lives. Let us never forget not only their sacrifices, but the sacrifice of r savior who in obedience to the Father laid down his life to save r souls. May we have the kind of faith in r great savior to be willing to say, "It's not for me to reason why; It's but for me to dare and die." God knows what he's doing. When we trust and obey his grace will see us through. Take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Fulfilling every good resolve
"To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thess. 1:11-12).
Reading Paul saying, "To this end we always pray for you..." (2 Thess. 1:11) really gets my attenttion. It gets my attention for serveral reasons. First of all Paul was a man of faith. He was a man that believed God and trusted in his word. And it follows that when you are a man of faith that you will be a man of prayer. Paul prayed always because he always trusted in God. Paul always looked to God in prayer in total dependence on him for everything thing, at all times and for his every need. This scripture get my attention because its a reminder to me that men of God-- men of faith are men of prayer.
Secondly, this passage gets my attention because it gives me insight into what a man of faith and prayer prayed about. It gives me insight into what burned in Paul heart. I've learned that we don't truly pray effectively until we get a real burden--a real concern about something. When we pray and we're not burdened or concerned we just go through the motion. God doesn't care so much about our words when we pray as much as he does our hearts. When we are unconcerned and unmoved we will find it really difficult to pray. But when we get a burden--when we begin to really care about what God cares about--when the things of God begin to burn in our hearts our prayer life will be set ablazed--our prayers will be white hot with faith, fervency and persistence. Paul prayed always because he was burdened with the cares and cause of Christ. When we care more about missing our favorite tv show then we do the things of God we will not make much of an effort to pray or to gather with God's people to pray on a Wednesday night. Paul's prayer gets my attention because it gives me insight into what a man caught up with Jesus prayed for. In this case Paul interceded for others. He valued the power of intercessory prayer. And this is not only seen in that he prayed for others but He coveted the prayers of other. Notice that what he prayed for on behalf of others was first that God would make them worthy of His calling. The underlying motivation of Paul's prayer was the glory of God. He prays that others would live their lives in a manner that was worthy of the name of Jesus--in a manner that would spread the fame of Jesus and make him look good. In addition, Paul prayed that God would fulfill every good resolve in others (the underlying motivations being the glory of God). This got my attention because it reminded me that I must have intentional goals and plans that I'm striving to achieve. Like a heat seeking missile if I'm going to fly straight, if I'm going to get to where God wants me to be and accomplish all that God wants me to accoplish for His glory, I must have a clear target. I must know what I'm shooting for or I'll never hit the mark. And if I don't know what the target or mark is how would I ever know what to aim for--what to plan for. I don't want to live this life aimlessly. I don't want to just be busy. We can be busy doing things but never really getting anywhere. In Daniel 1:8 we read, "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself." In the KJV it says that he "purposed in his heart." To get to where God wants us to be we need some godly resolves in our lives. With purpose of heart we need to identify the "will nots" and "I wills" and strive by God's grace to achieve these resolves. Our prayer life will change and how we live our lives will change when we know what we're living and praying for.
What also gets my attention is that Paul prayed that they not only fulfill their good resolves but also their work of faith. The resolves that we make for good are not going to fulfill themselves. God fulfills them but he does through the "work of faith." God is not going to do for us what we're suppose to do for ourselves. But at the same time we can not do for ourselves what only God can do. That is why it is a "work of faith." We must do our part while trusting God to do what only He can do. Paul said it best when he wrote, "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (Col. 1:29).
God's word for me today:
1. Review and identify the "will nots" and the "I wills" that the Holy Spirit has reveled to me.
2. Renew my resolve to go after what God is calling me to do.
3. Pray everyday that God will fulfill in and through me all that He has put in my heart.
4. Strive and labor (do my part) with God's strength to go after it.
5. Do everything by faith and for the glory of Jesus.
Reading Paul saying, "To this end we always pray for you..." (2 Thess. 1:11) really gets my attenttion. It gets my attention for serveral reasons. First of all Paul was a man of faith. He was a man that believed God and trusted in his word. And it follows that when you are a man of faith that you will be a man of prayer. Paul prayed always because he always trusted in God. Paul always looked to God in prayer in total dependence on him for everything thing, at all times and for his every need. This scripture get my attention because its a reminder to me that men of God-- men of faith are men of prayer.
Secondly, this passage gets my attention because it gives me insight into what a man of faith and prayer prayed about. It gives me insight into what burned in Paul heart. I've learned that we don't truly pray effectively until we get a real burden--a real concern about something. When we pray and we're not burdened or concerned we just go through the motion. God doesn't care so much about our words when we pray as much as he does our hearts. When we are unconcerned and unmoved we will find it really difficult to pray. But when we get a burden--when we begin to really care about what God cares about--when the things of God begin to burn in our hearts our prayer life will be set ablazed--our prayers will be white hot with faith, fervency and persistence. Paul prayed always because he was burdened with the cares and cause of Christ. When we care more about missing our favorite tv show then we do the things of God we will not make much of an effort to pray or to gather with God's people to pray on a Wednesday night. Paul's prayer gets my attention because it gives me insight into what a man caught up with Jesus prayed for. In this case Paul interceded for others. He valued the power of intercessory prayer. And this is not only seen in that he prayed for others but He coveted the prayers of other. Notice that what he prayed for on behalf of others was first that God would make them worthy of His calling. The underlying motivation of Paul's prayer was the glory of God. He prays that others would live their lives in a manner that was worthy of the name of Jesus--in a manner that would spread the fame of Jesus and make him look good. In addition, Paul prayed that God would fulfill every good resolve in others (the underlying motivations being the glory of God). This got my attention because it reminded me that I must have intentional goals and plans that I'm striving to achieve. Like a heat seeking missile if I'm going to fly straight, if I'm going to get to where God wants me to be and accomplish all that God wants me to accoplish for His glory, I must have a clear target. I must know what I'm shooting for or I'll never hit the mark. And if I don't know what the target or mark is how would I ever know what to aim for--what to plan for. I don't want to live this life aimlessly. I don't want to just be busy. We can be busy doing things but never really getting anywhere. In Daniel 1:8 we read, "But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself." In the KJV it says that he "purposed in his heart." To get to where God wants us to be we need some godly resolves in our lives. With purpose of heart we need to identify the "will nots" and "I wills" and strive by God's grace to achieve these resolves. Our prayer life will change and how we live our lives will change when we know what we're living and praying for.
What also gets my attention is that Paul prayed that they not only fulfill their good resolves but also their work of faith. The resolves that we make for good are not going to fulfill themselves. God fulfills them but he does through the "work of faith." God is not going to do for us what we're suppose to do for ourselves. But at the same time we can not do for ourselves what only God can do. That is why it is a "work of faith." We must do our part while trusting God to do what only He can do. Paul said it best when he wrote, "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (Col. 1:29).
God's word for me today:
1. Review and identify the "will nots" and the "I wills" that the Holy Spirit has reveled to me.
2. Renew my resolve to go after what God is calling me to do.
3. Pray everyday that God will fulfill in and through me all that He has put in my heart.
4. Strive and labor (do my part) with God's strength to go after it.
5. Do everything by faith and for the glory of Jesus.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Lessons on leadership and followship
"But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss" (Acts 27:21).
What are leaders called to do? Leaders are called to lead. Leaders help to bring others to where God wants them to be.
By divine decree Paul was to go to Rome to testify of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. But God has unusual and unconventional ways to get us to where he wants us to be. Paul was arrested and falsely accused. And while on trial he appeals his case to Ceasar and it was accepted. Therefore the Roman authorities eventually made arrangements to get Paul to Rome to stand trial before Ceasar. Paul, under Roman guard was placed on a ship with the intentions of bringing him to Rome, which unbeknownst to the Roman commander was Paul's divine destination. While sailing they ran into troubled seas, which cause them to have to take port. During this time they realized that they would not be able to reach their destination until after winter. But because the place they where at was not as convenient a place to spend the winter they decided to sail to a nearby port where they would wait out the winter. Before they set sail Paul discern (from the Lord no doubt) and warned them that if they set sail for a more convenient place to spend the winter it would come at a great cost. But the commander and crew took the advise of the Captain of the ship over Paul and set sail. Soon after they set sail they encountered a powerful storm which cast them out into the deep sea and prevented them from reaching the nearby port. While at see in the storm for many days it appeared that any hope that they would survive was gone. It was at this time that Doctor Luke records: "But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss" (Acts 27:21). While everyone on board was scrambling to find ways to keep the ship from being destroyed, Paul was alone with God. While Paul no doubt was seeking the Lord in Prayer, God sent an angel who spoke to Paul and reassured him that not only would he survive the storm but so would everyone else on board the ship. And although the man on board suffered much distress and great loss, everyone did eventually make it to land and Paul did make it to Rome.
I. There are great lessons to glean here about godly leadership (Read Acts 27)
1. Leaders don't based their decisions on which way the wind is blowing. They don't do what they do because that's what the experts are saying or because that's what other successful churches are doing.
2. Godly leaders don't make decisions based on what is most convenient. Instead, while everyone else is scrambling around trying to figure out things on their own, while others are busy doing what the experts are saying, godly leaders get alone with God, pleading, weeping, and seeking to discern His will for their lives and ministries.
3. When godly leaders discern the will of God they do what they are called to do, namely lead.
4. When godly leaders discern God's direction they direct.
5. When godly leaders hear a warning from God they warn and rebuke.
6. When godly leaders receive assurance from God even when all seems lost they give assurance--they inspire hope.
7. Godly leaders are not afraid to share their vision from God even if its not a popular one.
8. When godly leaders are not taken seriously they don't give up. They continue to pray and wait on the Lord. They trust God to work in such a way so as to bring the people they are leading to trust God, catch the vision and submit to their leadership.
9. Even when things seem to be getting worse godly leaders do not quit; instead they keep on praying, they keep on believing and they keep on leading.
10. Godly leaders are passionate about the vision that God has given them and they strive while relying on God with great earnestness to see the vision realized.
11. Godly leaders lead in such a way that when the vision is realized God gets all the glory.
II. Lessons on Followship:(Acts 27; Heb. 13:17).
1. What do followers do? Followers follow godly leaders that they discern are following, depending and living for Jesus and his cause in the world.
2. Followers submit to and pray for godly leaders as the ones who will give account for their leadership.
3. Followers recognized that God's power and protection is only upon those who are submitted to godly authority. Therefore they submit knowing that it is to their spiritual benefit and they do so in a way that brings joy and not grief to their leaders.
What are leaders called to do? Leaders are called to lead. Leaders help to bring others to where God wants them to be.
By divine decree Paul was to go to Rome to testify of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. But God has unusual and unconventional ways to get us to where he wants us to be. Paul was arrested and falsely accused. And while on trial he appeals his case to Ceasar and it was accepted. Therefore the Roman authorities eventually made arrangements to get Paul to Rome to stand trial before Ceasar. Paul, under Roman guard was placed on a ship with the intentions of bringing him to Rome, which unbeknownst to the Roman commander was Paul's divine destination. While sailing they ran into troubled seas, which cause them to have to take port. During this time they realized that they would not be able to reach their destination until after winter. But because the place they where at was not as convenient a place to spend the winter they decided to sail to a nearby port where they would wait out the winter. Before they set sail Paul discern (from the Lord no doubt) and warned them that if they set sail for a more convenient place to spend the winter it would come at a great cost. But the commander and crew took the advise of the Captain of the ship over Paul and set sail. Soon after they set sail they encountered a powerful storm which cast them out into the deep sea and prevented them from reaching the nearby port. While at see in the storm for many days it appeared that any hope that they would survive was gone. It was at this time that Doctor Luke records: "But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss" (Acts 27:21). While everyone on board was scrambling to find ways to keep the ship from being destroyed, Paul was alone with God. While Paul no doubt was seeking the Lord in Prayer, God sent an angel who spoke to Paul and reassured him that not only would he survive the storm but so would everyone else on board the ship. And although the man on board suffered much distress and great loss, everyone did eventually make it to land and Paul did make it to Rome.
I. There are great lessons to glean here about godly leadership (Read Acts 27)
1. Leaders don't based their decisions on which way the wind is blowing. They don't do what they do because that's what the experts are saying or because that's what other successful churches are doing.
2. Godly leaders don't make decisions based on what is most convenient. Instead, while everyone else is scrambling around trying to figure out things on their own, while others are busy doing what the experts are saying, godly leaders get alone with God, pleading, weeping, and seeking to discern His will for their lives and ministries.
3. When godly leaders discern the will of God they do what they are called to do, namely lead.
4. When godly leaders discern God's direction they direct.
5. When godly leaders hear a warning from God they warn and rebuke.
6. When godly leaders receive assurance from God even when all seems lost they give assurance--they inspire hope.
7. Godly leaders are not afraid to share their vision from God even if its not a popular one.
8. When godly leaders are not taken seriously they don't give up. They continue to pray and wait on the Lord. They trust God to work in such a way so as to bring the people they are leading to trust God, catch the vision and submit to their leadership.
9. Even when things seem to be getting worse godly leaders do not quit; instead they keep on praying, they keep on believing and they keep on leading.
10. Godly leaders are passionate about the vision that God has given them and they strive while relying on God with great earnestness to see the vision realized.
11. Godly leaders lead in such a way that when the vision is realized God gets all the glory.
II. Lessons on Followship:(Acts 27; Heb. 13:17).
1. What do followers do? Followers follow godly leaders that they discern are following, depending and living for Jesus and his cause in the world.
2. Followers submit to and pray for godly leaders as the ones who will give account for their leadership.
3. Followers recognized that God's power and protection is only upon those who are submitted to godly authority. Therefore they submit knowing that it is to their spiritual benefit and they do so in a way that brings joy and not grief to their leaders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)