Barb and I are in Myrtle Creek, Oregon and noticed that our emails are not working. We don't know what the problem is but we have "our people" working on it. Hopefully we will get it fixed before we get home. Headed toward Eugene, Oregon today and possibly Portland.
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Devotions updated
Here are a few of the devotions I have written while on the road. If there are any mistakes, please notify me at papadave2@cox.net. I appreciate it.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
We're Planning A "Planning" Meeting; At Least That's The Plan!
"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:1,2).
Barb and I are currently on the "extended" camping vacation I have been planning, and planning, and planning for some time now. We originally planned to pull our travel trailer to Seattle, Washington from Surprise, Arizona and then drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and just stop wherever we wanted to and enjoy the beaches of the West Coast. Well "the best laid plans of mice and men" huh? Looks like we may make it to Astoria, Oregon and THEN down the coast for some beach time. It just became harder and harder to try to go that far away with my medical situation.
You know, I hope we get to reach all of the places I have "planned" for us to go to, but really, we just need to plan to live each day (even on the road) living for the Lord. We need to plan to do nothing more than take the next breath and exhale praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.
While we travel across this land and stop here and there, we need to enjoy each other's company (and Jack, our dog). We need to wake up each morning and know that He is right beside us, helping us take each step. That's our new plan. It's a "clean" plan! It's a "doable" plan! But mostly, it's God's plan.
So maybe we'll end up in Colorado, who knows? God knows! And it is He who stretches our His arms of love as we travel up and down these roads.
How is your planning coming along? Are you planning anything in the near future? If not, can I suggest that you plan to share Christ with someone as you go? We are trying to do that, as we go! "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Dave
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Where's Your "Bubble"?
How is your level of "Peace" today? If you were able to put a "level" on your peace today, where would the "bubble" be? Things are so "CRAZY" out there today. Wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters all over the place, nations fighting against nations. If you have even the smallest spiritual understanding, you have to be asking yourself "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON"?
Jesus Christ had just finished explaining the role of the Holy Spirit in John 14 and then in verse 27 He says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." How can we expect to have peace with all we see taking place in the world today? How can we start each morning peacefully when we wake up to all of the sadness and decay in the world? Well for starters, the Bible tells us that "the world IS passing away..." (1 John. 2:17). So Jesus helps us to understand that we are not to build our treasures in this world but rather in the world to come. Jesus also says in John 16:33 that He has "overcome the world" so there is really nothing to fear in this world.
Jesus sums it all up very nicely for the disciples in John 14:1 when He says, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." This peace can only come from God.
So, get your "level" out (your peace meter) and place it in the palm of your hand (I suggest using the Bible as your level). Where's the "bubble" on your meter? Are you leaning too heavily to one side or the other or is your "bubble" right in the middle of the gauge where it should be? Not enough peace to keep you "level"? Spend more time listening to and talking with God.
Dave
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Lord Keeps All Who Love Him!
Psalm 145: 17-21 says, "The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him; but all the wicked, He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord; and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever."
I especially appreciate verse 20 because here is yet another promise that He "keeps all who love Him" and He saves them from an eternal damnation. And it is just as important to understand that He will destroy the wicked of the world. Our God is a loving and kind God, however, He is also a "just" God and has to punish unrighteousness or "the wicked".
We have been graciously granted a "choice"! Do you love God? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior today? Can you confirm your reservation in heaven today? He has made a promise to you that only He can keep. If you haven't given your life to Christ you may want to think more about it. I have a link on my blog that will lead to "The 4 Spiritual Laws" and it will give you a very good understanding of "How to come to Christ"!
Today's world is "spinning" wildly out of control. He could choose to come back at any moment. If your reservation has not been confirmed at that point, it will be too late. Don't miss out on heaven because you may be too busy living like hell!
Dave
Monday, May 25, 2009
Momentary Light Affliction
There are a couple of verses in 2 Corinthians that are very precious to those who's bodies are "giving out". Listen to what the Apostle Paul had to say here: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (vss. 16-18).
Since the beginning of our own medical difficulties, Barb and I have been given some tremendous opportunities that most people never get in life. And of course, our bodies are decaying, as Paul rightfully explains. However, with these illnesses have also come blessings from God. We have been able to minister to some who have cancer and are frightened out of their minds over the possibilities. One day we received a call from my chemotherapy nurse and she was asked to contact us with another patient's phone number. She had been in a chemotherapy session with us previously and knew our hearts. She was very afraid and since the office could not give out my information, she asked the nurse to give her phone number to us so that we might call her.
Of course we did, and eventually had another chemotherapy session together and had the sweet, sweet opportunity to pray with and counsel with this woman in her pain and fear. She had breast cancer and was two weeks away from being "cancer free" for five years when the doctors informed her of its return. How devastating it was for her to hear this news. But Paul has reminded us of our "decaying bodies" and even the "momentary, light affliction" that was producing an "eternal weight of glory..." for us. She was a Jewish woman, and did not have the love of Christ in her heart and so we shared the reason for our joy in the "middle of this momentary, light affliction" and she began to understand a little better.
We do not know how it has all turned out for this precious woman but we do know that she received the message of Jesus Christ and His love as a direct result of my cancer. And so we can better understand the saying "you can't see the forest for the trees!" Sometimes you don't know why but as you lay these burdens at the feet of Jesus, He always finds a way to help you understand!
Sometimes you "can't see the forest for the trees" in your life but you can look "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen" and know that Jesus Christ is there. It is up to you to invite Him into your "Forest"!
Dave
Thursday, May 28, 2009
We're Planning A "Planning" Meeting; At Least That's The Plan!
"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:1,2).
Barb and I are currently on the "extended" camping vacation I have been planning, and planning, and planning for some time now. We originally planned to pull our travel trailer to Seattle, Washington from Surprise, Arizona and then drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and just stop wherever we wanted to and enjoy the beaches of the West Coast. Well "the best laid plans of mice and men" huh? Looks like we may make it to Astoria, Oregon and THEN down the coast for some beach time. It just became harder and harder to try to go that far away with my medical situation.
You know, I hope we get to reach all of the places I have "planned" for us to go to, but really, we just need to plan to live each day (even on the road) living for the Lord. We need to plan to do nothing more than take the next breath and exhale praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.
While we travel across this land and stop here and there, we need to enjoy each other's company (and Jack, our dog). We need to wake up each morning and know that He is right beside us, helping us take each step. That's our new plan. It's a "clean" plan! It's a "doable" plan! But mostly, it's God's plan.
So maybe we'll end up in Colorado, who knows? God knows! And it is He who stretches our His arms of love as we travel up and down these roads.
How is your planning coming along? Are you planning anything in the near future? If not, can I suggest that you plan to share Christ with someone as you go? We are trying to do that, as we go! "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Dave
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Where's Your "Bubble"?
How is your level of "Peace" today? If you were able to put a "level" on your peace today, where would the "bubble" be? Things are so "CRAZY" out there today. Wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters all over the place, nations fighting against nations. If you have even the smallest spiritual understanding, you have to be asking yourself "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON"?
Jesus Christ had just finished explaining the role of the Holy Spirit in John 14 and then in verse 27 He says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." How can we expect to have peace with all we see taking place in the world today? How can we start each morning peacefully when we wake up to all of the sadness and decay in the world? Well for starters, the Bible tells us that "the world IS passing away..." (1 John. 2:17). So Jesus helps us to understand that we are not to build our treasures in this world but rather in the world to come. Jesus also says in John 16:33 that He has "overcome the world" so there is really nothing to fear in this world.
Jesus sums it all up very nicely for the disciples in John 14:1 when He says, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." This peace can only come from God.
So, get your "level" out (your peace meter) and place it in the palm of your hand (I suggest using the Bible as your level). Where's the "bubble" on your meter? Are you leaning too heavily to one side or the other or is your "bubble" right in the middle of the gauge where it should be? Not enough peace to keep you "level"? Spend more time listening to and talking with God.
Dave
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Lord Keeps All Who Love Him!
Psalm 145: 17-21 says, "The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him; but all the wicked, He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord; and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever."
I especially appreciate verse 20 because here is yet another promise that He "keeps all who love Him" and He saves them from an eternal damnation. And it is just as important to understand that He will destroy the wicked of the world. Our God is a loving and kind God, however, He is also a "just" God and has to punish unrighteousness or "the wicked".
We have been graciously granted a "choice"! Do you love God? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior today? Can you confirm your reservation in heaven today? He has made a promise to you that only He can keep. If you haven't given your life to Christ you may want to think more about it. I have a link on my blog that will lead to "The 4 Spiritual Laws" and it will give you a very good understanding of "How to come to Christ"!
Today's world is "spinning" wildly out of control. He could choose to come back at any moment. If your reservation has not been confirmed at that point, it will be too late. Don't miss out on heaven because you may be too busy living like hell!
Dave
Monday, May 25, 2009
Momentary Light Affliction
There are a couple of verses in 2 Corinthians that are very precious to those who's bodies are "giving out". Listen to what the Apostle Paul had to say here: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (vss. 16-18).
Since the beginning of our own medical difficulties, Barb and I have been given some tremendous opportunities that most people never get in life. And of course, our bodies are decaying, as Paul rightfully explains. However, with these illnesses have also come blessings from God. We have been able to minister to some who have cancer and are frightened out of their minds over the possibilities. One day we received a call from my chemotherapy nurse and she was asked to contact us with another patient's phone number. She had been in a chemotherapy session with us previously and knew our hearts. She was very afraid and since the office could not give out my information, she asked the nurse to give her phone number to us so that we might call her.
Of course we did, and eventually had another chemotherapy session together and had the sweet, sweet opportunity to pray with and counsel with this woman in her pain and fear. She had breast cancer and was two weeks away from being "cancer free" for five years when the doctors informed her of its return. How devastating it was for her to hear this news. But Paul has reminded us of our "decaying bodies" and even the "momentary, light affliction" that was producing an "eternal weight of glory..." for us. She was a Jewish woman, and did not have the love of Christ in her heart and so we shared the reason for our joy in the "middle of this momentary, light affliction" and she began to understand a little better.
We do not know how it has all turned out for this precious woman but we do know that she received the message of Jesus Christ and His love as a direct result of my cancer. And so we can better understand the saying "you can't see the forest for the trees!" Sometimes you don't know why but as you lay these burdens at the feet of Jesus, He always finds a way to help you understand!
Sometimes you "can't see the forest for the trees" in your life but you can look "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen" and know that Jesus Christ is there. It is up to you to invite Him into your "Forest"!
Dave
Monday, May 25, 2009
On The Road Again
Barb, Jack, and I are in the Travel Trailer again. Spending the night in beautiful "downtown" Pahrump, Nevada heading toward Astoria, Oregon. Some of you may remember that this is the town in the movie "Goonies!" Then some of you don't even know about the movie Goonies!
Anyway, I was able to purchase this "extremely" slow service for 24 hours and am going to try to do a couple of devotions tonight but anything can happen. Keep looking! I'll eventually get caught up again.
We are having the time of our lives. Right now we are parked for a couple of nights at the edge of a 7 acre lake in Pahrump, Nevada just to rest up before taking off toward Lake Tahoe in a day or two.
Barb has never seen Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada so they are stops on the way. Then up to Salem, Oregon and finally to Astoria which is at the Northwestern most point of the state of Oregon.
We will take in those sights and head home via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and will try to stop and get as much beach time as possible. If all goes well (and we both stay well), we hope to be gone fr about 6 weeks altogether.
I'm really appreciating the freedom that has been given to Barb and I. Of course, "Capt. Jack" had to make the trip with us. Nobody to dog-sit for that long. Besides, he is a good traveling dog.
Anyway, don't forget that God loves you, and you deserve to be loved. "I'll be back!"
Dave
Anyway, I was able to purchase this "extremely" slow service for 24 hours and am going to try to do a couple of devotions tonight but anything can happen. Keep looking! I'll eventually get caught up again.
We are having the time of our lives. Right now we are parked for a couple of nights at the edge of a 7 acre lake in Pahrump, Nevada just to rest up before taking off toward Lake Tahoe in a day or two.
Barb has never seen Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada so they are stops on the way. Then up to Salem, Oregon and finally to Astoria which is at the Northwestern most point of the state of Oregon.
We will take in those sights and head home via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and will try to stop and get as much beach time as possible. If all goes well (and we both stay well), we hope to be gone fr about 6 weeks altogether.
I'm really appreciating the freedom that has been given to Barb and I. Of course, "Capt. Jack" had to make the trip with us. Nobody to dog-sit for that long. Besides, he is a good traveling dog.
Anyway, don't forget that God loves you, and you deserve to be loved. "I'll be back!"
Dave
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Every Morning, Every Day!
Every morning I get up, make myself a cup of coffee and a few precious moments with God then I go an "screw it all up" by turning on the news. I'm a Fox News fan (mostly because I appreciate "fair and balanced" reporting).
Every morning I hear from my friends at Fox news that the America I grew up in is slipping further and further away from its principles and moral fiber. Our Founding Fathers no long have any "clout" in the political agenda and that in and of itself is a shame.
Every morning I hear where someone has "thrown" God out of someplace else. It never was "Ha, Ha" funny but now it is very scary the way God and His people are being treated today. But!
Every morning I am reminded that I have read the "end of the book" and know what God has planned for our world. I am excited to see some of these events take place because it adds "integrity" to what I believe to be the "Second Coming" of Christ Jesus.
Psalm 33:18 & 19 says, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine." Very well said! Does it make you feel "special" or just "good all over" to know that God's eye is upon you and watching every morning "As The World Turns?"
Every morning as I drink my coffee, enjoy my peace with God, watch America "crumble" right in front of us, I feel the "eye of God" as He continues to watch over me. I am a very special person in God's sight. He saw fit to give me ANOTHER clean PET CT Scan last week, which means that the cancer is still "sleeping." "Quiet!" I don't want Satan trying to get his fingers into my good fortune as God continues to smile down at me.
Every morning I hope you wake up to some good coffee, some great peace with God, and a wonderful attitude knowing how the story will end. Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
Dave
Every morning I hear from my friends at Fox news that the America I grew up in is slipping further and further away from its principles and moral fiber. Our Founding Fathers no long have any "clout" in the political agenda and that in and of itself is a shame.
Every morning I hear where someone has "thrown" God out of someplace else. It never was "Ha, Ha" funny but now it is very scary the way God and His people are being treated today. But!
Every morning I am reminded that I have read the "end of the book" and know what God has planned for our world. I am excited to see some of these events take place because it adds "integrity" to what I believe to be the "Second Coming" of Christ Jesus.
Psalm 33:18 & 19 says, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine." Very well said! Does it make you feel "special" or just "good all over" to know that God's eye is upon you and watching every morning "As The World Turns?"
Every morning as I drink my coffee, enjoy my peace with God, watch America "crumble" right in front of us, I feel the "eye of God" as He continues to watch over me. I am a very special person in God's sight. He saw fit to give me ANOTHER clean PET CT Scan last week, which means that the cancer is still "sleeping." "Quiet!" I don't want Satan trying to get his fingers into my good fortune as God continues to smile down at me.
Every morning I hope you wake up to some good coffee, some great peace with God, and a wonderful attitude knowing how the story will end. Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
Dave
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Are You Faithful Or Faithless?
The writer of Hebrews shows an unparalleled wisdom concerning faith and before he even gets to the chapter describing "faith" (Chapter 11) he has already made a profound statement concerning faith.
In chapter 10 verses 37 - 39 say, "For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."
According to the end of these verses, those of us with faith, do not "shrink back to destruction...but preserve the soul." So what is faith? I know that Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." But is there a clearer understanding of faith? I think so. Consider the following:
In chapter 10 verses 37 - 39 say, "For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul."
According to the end of these verses, those of us with faith, do not "shrink back to destruction...but preserve the soul." So what is faith? I know that Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." But is there a clearer understanding of faith? I think so. Consider the following:
- Faith is taking God at His word (Heb.11:6)
- Faith is a keen understanding that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God..." (Ro. 8:28) Not that all things ARE good but that the ALL work together for that good.
- Faith shows intellect and will. It is well demonstrated when Thomas the disciple confesses, "My Lord and my God"
- Faith goes beyond reason. Faith believes without understanding "why."
- Faith "sings in prison" (Acts 16:25)
- Faith exults in tribulations (Ro. 5:3)
- Faith chooses to endure ill-treatment (Heb. :25
- Faith accepts all things as part of God's will (Phil. 1:2).
Faith is paradoxical and Hebrews 10:39 says, "But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." Now here is a statement you can "hang your hat on!"
Dave
Friday, May 22, 2009
He Is Able, So Able
Today God gave me this scripture verse to consider: "For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).
Over the last four years and during my treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I have spoken to and been approached by dozens of people who want to help me, wish to pray for me, desire to lay hands on me and even some who "understand what I am going through."
Over the last four years and during my treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I have spoken to and been approached by dozens of people who want to help me, wish to pray for me, desire to lay hands on me and even some who "understand what I am going through."
I have been overwhelmed by those who care and show concern for my medical condition. I have close friends I have never even met. I love the fact that people who have never laid eyes on me, know little about me, are willing to help, willing to pray, some people even send cards and "knitted angels" and even money. It is quite unbelievable that people so desire to minister even to those whom they have never met. But are you serious about "understanding what I am going through?" This is a very strong "Pet Peeve" of mine. I cannot deal with people who have never had marital difficulties, financial difficulties, health issues but will stand and say to you "I feel your pain; I know what you are going through and I am sorry." Oh, is that right? You HAD cancer and you KNOW what I am going through (light sarcasm)?
If you have never walked in my shoes, you have NO IDEA IN GOD'S GREEN EARTH what I am experiencing or going through. It's a bad statement and should be wiped from people's vocabulary if they have not experienced the dilemma they are trying to minister to. Please understand that I am not "upset" here; just trying to make a point.
In the above verse we are told that in order for Jesus Christ to "come to the aid of those who are tempted" that He must have to be tempted and suffer equally as we have and do today. Verse 17 says, "He had to be made (or was obligated to be) like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Jesus suffered just as we do so that He may become "merciful and faithful." His ability to minister is NOT without understanding. Whatever sin, whatever trial, whatever issue you have in today's life, Jesus Christ suffered. So when verse 18 claims that "He is able to come to our aid" it is clear that He understands.
I've stood in front of caskets unable to find words that would console simply because I had not experienced the death of a loved one. So we do and say what we can but we just do not understand the pain, the suffering, the level of hurt that person is feeling and experiencing.
So the next time you get an opportunity to minister to someone who's problem you have no knowledge of, the best that you can do is put your arms around them and let them know that even though this trial is "unbearable" Jesus Christ understands your hurt.
It's been said that President Bill Clinton coined the phrase "I feel your pain" however, I can testify to you, based on the Word of God, that he does not know what he is talking about. But God does, and it is His love that we need to display to those who hurt and need to be held up.
I didn't make this quote although I wish I had. Listen to a statement made by Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel and be blessed:
Dave"I don't have to worry about falling; the eternal God, the Creator of the heaven and the earth holds me. He loves me. I'm His child. He sent His son in order to redeem me from my sin that He might make me an heir of His eternal kingdom. Oh, that God would grant to us a more complete comprehension of the depth of the riches of love that God extended towards us and continues to extend to us in and through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Draw Near To God
Every time I sit down and begin to read from God's Word, He never fails to give me discernment on passages of scripture that He leads me to. It is very peaceful knowing that our God is working in our hearts and teaching us directly from His Word. I have a few commentaries however, I seldom ever get a chance to use them because God so wants to speak to us. For several years now I have been a strong fan of "Expository" preaching and teaching. For those who may not have a "handle" on what that is, it is a style of preaching or teaching when you teach straight from God's Word, verse by verse, using the wisdom given by God to proclaim His desires. I've heard so many people who believe that they are preaching and teaching ONLY the Bible, but in order to complete their teaching, they always seem to need a "word from mankind" to complete their thoughts.
I know that Ecclesiastes tells us that there "is no new thing under the sun" so with that understanding, I take the passage of scripture to the Lord and ask Him to interrupt for me. To date, He has been "most understanding" with me and I feel that He has taught me so much that I could have never "picked up" by reading someone else's thoughts.
Look at what the Lord's half brother, James says in the 4th chapter in verses 8 & 10: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Such wisdom can only come from our Father in heaven. Take the time to "absorb" the teaching from God's Word and see if He doesn't speak to your heart. Cleanse your heart and be ready and teachable. He is waiting to give you His Word.
Dave
I know that Ecclesiastes tells us that there "is no new thing under the sun" so with that understanding, I take the passage of scripture to the Lord and ask Him to interrupt for me. To date, He has been "most understanding" with me and I feel that He has taught me so much that I could have never "picked up" by reading someone else's thoughts.
Look at what the Lord's half brother, James says in the 4th chapter in verses 8 & 10: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Such wisdom can only come from our Father in heaven. Take the time to "absorb" the teaching from God's Word and see if He doesn't speak to your heart. Cleanse your heart and be ready and teachable. He is waiting to give you His Word.
Dave
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease!
"And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed. But He said, On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it" (Luke 11:27,28).
Only the Son of God would be able to show this much "humility" as people surround Him and "hang" on every word He speaks. People offered compliments and praised the Christ and His response was to bless those who were willing to observe the Word of God.
God's Word has the power to create and to destroy. I have seen so little "humility" in the churches and pulpits today. I too, wanted a pulpit and the "pats on the back" and the "Atta boys" that go along with a good message, but our Lord didn't want any part of it. He was particularly attracted to those whose heart was "fixed" on God's Word and their obedience to it. It seems like John the Baptist had a good handle on this concept of humility when he said in John 3:30 that "He must increase, but I must decrease."
We have an awesome responsibility to direct people toward Jesus Christ and His guidance and then we have an "obligation" to step out of the way. In the world today we see so many "I's" that some don't even know and may never know the Christ. We HAVE to get out of the way of Christ as He works His way into the hearts and lives of others. We plant the seed then move on. We take no praise or thanks with us. We merely "get out of the way" of the Holy Spirit. The above verse in The Gospel of John seems to be the only place to see the proper use of the word "I" anymore.
We would do well to remember who is to receive the glory in our actions as we are led by the Father's hand.
Dave
Only the Son of God would be able to show this much "humility" as people surround Him and "hang" on every word He speaks. People offered compliments and praised the Christ and His response was to bless those who were willing to observe the Word of God.
God's Word has the power to create and to destroy. I have seen so little "humility" in the churches and pulpits today. I too, wanted a pulpit and the "pats on the back" and the "Atta boys" that go along with a good message, but our Lord didn't want any part of it. He was particularly attracted to those whose heart was "fixed" on God's Word and their obedience to it. It seems like John the Baptist had a good handle on this concept of humility when he said in John 3:30 that "He must increase, but I must decrease."
We have an awesome responsibility to direct people toward Jesus Christ and His guidance and then we have an "obligation" to step out of the way. In the world today we see so many "I's" that some don't even know and may never know the Christ. We HAVE to get out of the way of Christ as He works His way into the hearts and lives of others. We plant the seed then move on. We take no praise or thanks with us. We merely "get out of the way" of the Holy Spirit. The above verse in The Gospel of John seems to be the only place to see the proper use of the word "I" anymore.
We would do well to remember who is to receive the glory in our actions as we are led by the Father's hand.
Dave
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Talking The Talk Or Walking The Walk?
Do you notice that everywhere you go, and basically everything you do affords some kind of condemnation about you as a person or especially you as a Christian person? It is happening all over the world. Never in the history of mankind has there been more words spoken on television or publicly concerning Christians, Christianity, Jesus Christ, and other Godly matters. Even people who have little knowledge about Christ are making references to Biblical matters. Seems they pull from "old" resources (ie: Sunday School classes, Catholic Schools, etc.). Even those today who do not express any loyalty to the Son of God are referencing Him and His Church.
This, to me, does not seem to be extraordinary in nature because I believe that as we draw closer to the return of Christ, there will naturally be more people interested in this issue whether they are followers or not. Most Americans of our generation have had some type of church or Biblical upbringing and today it is "seeping through the cracks" as the world is being reported on. Suddenly the news media seems to be infatuated with the topics of heaven and hell, God and the Devil, Good verses evil. The world is drawing closer to the "God thing" whether it is spiritual or secular in nature.
I was reading today in Romans and chapter 8:1,2 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death" and verse 9 says, "...you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."
How well do we recognize the importance of these statements that Paul makes to the Romans? Well it is important to realize that even though the media "talking heads" are bringing up these issues, it doesn't assure us that they are of the "Spirit of God" but rather what I refer to as those who are "reading someone else's mail!"
Paul assures us here in these verses that for those of us who put of Hope in Jesus Christ are not "condemned" by God any longer. He says that it is the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that has set us free! There is no "fooling" God concerning His Spirit. Third John verse 4 says "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." This is not a reference to those who are "talking of" the truth of God but rather to those who are "Walking in the truth of God." There is a big difference.
Today if you question your lifestyle as something other than that which is "walking in the truth of God" then that should give you pause to rethink your relationship with Christ Jesus. Are you a "fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ," or do you just simply walk in the shadows and when you find yourself in need, find your way to Christ for a solution? Jesus says in John 1:27-30 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
I suppose that it could be a good time for "self-examination" in these desperate days that we live in. Are you a "talking head?" Do you, by your very nature, talk about the things of God, or are you truly "walking in the Spirit of truth?" Only you can determine this fact. Someday, and I believe very soon now, God will be opening wide, the doors of heaven and we shall see our Lord Jesus Christ as He returns triumphantly for His church, "the bride of Christ" for all the world to witness.
Don't get caught "talking the talk" when you should be "walking the walk" with Christ! Can you truly say that you give Him all the time He deserves in your life? I cannot!
Dave
This, to me, does not seem to be extraordinary in nature because I believe that as we draw closer to the return of Christ, there will naturally be more people interested in this issue whether they are followers or not. Most Americans of our generation have had some type of church or Biblical upbringing and today it is "seeping through the cracks" as the world is being reported on. Suddenly the news media seems to be infatuated with the topics of heaven and hell, God and the Devil, Good verses evil. The world is drawing closer to the "God thing" whether it is spiritual or secular in nature.
I was reading today in Romans and chapter 8:1,2 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death" and verse 9 says, "...you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."
How well do we recognize the importance of these statements that Paul makes to the Romans? Well it is important to realize that even though the media "talking heads" are bringing up these issues, it doesn't assure us that they are of the "Spirit of God" but rather what I refer to as those who are "reading someone else's mail!"
Paul assures us here in these verses that for those of us who put of Hope in Jesus Christ are not "condemned" by God any longer. He says that it is the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that has set us free! There is no "fooling" God concerning His Spirit. Third John verse 4 says "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." This is not a reference to those who are "talking of" the truth of God but rather to those who are "Walking in the truth of God." There is a big difference.
Today if you question your lifestyle as something other than that which is "walking in the truth of God" then that should give you pause to rethink your relationship with Christ Jesus. Are you a "fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ," or do you just simply walk in the shadows and when you find yourself in need, find your way to Christ for a solution? Jesus says in John 1:27-30 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
I suppose that it could be a good time for "self-examination" in these desperate days that we live in. Are you a "talking head?" Do you, by your very nature, talk about the things of God, or are you truly "walking in the Spirit of truth?" Only you can determine this fact. Someday, and I believe very soon now, God will be opening wide, the doors of heaven and we shall see our Lord Jesus Christ as He returns triumphantly for His church, "the bride of Christ" for all the world to witness.
Don't get caught "talking the talk" when you should be "walking the walk" with Christ! Can you truly say that you give Him all the time He deserves in your life? I cannot!
Dave
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Answer is: "The Crown Of Life"
"Consider it all Joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your Faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).
In every aspect of our lives people tell us to "lift up our chin" or "just shake it off" or "this is just a season of time" or "this will pass, be patient" or something else profound that they probably heard from someone else somewhere down the road.
I'm not speaking out of school; I know what I am talking about. I have a family member that I love dearly and always tells me "you'll get through this, just keep on keepin' on!" Well sometimes I don't feel like "keepin' on". I don't want cancer in my body and my life. It is unimaginable to what degree it affects your lifestyle, and you probably feel the same way from trial to trial in your life.
But hopefully, like myself, when people (who don't necessarily have the "gift of encouragement) try to encourage you by passing by the major emotional upheaval in your life, you understand that God, as He stands beside you, really sees the big picture and knows why you are experiencing this trial. It's easy to read "Consider it all joy" in the book of James, but it's not so easy to understand why this "mess" is taking place in your life. BUT GOD KNOWS THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES ENDURANCE.
I have found that "endurance" is a very big word in life. When I think of endurance, I think of what Jesus must have felt as He hung between heaven and earth, nailed to a wooden cross. Guiltless and sinless, He displayed the most dramatic form of endurance ever shown in one person's life for all the world to see. And when He experienced this trial, He DID NOT call down angels from heaven to comfort Him. He DID NOT change His mind and call on His Father in heaven to remove this cup. And even though it was necessary for God to turn His back on His Son, as He was being filled with the sins of the world, God did not say, "you'll get through this, Son! Just keep on keepin' on" or "just shake it off, Son...it's just a little pain for a little while!" God didn't say "keep your chin up, Son" it will get better.
God loves ALL of His children, from Jesus Christ to me and He wants us to see the value in enduring trials in our lives. They are tough! They do hurt! And is some cases, they do kill the body. But the last thing that the half brother of Jesus (James) explains in verse 4 is "that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Two things I see here is "Perfection and completion" and "lacking in nothing." From the cross at Calvary, one of the last things that Jesus uttered while "enduring" was "It Is Finished!" In fact, He didn't just say it, He shouted it so that all of eternity could here the declaration of His finished work for those who would trust Him in "perfection and completion and lack absolutely nothing" with His finished work.
Today you may be experiencing a trial that looks "too" difficult to tolerate. So difficult that not only can you not "lift up your chin" but you can't even hold your head up for the pain physically and emotionally. Know this: Jesus Christ is beside you even if you are laying on the floor unable to stand upright from the trial. And all the while He is producing in you endurance that molds into "perfection and completion" and you, at this point, even though you cannot lift your head, are "lacking in nothing" in the presence of the Lord Almighty!
In verse 12, James says "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
If I die tomorrow from this terrible disease called cancer and even though I haven't always been a hero through it all, I get this "crown of life" when it is all over because THIS is what God has promised.
May the God of difficult circumstances, care for you like no other being in life can do!
Dave
In every aspect of our lives people tell us to "lift up our chin" or "just shake it off" or "this is just a season of time" or "this will pass, be patient" or something else profound that they probably heard from someone else somewhere down the road.
I'm not speaking out of school; I know what I am talking about. I have a family member that I love dearly and always tells me "you'll get through this, just keep on keepin' on!" Well sometimes I don't feel like "keepin' on". I don't want cancer in my body and my life. It is unimaginable to what degree it affects your lifestyle, and you probably feel the same way from trial to trial in your life.
But hopefully, like myself, when people (who don't necessarily have the "gift of encouragement) try to encourage you by passing by the major emotional upheaval in your life, you understand that God, as He stands beside you, really sees the big picture and knows why you are experiencing this trial. It's easy to read "Consider it all joy" in the book of James, but it's not so easy to understand why this "mess" is taking place in your life. BUT GOD KNOWS THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES ENDURANCE.
I have found that "endurance" is a very big word in life. When I think of endurance, I think of what Jesus must have felt as He hung between heaven and earth, nailed to a wooden cross. Guiltless and sinless, He displayed the most dramatic form of endurance ever shown in one person's life for all the world to see. And when He experienced this trial, He DID NOT call down angels from heaven to comfort Him. He DID NOT change His mind and call on His Father in heaven to remove this cup. And even though it was necessary for God to turn His back on His Son, as He was being filled with the sins of the world, God did not say, "you'll get through this, Son! Just keep on keepin' on" or "just shake it off, Son...it's just a little pain for a little while!" God didn't say "keep your chin up, Son" it will get better.
God loves ALL of His children, from Jesus Christ to me and He wants us to see the value in enduring trials in our lives. They are tough! They do hurt! And is some cases, they do kill the body. But the last thing that the half brother of Jesus (James) explains in verse 4 is "that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Two things I see here is "Perfection and completion" and "lacking in nothing." From the cross at Calvary, one of the last things that Jesus uttered while "enduring" was "It Is Finished!" In fact, He didn't just say it, He shouted it so that all of eternity could here the declaration of His finished work for those who would trust Him in "perfection and completion and lack absolutely nothing" with His finished work.
Today you may be experiencing a trial that looks "too" difficult to tolerate. So difficult that not only can you not "lift up your chin" but you can't even hold your head up for the pain physically and emotionally. Know this: Jesus Christ is beside you even if you are laying on the floor unable to stand upright from the trial. And all the while He is producing in you endurance that molds into "perfection and completion" and you, at this point, even though you cannot lift your head, are "lacking in nothing" in the presence of the Lord Almighty!
In verse 12, James says "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
If I die tomorrow from this terrible disease called cancer and even though I haven't always been a hero through it all, I get this "crown of life" when it is all over because THIS is what God has promised.
May the God of difficult circumstances, care for you like no other being in life can do!
Dave
Sunday, May 17, 2009
God's Word Holy Spirit Breathed!
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
For centuries man has taken on the challenge to prove that the Bible is the "inspired" word of God" When it is referred to as "inspired" it is meant that the Holy Spirit has exerted His supernatural influence on the writers of the Bible (those who would be the authors within each book). And so we have God inspired or "breathed" words from God Himself, delivered through the Holy Spirit to the man that would eventually pen His remarks. It means that every word, in the original language, is equally and fully inspired in all of its teachings. It means that the Bible does not simply contain the Word of God but it is literally "the Word of God". Men moved by the Holy Spirit inscribed the Words of God as they were spoken to. So from this passage of scripture we can understand that the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, that God used man as the instrument by the Holy Spirit with which to write His Word, and the results being "the infallible Word of God.
The Bible is free from error and very much trustworthy as we see in Matthew 24:35 where it says "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away" (Jesus speaking).
This passage gives me an overwhelmingly good feeling about God's conversation with us and exactly what it is that He wants from us and what He has planned for us. It has as its profit margin, Teaching, Reproof, Correction, and Training in righteousness. And of course, one of our greatest desires in life should be in being trained in righteousness as someday, when Jesus decides to return for His church, the Bride of Christ, we will finally and fully be trained in righteousness which will be displayed as we bow before our King in all of His glory with the righteousness that He has saved us with.
Therefore all scripture given by God is:
For centuries man has taken on the challenge to prove that the Bible is the "inspired" word of God" When it is referred to as "inspired" it is meant that the Holy Spirit has exerted His supernatural influence on the writers of the Bible (those who would be the authors within each book). And so we have God inspired or "breathed" words from God Himself, delivered through the Holy Spirit to the man that would eventually pen His remarks. It means that every word, in the original language, is equally and fully inspired in all of its teachings. It means that the Bible does not simply contain the Word of God but it is literally "the Word of God". Men moved by the Holy Spirit inscribed the Words of God as they were spoken to. So from this passage of scripture we can understand that the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, that God used man as the instrument by the Holy Spirit with which to write His Word, and the results being "the infallible Word of God.
The Bible is free from error and very much trustworthy as we see in Matthew 24:35 where it says "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away" (Jesus speaking).
This passage gives me an overwhelmingly good feeling about God's conversation with us and exactly what it is that He wants from us and what He has planned for us. It has as its profit margin, Teaching, Reproof, Correction, and Training in righteousness. And of course, one of our greatest desires in life should be in being trained in righteousness as someday, when Jesus decides to return for His church, the Bride of Christ, we will finally and fully be trained in righteousness which will be displayed as we bow before our King in all of His glory with the righteousness that He has saved us with.
Therefore all scripture given by God is:
- Internal - infallible; Forever true, new, honest, unique, and accurate
- External - profitable, because it works
- Eternal - indestructible, as seen over the past several thousand years
Finally in this passage, Paul says "that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." That's us, folks, "adequately equipped for every good work. Sometimes you may not feel like it but that is exactly what God is doing in your life if you are completely surrendered to His will.
Dave
Saturday, May 16, 2009
If You Can!
Jesus said to him, "If You can! All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23)
A lot of times in my life, I find my self saying to God, "If You Can!" Well if He can't I don't know anyone or anything else that can. A man brings his little boy to Jesus Christ and says to Him "If you can, please take pity on my son." (Mark 9:22b)
And then when he is rebuked by Jesus the boy's father cries out and says, "I do believe; help my unbelief." We all have a certain amount of unbelief. We wonder if God is listening to us. We wonder if He plans to do anything about our problems and we wonder if He DID anything when we do not notice any change.
All things are possible to him who believes is what Jesus said to this poor hurting father. ALL THINGS! He didn't say, "there are some things that I can fix and then there are other things I just don't care to deal with" but it all comes down to our own heart. What do we feel that Jesus can do for us.
Some of us are very sick and need a touch from the Master, but do we really believe that He is listening, caring and doing something about it? If we don't see instant results does that constitute "unbelief?"
Jesus assured this little boy's father that "All things are possible to him who believes!" So the basis for miracles in our lives, those we see and those we will not recognize until we meet Him in heaven are based on our ability to "believe." How strong is your belief? Do you want Jesus to answer your prayers by "your will" or by "His will?"
I say if I have to wait to see the results, I am good with that. Cancer may take away my life but it cannot take away my "belief." How about you?
Dave
A lot of times in my life, I find my self saying to God, "If You Can!" Well if He can't I don't know anyone or anything else that can. A man brings his little boy to Jesus Christ and says to Him "If you can, please take pity on my son." (Mark 9:22b)
And then when he is rebuked by Jesus the boy's father cries out and says, "I do believe; help my unbelief." We all have a certain amount of unbelief. We wonder if God is listening to us. We wonder if He plans to do anything about our problems and we wonder if He DID anything when we do not notice any change.
All things are possible to him who believes is what Jesus said to this poor hurting father. ALL THINGS! He didn't say, "there are some things that I can fix and then there are other things I just don't care to deal with" but it all comes down to our own heart. What do we feel that Jesus can do for us.
Some of us are very sick and need a touch from the Master, but do we really believe that He is listening, caring and doing something about it? If we don't see instant results does that constitute "unbelief?"
Jesus assured this little boy's father that "All things are possible to him who believes!" So the basis for miracles in our lives, those we see and those we will not recognize until we meet Him in heaven are based on our ability to "believe." How strong is your belief? Do you want Jesus to answer your prayers by "your will" or by "His will?"
I say if I have to wait to see the results, I am good with that. Cancer may take away my life but it cannot take away my "belief." How about you?
Dave
Friday, May 15, 2009
A Few Days Off
For those of you who faithfully read what I write each day, I just wanted to let you know that I am taking a few days off for reflection of my own personal life. Everyone has issues these days and I am no different. Please pray for me and Barb and I hope to get back on track very soon.
Thanks for understanding and praying.
Dave
"...if you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will become like midday. And the Lord will continually guide you." (Isaiah 58:10,11a)
Thanks for understanding and praying.
Dave
"...if you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will become like midday. And the Lord will continually guide you." (Isaiah 58:10,11a)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
He Will Make All Things New
Do you remember the last time you bought a new car. Or perhaps a new home or piece of furniture? Remember how you would rub it, and polish the car. Remember the times you were willing to walk half a mile to the storefront in order to park the car out where nobody would bump it with their car door?
It was special and it was "Brand New" and you didn't want anything to scratch it or fall on it. You didn't even want it to get rained on. So you took extra precautions to make sure that it stayed "New" as long as it could. And with your new home or piece of furniture. I know I would always make the dog stay off of the "New" couch until I was eventually "overridden" by Barb because Jack was part of the family and should be able to enjoy the new couch also.
I remember when I got my New American Standard Bible - The Open Bible printed and outlined by Campus Crusade for Christ about 30 years ago. I would brush it off all the time, write notes on paper and stick them in my Bible and I tried very hard to keep my Bible looking new. It's been over 30 years now and I still have the same Bible. There were a few days when I had to carry the book of First Peter in my pocket because the pages eventually tore out and I could not keep it all together. I have obviously been writing in my Bible for some time now because it is now, twice as thick as it was new and I could never replace this Bible. All I have learned about my God is written in this book. It looks torn and tattered. It's been rebound once so that First Peter is back in it's proper place in God's Word but the outside edges are still tattered. Everywhere you look in it, you can find some written notes and exclamations about some related issues for that page.
Well I was reading in this old torn and tattered book today and came across this passage of scripture: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, "new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:1-3).
Just think, someday, and probably very soon now, Jesus is going to buy all of us a "New Bible" and that new Bible will be the "New Jerusalem" and we will stand there and look out at the vast sea of people who trusted Him for their life and we will glorify the Lord with our song. We won't be so concerned with "scratches or dog hair or torn or tattered pages" but rather with gazing on the magnificence of the Lord Jesus Christ and the New Heaven & New Earth!
It goes on in verse 4 to say "He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." I can only Imagine! In fact, click here to see a precious video and song about our eventual union with Christ in heaven.
Dave
It was special and it was "Brand New" and you didn't want anything to scratch it or fall on it. You didn't even want it to get rained on. So you took extra precautions to make sure that it stayed "New" as long as it could. And with your new home or piece of furniture. I know I would always make the dog stay off of the "New" couch until I was eventually "overridden" by Barb because Jack was part of the family and should be able to enjoy the new couch also.
I remember when I got my New American Standard Bible - The Open Bible printed and outlined by Campus Crusade for Christ about 30 years ago. I would brush it off all the time, write notes on paper and stick them in my Bible and I tried very hard to keep my Bible looking new. It's been over 30 years now and I still have the same Bible. There were a few days when I had to carry the book of First Peter in my pocket because the pages eventually tore out and I could not keep it all together. I have obviously been writing in my Bible for some time now because it is now, twice as thick as it was new and I could never replace this Bible. All I have learned about my God is written in this book. It looks torn and tattered. It's been rebound once so that First Peter is back in it's proper place in God's Word but the outside edges are still tattered. Everywhere you look in it, you can find some written notes and exclamations about some related issues for that page.
Well I was reading in this old torn and tattered book today and came across this passage of scripture: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, "new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:1-3).
Just think, someday, and probably very soon now, Jesus is going to buy all of us a "New Bible" and that new Bible will be the "New Jerusalem" and we will stand there and look out at the vast sea of people who trusted Him for their life and we will glorify the Lord with our song. We won't be so concerned with "scratches or dog hair or torn or tattered pages" but rather with gazing on the magnificence of the Lord Jesus Christ and the New Heaven & New Earth!
It goes on in verse 4 to say "He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." I can only Imagine! In fact, click here to see a precious video and song about our eventual union with Christ in heaven.
Dave
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What Does Our Knowledge Of Christ Compel Us To Do?
I must confess that I was a little slow in getting this devotion prepared for today as I had to do the PET CT Scan yesterday and it pretty much took most of my energy but God is faithful.
Philemon is a one chapter book about a slave named Onesimus, who had been touched by the witness of Paul and I was drawn to verses 4 through 6 where he says, "I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake."
Paul is writing to Philemon, who was the original owner of the slave, Onesimus, who appears to have "borrowed" some of Philemon's possessions and fled only to end up in jail with Paul (what a God thing).
I was especially impressed that Paul prayed that the "fellowship of your faith..." which is a very important part of any Christian walk "...may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake."
Paul is reminding Philemon of the knowledge he possesses about the love of Christ's and Paul's motivation is for Philemon to take Onesimus back, "no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother..."
It take the smallest amount of energy for any one of us to do a wrong to someone without even thinking about it and here Paul is leaning on the knowledge that Philemon has in his Christianity to be able to forgive and allow this slave back into the fold, not as a slave but as a "free man" because of the love of Christ that he has experienced while imprisoned with Paul.
Philippians 1:9 mentions this knowledge as he says "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment..." and then again in Colossians 1:9 it says, "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." And then once again in Colossians 3:9-10 Paul says, "Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him..."
What I see that is consistent here with Paul's remarks is that he keeps mentioning the "knowledge that we have in Christ Jesus" which offers us just one option for the sinner. I learned a long time ago that it is important for us as Christian men and women to "Hate the sin, but love the sinner" so this is the message that Paul tries to convey to Philemon about this new found child of God.
Spending a lot of years in the insurance business in my lifetime, I have always said to people that "An insurance company is only as good as it's claims department" and this philosophy would hold true with the previous thought that it is important that we have the ability to look past the "hated sin" and toward the "sinner with love!"
Consequences are not ours to determine but rather that is the job of our Creator so we simply try to follow Paul's lead in the knowledge of the truth which is in Christ Jesus.
And finally in verse 18 & 19 Paul says, "But if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account; I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (lest I should mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well)." Paul's plea here is for one brother to accept another newer brother in Christ back into the fellowship, not as a slave, but rather as a beloved brother. He informs Philemon that Onesimus now has a worthwhile purpose in life and is worthy of being brought back into the fold.
I wish that we, today could find it that easy to forgive and bring "that which was lost and now is found" back into the fold faithfully, and without stipulation. I guess what I am trying to say is that there needs to be an "outpouring" of our love, so much so, that the "disapproval" we once experienced in others is overshadowed by that love. I know this is a hard take, I struggle with the same issue, but here Paul, one who we try to follow as a model of Christ, is reminding us of the "knowledge we have" and requesting that we use it to glorify God.
Perhaps someone has wronged you as a non-believer, gone away and returned to your life as a "fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ"! What do you do with this person? Jesus Christ says from the "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5:38 & 39 "You have heard that it was said, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH. But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Now while this verse may not fully convey the incident in Philemon, it brings to mind the love of Christ which we DO INDEED have the knowledge of.
Dave
Philemon is a one chapter book about a slave named Onesimus, who had been touched by the witness of Paul and I was drawn to verses 4 through 6 where he says, "I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake."
Paul is writing to Philemon, who was the original owner of the slave, Onesimus, who appears to have "borrowed" some of Philemon's possessions and fled only to end up in jail with Paul (what a God thing).
I was especially impressed that Paul prayed that the "fellowship of your faith..." which is a very important part of any Christian walk "...may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake."
Paul is reminding Philemon of the knowledge he possesses about the love of Christ's and Paul's motivation is for Philemon to take Onesimus back, "no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother..."
It take the smallest amount of energy for any one of us to do a wrong to someone without even thinking about it and here Paul is leaning on the knowledge that Philemon has in his Christianity to be able to forgive and allow this slave back into the fold, not as a slave but as a "free man" because of the love of Christ that he has experienced while imprisoned with Paul.
Philippians 1:9 mentions this knowledge as he says "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment..." and then again in Colossians 1:9 it says, "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." And then once again in Colossians 3:9-10 Paul says, "Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him..."
What I see that is consistent here with Paul's remarks is that he keeps mentioning the "knowledge that we have in Christ Jesus" which offers us just one option for the sinner. I learned a long time ago that it is important for us as Christian men and women to "Hate the sin, but love the sinner" so this is the message that Paul tries to convey to Philemon about this new found child of God.
Spending a lot of years in the insurance business in my lifetime, I have always said to people that "An insurance company is only as good as it's claims department" and this philosophy would hold true with the previous thought that it is important that we have the ability to look past the "hated sin" and toward the "sinner with love!"
Consequences are not ours to determine but rather that is the job of our Creator so we simply try to follow Paul's lead in the knowledge of the truth which is in Christ Jesus.
And finally in verse 18 & 19 Paul says, "But if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account; I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (lest I should mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well)." Paul's plea here is for one brother to accept another newer brother in Christ back into the fellowship, not as a slave, but rather as a beloved brother. He informs Philemon that Onesimus now has a worthwhile purpose in life and is worthy of being brought back into the fold.
I wish that we, today could find it that easy to forgive and bring "that which was lost and now is found" back into the fold faithfully, and without stipulation. I guess what I am trying to say is that there needs to be an "outpouring" of our love, so much so, that the "disapproval" we once experienced in others is overshadowed by that love. I know this is a hard take, I struggle with the same issue, but here Paul, one who we try to follow as a model of Christ, is reminding us of the "knowledge we have" and requesting that we use it to glorify God.
Perhaps someone has wronged you as a non-believer, gone away and returned to your life as a "fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ"! What do you do with this person? Jesus Christ says from the "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5:38 & 39 "You have heard that it was said, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH. But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Now while this verse may not fully convey the incident in Philemon, it brings to mind the love of Christ which we DO INDEED have the knowledge of.
Dave
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ain't God Great?
Today, I would like to take license to deviate from my scripture schedule and bring up another scripture passage that is very close to my heart. I was blessed to be able to participate in a 16 week semester study while in seminary on the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis and what is most attractive to me is within the very first verse of the book where it says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
There are so many things to glean from this one verse of scripture that naturally, I will not have the opportunity to reach them all, but there are some interesting facts about "In the beginning..." that Christians everywhere should be able to defend. In the beginning or at the start or from the moment creation began to be made is an important issue because it gives us a "start up" time. Without "In the beginning," who would ever be able to determine any of God's timing, and also as important is that this is "God's timing" and not ours which means that even though we use a 24 hour clock to calculate a day's work, does not mean that we should put God in that box.
And then the author says "...created the heavens and earth." In the Hebrew language the word created is "bara" which is significant because it literally means "creating something out of nothing." And of course, this is the biggest issue that Christianity has today with the Theory of Evolution which is insistent on the fact that we "Evolved" into what we are today from something besides "bara" (nothing). Darwin based his entire theory on "happening by chance" which would be somewhat shaky to me in today's world. Darwin's theory goes somewhat like this: "Fortuitous concurrences of accidental circumstances" In fact, if his theory were correct, it would be interesting each time we opened a can of peaches today to see what we would find.
Also as important is the word "God" as it is used here in the Hebrew language. It is the word "Elohim" which means "A God of power". This is important to note because after all of the creation story is complete and beginning in chapter 2:4, God is referred to as "Jehovah Elohim" which means "A God of power and perfection - A finishing God." Interesting, huh?
Well, why did I bring this up? What does it have to do with your salvation or your walk with God? How does it make your relationship with God better? Well, as I said earlier, it is a favorite passage of mine and its importance in my life is that because my faith IN God allows me to see this as the "Gospel Truth" of God's Word (as opposed to other theories IE: Evolution), the news we are beginning to receive about the possible return of my cancer and the possibility of another very serious "round" of chemotherapy, I can stand tall in my understanding in the Creator of the universe and His Great Ability to take care of me "according to His will".
Yes, the "tumor markers" have been increasing each month and today I go for a "stat" PET CT Scan to see just exactly where it is at. And because I trust by faith, the Word I just explained to you, I don't have to be worried about opening this "can of peaches" because I know that whatever is in the can, God CAN, and will take care of for me.
Someday you can sit and read the 38th and 39th chapters of the book of Job to see the masterful way that God shows Job who the Creator is.
One more point and I'm through. In verse 3 God said "Let there be light; and there was light." The fascinating part of that verse that a lot of you probably don't realize is that this still being the first day of creation, there was no Sun or Moon created yet. So, I believe that the God who can light up the world with His Word alone, can take very good care my little problem.
Ain't God Great
Dave
There are so many things to glean from this one verse of scripture that naturally, I will not have the opportunity to reach them all, but there are some interesting facts about "In the beginning..." that Christians everywhere should be able to defend. In the beginning or at the start or from the moment creation began to be made is an important issue because it gives us a "start up" time. Without "In the beginning," who would ever be able to determine any of God's timing, and also as important is that this is "God's timing" and not ours which means that even though we use a 24 hour clock to calculate a day's work, does not mean that we should put God in that box.
And then the author says "...created the heavens and earth." In the Hebrew language the word created is "bara" which is significant because it literally means "creating something out of nothing." And of course, this is the biggest issue that Christianity has today with the Theory of Evolution which is insistent on the fact that we "Evolved" into what we are today from something besides "bara" (nothing). Darwin based his entire theory on "happening by chance" which would be somewhat shaky to me in today's world. Darwin's theory goes somewhat like this: "Fortuitous concurrences of accidental circumstances" In fact, if his theory were correct, it would be interesting each time we opened a can of peaches today to see what we would find.
Also as important is the word "God" as it is used here in the Hebrew language. It is the word "Elohim" which means "A God of power". This is important to note because after all of the creation story is complete and beginning in chapter 2:4, God is referred to as "Jehovah Elohim" which means "A God of power and perfection - A finishing God." Interesting, huh?
Well, why did I bring this up? What does it have to do with your salvation or your walk with God? How does it make your relationship with God better? Well, as I said earlier, it is a favorite passage of mine and its importance in my life is that because my faith IN God allows me to see this as the "Gospel Truth" of God's Word (as opposed to other theories IE: Evolution), the news we are beginning to receive about the possible return of my cancer and the possibility of another very serious "round" of chemotherapy, I can stand tall in my understanding in the Creator of the universe and His Great Ability to take care of me "according to His will".
Yes, the "tumor markers" have been increasing each month and today I go for a "stat" PET CT Scan to see just exactly where it is at. And because I trust by faith, the Word I just explained to you, I don't have to be worried about opening this "can of peaches" because I know that whatever is in the can, God CAN, and will take care of for me.
Someday you can sit and read the 38th and 39th chapters of the book of Job to see the masterful way that God shows Job who the Creator is.
One more point and I'm through. In verse 3 God said "Let there be light; and there was light." The fascinating part of that verse that a lot of you probably don't realize is that this still being the first day of creation, there was no Sun or Moon created yet. So, I believe that the God who can light up the world with His Word alone, can take very good care my little problem.
Ain't God Great
Dave
Monday, May 11, 2009
Love Covers Sin
My scripture verse for today is from Proverbs 10:12 which says, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.” Even thought this is not a famous or well-known verse of scripture, to me, it is one of the most relevant in scripture. This world and its people are finding it harder and harder to just simply get along and I think that this is where this verse fits into the world.
Satan is stirring up a cauldron of “strife” in today’s society and each of us buys into some portion of it. In fact, just in a recent devotion I was talking about these “selfish, inconsiderate, uncaring, rude, and hateful people and they were to some degree so that is why I continued to greet each of them with a smile and a blessing from our Father. But the tension in the air is becoming so thick that you can literally cut it with a knife. When do we all come to an understanding that it is the love of Christ that compels us to present ourselves as “good?”
It is in First Peter 4:8 where it says, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” What about the command of Jesus to the Rich Young Ruler when He said “…Love your neighbor as yourself!” How true is that? You need do nothing more than visit the events of the cross to witness this “sin covering love” from our Savior.
As a people who insist on being lumped together with Christianity, we must find a way to reach out to our fellow man with a little more compassion than has been shown in the past. Without taking these steps something along the lines of “Civil Unrest” will become a reality in our own country, America.
Not wishing to sound like an alarmist (however I have read the end of the book), my wish is to encourage you to meet and greet your neighbors with grace and dignity. Respecting their wishes and letting them know about your God and your life with God. One man from the pulpit cannot do this alone. In fact, with all the men standing in pulpits all over the world, this effort still requires your input, simply because this was God’s command to you and me. Stifle the strife by sharing your love for God and one another.
Dave
Satan is stirring up a cauldron of “strife” in today’s society and each of us buys into some portion of it. In fact, just in a recent devotion I was talking about these “selfish, inconsiderate, uncaring, rude, and hateful people and they were to some degree so that is why I continued to greet each of them with a smile and a blessing from our Father. But the tension in the air is becoming so thick that you can literally cut it with a knife. When do we all come to an understanding that it is the love of Christ that compels us to present ourselves as “good?”
It is in First Peter 4:8 where it says, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” What about the command of Jesus to the Rich Young Ruler when He said “…Love your neighbor as yourself!” How true is that? You need do nothing more than visit the events of the cross to witness this “sin covering love” from our Savior.
As a people who insist on being lumped together with Christianity, we must find a way to reach out to our fellow man with a little more compassion than has been shown in the past. Without taking these steps something along the lines of “Civil Unrest” will become a reality in our own country, America.
Not wishing to sound like an alarmist (however I have read the end of the book), my wish is to encourage you to meet and greet your neighbors with grace and dignity. Respecting their wishes and letting them know about your God and your life with God. One man from the pulpit cannot do this alone. In fact, with all the men standing in pulpits all over the world, this effort still requires your input, simply because this was God’s command to you and me. Stifle the strife by sharing your love for God and one another.
Dave
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Who Shall Separate Us From The Love Of Christ?
This week, Barb and I attended the funeral services of a two and a half year old little boy that we knew through our youngest daughter, Annie. I've been to a hundred of funerals before and never been affected quite like this before.
Looking down at that precious little boy caused a "flood" of emotions to come over me, and I am sure, everyone in the place (I have a granddaughter and grandson right at that age). Because as "finite" humans beings, all we know to do is ask "WHY"? And as a pastor, I am NEVER surprised to find that there are not any real answers to that question, this side of paradise. After all, our spiritual logic does not reach far enough to grasp the love of God as we stare into the casket of a two year old child.
What purpose was there in this little boy's death last week? Where do we "surmise" that "ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)? How does a Mother grasp the "Love of God" at a moment like this? See, these are the questions that people have and we just cannot give "logical" answers, so we try to console the best way that we know how but there are never words that make sense. I don't know why that little boy's life was cut short but I also don't know why people have to suffer through unbearable pain with diseases that are killing them each and every day.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,FOR THY SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"(Romans 8:35-39).
When I don't know how to answer tough questions such as the loss of a child so young, or disease that is eating away at a body which will eventually take that person's life, I know that I can turn to this passage of scripture, even though it is hard to understand, that there is NOTHING that can separate me from the love of God. His Word proclaims it.
So what is this young mother to do? Right now, her purpose IS to grieve right down to the very "core of her being", the loss of this little child, for this is the normal process of death. Mary stood at the foot of Jesus' cross and grieved for her Son's life as she watched it pass away right in front of her. This mother will have sleepless nights thinking about her son and all of the things that may have been done differently to prevent this terrible tragic accident. And someday she will begin to see vision of her son in his life and not in his death and cherish those memories. But the truth is that God is still in control and someday (if it even matters at the time), an answer will be given that will satisfy. And so she waits!
I remember saying to a good friend shortly before his untimely death with cancer: "When we come to the edge of all the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen; either there will be something solid to stand on, or we will be taught how to fly!"
I pray that this young mother can just hang on to save her own sanity but more than that, I pray that she will allow God to permeate her heart to such an extent that she can find the peace that He wants her to have.
Dave
Looking down at that precious little boy caused a "flood" of emotions to come over me, and I am sure, everyone in the place (I have a granddaughter and grandson right at that age). Because as "finite" humans beings, all we know to do is ask "WHY"? And as a pastor, I am NEVER surprised to find that there are not any real answers to that question, this side of paradise. After all, our spiritual logic does not reach far enough to grasp the love of God as we stare into the casket of a two year old child.
What purpose was there in this little boy's death last week? Where do we "surmise" that "ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)? How does a Mother grasp the "Love of God" at a moment like this? See, these are the questions that people have and we just cannot give "logical" answers, so we try to console the best way that we know how but there are never words that make sense. I don't know why that little boy's life was cut short but I also don't know why people have to suffer through unbearable pain with diseases that are killing them each and every day.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,FOR THY SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"(Romans 8:35-39).
When I don't know how to answer tough questions such as the loss of a child so young, or disease that is eating away at a body which will eventually take that person's life, I know that I can turn to this passage of scripture, even though it is hard to understand, that there is NOTHING that can separate me from the love of God. His Word proclaims it.
So what is this young mother to do? Right now, her purpose IS to grieve right down to the very "core of her being", the loss of this little child, for this is the normal process of death. Mary stood at the foot of Jesus' cross and grieved for her Son's life as she watched it pass away right in front of her. This mother will have sleepless nights thinking about her son and all of the things that may have been done differently to prevent this terrible tragic accident. And someday she will begin to see vision of her son in his life and not in his death and cherish those memories. But the truth is that God is still in control and someday (if it even matters at the time), an answer will be given that will satisfy. And so she waits!
I remember saying to a good friend shortly before his untimely death with cancer: "When we come to the edge of all the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen; either there will be something solid to stand on, or we will be taught how to fly!"
I pray that this young mother can just hang on to save her own sanity but more than that, I pray that she will allow God to permeate her heart to such an extent that she can find the peace that He wants her to have.
Dave
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Grace To You And Peace From God Our Father!
In the prescript of the book of Galatians which consist of the first five verses of chapter one, Paul says a lot of things in just a few words. Let me quote it to you and then I’ll show you what I mean: “Paul, an apostle (not sent from men, nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia; Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore, Amen.”
First, Paul introduces himself as an apostle and we know this to be a fact that his training in the Gospel came directly from the Lord. Second he testifies that the Father and the Son are one, and he points out that it was God who raised Jesus from the dead and he includes all he brethren who are with him in Ephesus and he said all of that in the first two verses.
He accentuates his introduction with not only a “greeting” but a “blessing” as well. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ…” but it is verse 4 that I want to draw your attention to.
After he has introduced himself, offered his credentials, testified to the “likeness” of the Father and the Son, assured the readers that it was the Father that raised the Son from the grave, included all of the brethren who were with him during this writing, offered a blessing (all of this took only 54 words in my NASB), his first order of business was going to be to convince the reader that the subject of his letter evolved around the risen Lord, and that He would deliver us out of this “evil age” according to the will of the Father. Boy that’s a mouthful.
“He gave Himself,” God sent His Son, Jesus faced the cross alone, He took on evil for all mankind forevermore, and both the Father and Son carried out this mission because of
“this present evil age.”
We were at Epcot Park in Disney World today with our grandkids and I had to get one of those “electric” carts so my back would still be in one piece when we got back to the room and I was amazed at the number of “selfish, inconsiderate, uncaring, rude, and hateful, people that could be at the “Happiest Place On Earth” ALL at the same time! But God allowed me to “keep my cool” and I even had a few words of “blessing” for some of them (all good that is). But we DO live in a present “evil age” and so when I saw these words in verse 4, I thought “What a cool way to catch these people “off guard” by simply saying to these ungrateful individuals “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
I’m gonna try that when we go back to the park tomorrow. I am absolutely positive that I will defuse more attitudes with this kind of greeting than with any other thing I could think of. That Paul! For a guy who tried so desperately to destroy the church from it’s beginning, he sure has excellent ways of bringing peace into stressful situations. I’ll let you know how it goes! In the meantime, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
Dave
First, Paul introduces himself as an apostle and we know this to be a fact that his training in the Gospel came directly from the Lord. Second he testifies that the Father and the Son are one, and he points out that it was God who raised Jesus from the dead and he includes all he brethren who are with him in Ephesus and he said all of that in the first two verses.
He accentuates his introduction with not only a “greeting” but a “blessing” as well. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ…” but it is verse 4 that I want to draw your attention to.
After he has introduced himself, offered his credentials, testified to the “likeness” of the Father and the Son, assured the readers that it was the Father that raised the Son from the grave, included all of the brethren who were with him during this writing, offered a blessing (all of this took only 54 words in my NASB), his first order of business was going to be to convince the reader that the subject of his letter evolved around the risen Lord, and that He would deliver us out of this “evil age” according to the will of the Father. Boy that’s a mouthful.
“He gave Himself,” God sent His Son, Jesus faced the cross alone, He took on evil for all mankind forevermore, and both the Father and Son carried out this mission because of
“this present evil age.”
We were at Epcot Park in Disney World today with our grandkids and I had to get one of those “electric” carts so my back would still be in one piece when we got back to the room and I was amazed at the number of “selfish, inconsiderate, uncaring, rude, and hateful, people that could be at the “Happiest Place On Earth” ALL at the same time! But God allowed me to “keep my cool” and I even had a few words of “blessing” for some of them (all good that is). But we DO live in a present “evil age” and so when I saw these words in verse 4, I thought “What a cool way to catch these people “off guard” by simply saying to these ungrateful individuals “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
I’m gonna try that when we go back to the park tomorrow. I am absolutely positive that I will defuse more attitudes with this kind of greeting than with any other thing I could think of. That Paul! For a guy who tried so desperately to destroy the church from it’s beginning, he sure has excellent ways of bringing peace into stressful situations. I’ll let you know how it goes! In the meantime, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
Dave
Friday, May 8, 2009
Who ARE You?
Here’s an interesting verse of scripture found in Hebrews 10:23. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
I read a book once by a famous Christian author by the name of Josh McDowell, of Campus Crusade for Christ and one particular chapter made plenty of sense to me (I think the book was “More Than A Carpenter). I believe that the chapter was called “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord!”
I’m paraphrasing the chapter but I remember the jest of it so indulge me, please:
If Jesus Christ, the person who’s claim was to be the Son of God, the One who died a gruesome death on a Roman cross, the One who was buried and “supposedly” rose from the dead, lied about this entire event, He made it all up, then we Christians have been following a scoundrel. This would be a person not worthy to be trusted with “taking out the trash” once a week. In fact, we would refer to Him as a “LIAR!”
What if He was just a “loon?” A nut-job. Unstable in His mind and full of outlandish stories of Him, His Father, and the Holy Spirit, not to mention what He would be capable of doing for us in eternity. What if His story is just so far out in the universe that you just could never conceive of “wrapping your head” around His story as truth? Well, I suppose at that point we would consider Him a “Lunatic!”
Then suppose one day as you are sitting in the comfort of your own living room, watching TV, listening to the radio, or perhaps reading a book (maybe the Bible) and what if, while you are reading the Bible, a voice speaks to your heart and conveniences you that He is NOT a Liar, He is NOT a Lunatic, but He is the “Lord?” The Savior of the world! What do you do with that? You have to do something or you start considering yourself as a Lunatic!
What do you do then? Well I think that you “…hold onto the confession of your faith” without the wavering of your past, because you have just been told by God Himself that Jesus IS the way, Jesus IS the truth, Jesus IS the life (Jn. 14;6) and His promise has been made faithful by His death on the cross and His resurrection. And there are thousands upon thousands of people willing to testify to these facts! Just some food for thought! So think about it.
Dave
I read a book once by a famous Christian author by the name of Josh McDowell, of Campus Crusade for Christ and one particular chapter made plenty of sense to me (I think the book was “More Than A Carpenter). I believe that the chapter was called “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord!”
I’m paraphrasing the chapter but I remember the jest of it so indulge me, please:
If Jesus Christ, the person who’s claim was to be the Son of God, the One who died a gruesome death on a Roman cross, the One who was buried and “supposedly” rose from the dead, lied about this entire event, He made it all up, then we Christians have been following a scoundrel. This would be a person not worthy to be trusted with “taking out the trash” once a week. In fact, we would refer to Him as a “LIAR!”
What if He was just a “loon?” A nut-job. Unstable in His mind and full of outlandish stories of Him, His Father, and the Holy Spirit, not to mention what He would be capable of doing for us in eternity. What if His story is just so far out in the universe that you just could never conceive of “wrapping your head” around His story as truth? Well, I suppose at that point we would consider Him a “Lunatic!”
Then suppose one day as you are sitting in the comfort of your own living room, watching TV, listening to the radio, or perhaps reading a book (maybe the Bible) and what if, while you are reading the Bible, a voice speaks to your heart and conveniences you that He is NOT a Liar, He is NOT a Lunatic, but He is the “Lord?” The Savior of the world! What do you do with that? You have to do something or you start considering yourself as a Lunatic!
What do you do then? Well I think that you “…hold onto the confession of your faith” without the wavering of your past, because you have just been told by God Himself that Jesus IS the way, Jesus IS the truth, Jesus IS the life (Jn. 14;6) and His promise has been made faithful by His death on the cross and His resurrection. And there are thousands upon thousands of people willing to testify to these facts! Just some food for thought! So think about it.
Dave
Thursday, May 7, 2009
No Hope? No Security? Try God!
Do you have trust? I mean real trust that all will turn out for the glory of God and that you will be ushered into His kingdom at the right time? Do you feel like your life is a game or are there “real” stakes in how you finish the race?
What about hope? What is your hope fixed on these days? Do you perhaps hope that the stock market doesn’t drop any further than it already has? Do you hope you get that promotion at work that you have tried so hard for? Maybe you just hope you don’t lose your job.
Or is your hope fixed on the only thing in eternity that really matters? Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. You sin, I sin, the person next to you sins; we all have a sin problem and Jesus Christ came into the world to fix our “sin” problem with His hope.
Listen to this scripture verse; “Then you would trust, because there is hope: and you would look around and rest securely…” This scripture verse is found in Job 11:18 and it can mean several things. That brings up another question as to how your security is. Are you secure in Christ? Do you know that if you die before finishing this sentence, that you will go to heaven? I know. You wanna know how I know? Well when I invited Jesus Christ into my life it was not an emotional thing, it wasn’t to help me “smooth out” my marriage or create better circumstances for myself. It was because I came to realize that I was “LOST” (I realized that I was a liar, a cheat, a thief and many other things) and I needed a “SAVIOR!” And Jesus came to fill that need for me.
Now I have hope, I have security. My family not only understands but believes as well. Having a disease like cancer actually helps you to get a better grip on reality and see what it is that really matters in life. No hope? No security? No heaven, my friend! That is the first step.
I have placed the “4 Spiritual Laws” on this blog so that anyone who wishes to know more about his or her personal destiny and how to make it count for Christ can know. You can read all of them by clicking on the link on the left side of the page that is titled “4 Spiritual Laws.” Do yourself a favor. You never know. By helping yourself you may be helping someone you love dearly, who might not otherwise know.
Dave
What about hope? What is your hope fixed on these days? Do you perhaps hope that the stock market doesn’t drop any further than it already has? Do you hope you get that promotion at work that you have tried so hard for? Maybe you just hope you don’t lose your job.
Or is your hope fixed on the only thing in eternity that really matters? Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. You sin, I sin, the person next to you sins; we all have a sin problem and Jesus Christ came into the world to fix our “sin” problem with His hope.
Listen to this scripture verse; “Then you would trust, because there is hope: and you would look around and rest securely…” This scripture verse is found in Job 11:18 and it can mean several things. That brings up another question as to how your security is. Are you secure in Christ? Do you know that if you die before finishing this sentence, that you will go to heaven? I know. You wanna know how I know? Well when I invited Jesus Christ into my life it was not an emotional thing, it wasn’t to help me “smooth out” my marriage or create better circumstances for myself. It was because I came to realize that I was “LOST” (I realized that I was a liar, a cheat, a thief and many other things) and I needed a “SAVIOR!” And Jesus came to fill that need for me.
Now I have hope, I have security. My family not only understands but believes as well. Having a disease like cancer actually helps you to get a better grip on reality and see what it is that really matters in life. No hope? No security? No heaven, my friend! That is the first step.
I have placed the “4 Spiritual Laws” on this blog so that anyone who wishes to know more about his or her personal destiny and how to make it count for Christ can know. You can read all of them by clicking on the link on the left side of the page that is titled “4 Spiritual Laws.” Do yourself a favor. You never know. By helping yourself you may be helping someone you love dearly, who might not otherwise know.
Dave
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Way God Instructs
The Psalmist says in 25:8, 9 “Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way; He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.” Here the writer of this chapter invites us to understand a very simple process within God’s plan.
The first comment is about the integrity of the Lord, that He is “Good and upright” and secondly because of that attitude, He “instructs sinners in the way.”
If it was my desire to become an airplane pilot, then I would want one of the “best” available to teach me how to maneuver that airplane safely and efficiently. I see the same thing here. Because the Lord is Good and Upright, Who better than Him to instruct us (sinners) how to walk in His way?
Because God looks at man through their heart and not their deeds, He uses the born again believer’s humility to show him why it is that he was saved in the first place. We all understand that we have “…been justified by faith (Ro. 5:1) so because of that understanding, God continually uses that fact to help us understand how to “live” as being justified. “…but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Ro. 5:3-5).
So when in the Psalms it says that “He instructs sinners in the way” our best conclusion is to recognize that the He in this verse is with a capital “He” for it is Jesus Christ who instructs us in His Way (other scriptures explain that the disciples used the word “Way” in describing the ministry of Christ).
And of course our attitude during this instruction must be one of humility to be properly taught. If, while taking lessons to learn to be an airplane pilot I acted arrogantly so as to portray the thought that I “knew it all” I would not be placing my faith in the “master teacher” for that airplane lesson.
Humility plays a big part in life for us here on earth. As God helps us to grow in our faith, He also “fine tunes” our humility of the seasons, as well.
Dave
The first comment is about the integrity of the Lord, that He is “Good and upright” and secondly because of that attitude, He “instructs sinners in the way.”
If it was my desire to become an airplane pilot, then I would want one of the “best” available to teach me how to maneuver that airplane safely and efficiently. I see the same thing here. Because the Lord is Good and Upright, Who better than Him to instruct us (sinners) how to walk in His way?
Because God looks at man through their heart and not their deeds, He uses the born again believer’s humility to show him why it is that he was saved in the first place. We all understand that we have “…been justified by faith (Ro. 5:1) so because of that understanding, God continually uses that fact to help us understand how to “live” as being justified. “…but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Ro. 5:3-5).
So when in the Psalms it says that “He instructs sinners in the way” our best conclusion is to recognize that the He in this verse is with a capital “He” for it is Jesus Christ who instructs us in His Way (other scriptures explain that the disciples used the word “Way” in describing the ministry of Christ).
And of course our attitude during this instruction must be one of humility to be properly taught. If, while taking lessons to learn to be an airplane pilot I acted arrogantly so as to portray the thought that I “knew it all” I would not be placing my faith in the “master teacher” for that airplane lesson.
Humility plays a big part in life for us here on earth. As God helps us to grow in our faith, He also “fine tunes” our humility of the seasons, as well.
Dave
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Word Of The Lord Abides In You
This morning I got up early this morning. It is 7 AM at Mickey’s House in Florida, that’s why I say I got up early this morning (its 4 AM at home. What a beautiful morning it is. The sun is shining brightly and the scenery is, as you might expect, spectacular.
Anyway, I was reading in 1 Peter 1:25 where it says, “But the Word of the Lord abides forever and this is the word which was preached to you.” Peter references Hebrews 6:5 in saying, “…and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come…”
This morning as I was thinking of being away from the normal routine of my everyday life, I was still able to abide in the Lord’s Word for the goodness within and allow it to saturate my heart for the events of the day. I believe our granddaughter has plans for the day at Epcot Center which sounds like fun. Any day in the Lord is a great day and just by adding a couple of my grandchildren (I’m in heaven). I’m sitting here on the patio of the Boardwalk Resort in Disney World, drinking a cup of coffee, letting God know how thankful I am to be so fortunate to be given this trip.
I made this commitment the last couple of days in December of last year to write something everyday from God’s Word and have been able to keep that commitment thus far and now it has become an “Obsession” to reach the moment in the day when I would sit down beside my Bible and laptop and allow God to speak to me. So I throw down this challenge to you all. Even if you do not consider yourself a writer, you all should journal the day’s events which include the Lord Jesus. Won’t you give it a try? After doing this for over 4 months daily, I feel confident you will become “Obsessed” with the challenges of God.
Have a great day, I know I will.
Dave
Anyway, I was reading in 1 Peter 1:25 where it says, “But the Word of the Lord abides forever and this is the word which was preached to you.” Peter references Hebrews 6:5 in saying, “…and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come…”
This morning as I was thinking of being away from the normal routine of my everyday life, I was still able to abide in the Lord’s Word for the goodness within and allow it to saturate my heart for the events of the day. I believe our granddaughter has plans for the day at Epcot Center which sounds like fun. Any day in the Lord is a great day and just by adding a couple of my grandchildren (I’m in heaven). I’m sitting here on the patio of the Boardwalk Resort in Disney World, drinking a cup of coffee, letting God know how thankful I am to be so fortunate to be given this trip.
I made this commitment the last couple of days in December of last year to write something everyday from God’s Word and have been able to keep that commitment thus far and now it has become an “Obsession” to reach the moment in the day when I would sit down beside my Bible and laptop and allow God to speak to me. So I throw down this challenge to you all. Even if you do not consider yourself a writer, you all should journal the day’s events which include the Lord Jesus. Won’t you give it a try? After doing this for over 4 months daily, I feel confident you will become “Obsessed” with the challenges of God.
Have a great day, I know I will.
Dave
Monday, May 4, 2009
You Shall Receive Power!
Here is a scripture that introduces the Church and it's Power to the world: "but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
As we have learned over the years, the disciples continually "miss" the point of the message of Christ. Before the above verse Jesus is telling them that as John baptized with water, He would be sending the Holy Spirit to baptize them for their mission. And of course, their thoughts on this idea were that He (Jesus) was at the point where He would be "restoring His kingdom to Israel" (vs. 5,6). Seems they were still looking to Jesus as an "earthly' king.
On this day, Jesus was enabling His disciples to evangelize the entire world and their power would be the Holy Spirit. This would be a miracle working type of power given to them which would result in the conviction of sin, repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What I've learned over the years it that the real power of the church (the people of God) is not found in 21st Century buildings or Post-Modern methods of preaching and teaching. It's not in the wealth of the church or how they planned to use it. It isn't about the popularity of the church. In fact, the church at Laodicea was the first bragging church. They said they were rich and God said they were poor. They claimed to be wealthy and God said they were wretched. They said they had no need for anything and God said they needed everything. They claimed to be "busy in the church" and God called the "miserable. They had a vision and God said they were blind to any vision. They were clothed in fine garments and God saw them as naked. They claimed to be satisfied and God said they made Him sick.
God said if you want to be recognized as a Holy Spirit empowered church the evidences are obvious:
As we have learned over the years, the disciples continually "miss" the point of the message of Christ. Before the above verse Jesus is telling them that as John baptized with water, He would be sending the Holy Spirit to baptize them for their mission. And of course, their thoughts on this idea were that He (Jesus) was at the point where He would be "restoring His kingdom to Israel" (vs. 5,6). Seems they were still looking to Jesus as an "earthly' king.
On this day, Jesus was enabling His disciples to evangelize the entire world and their power would be the Holy Spirit. This would be a miracle working type of power given to them which would result in the conviction of sin, repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What I've learned over the years it that the real power of the church (the people of God) is not found in 21st Century buildings or Post-Modern methods of preaching and teaching. It's not in the wealth of the church or how they planned to use it. It isn't about the popularity of the church. In fact, the church at Laodicea was the first bragging church. They said they were rich and God said they were poor. They claimed to be wealthy and God said they were wretched. They said they had no need for anything and God said they needed everything. They claimed to be "busy in the church" and God called the "miserable. They had a vision and God said they were blind to any vision. They were clothed in fine garments and God saw them as naked. They claimed to be satisfied and God said they made Him sick.
God said if you want to be recognized as a Holy Spirit empowered church the evidences are obvious:
- Evangelizing and sharing with the lost
- Reproducing souls into the family of God
- Changing people's lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit
- And turning the world upside down for the gospel of Christ.
Are you looking for a place to serve for God's glory? Go and find a church that is truly led by the Holy Spirit. There you will find both peace and ministry. The power that filled those disciples in the upper room that day is the power that you have available to you. You just need to reach down and take hold of it. And once you have, USE IT!
Dave
Sunday, May 3, 2009
What Do You See Happening In The World Through Your TV?
I don't know about you guys, but I watch mostly the news channel on TV. I'm kind of bias to the Fox News Network. The only other things I watch is "American Idol" (the whole family is hooked on it), Reruns of Seinfeld (of course I also have all the DVDs so I don't know why I waste so much time watching the reruns). I like "Hell's Kitchen" and you may not believe this but I am a big fan of "Desperate Housewives" (there, I said it).
I mention that because as we watch what is happening on the television, sometimes, no most times we see the ugliness of the world in action. Especially in the news. As Christians, we are aware, most of us having read the last book of the Bible and becoming more curious about what is happening to our world. Is it the time? Is the Lord returning soon? How much can we endure of this before it all blows up in our faces?
Well, I think that First Peter 5: 4-11 gives a very clear and understandable response to today's dilemmas even though it was written so long ago. Allow me to quote it for you. "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you,clothe yourselves with humility toward one anther, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever, Amen."
Well, that's my whole "take" on the "current events" matter. I guess my "take" is that it doesn't really matter, because Jesus will come back exactly when God has decided it will happen and in the meantime, we humble ourselves and continue to do the work of the Lord just as though He had just recently left.
The "crown of glory" is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called pastor. He will receive this reward when the "Chief Shepherd appears." It is eternal and it is "unfading." Every believer may share in the pastor's "crown of glory." Support your faithful, God-called pastor by praying for him and encouraging him in the work of the Lord. Help to feed the church and be an example to the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. And whenever the time is that the Lord decides to return, just be ready. Do the things you, personally need to do to be ready for His return.
Dave
I mention that because as we watch what is happening on the television, sometimes, no most times we see the ugliness of the world in action. Especially in the news. As Christians, we are aware, most of us having read the last book of the Bible and becoming more curious about what is happening to our world. Is it the time? Is the Lord returning soon? How much can we endure of this before it all blows up in our faces?
Well, I think that First Peter 5: 4-11 gives a very clear and understandable response to today's dilemmas even though it was written so long ago. Allow me to quote it for you. "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you,clothe yourselves with humility toward one anther, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever, Amen."
Well, that's my whole "take" on the "current events" matter. I guess my "take" is that it doesn't really matter, because Jesus will come back exactly when God has decided it will happen and in the meantime, we humble ourselves and continue to do the work of the Lord just as though He had just recently left.
The "crown of glory" is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called pastor. He will receive this reward when the "Chief Shepherd appears." It is eternal and it is "unfading." Every believer may share in the pastor's "crown of glory." Support your faithful, God-called pastor by praying for him and encouraging him in the work of the Lord. Help to feed the church and be an example to the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. And whenever the time is that the Lord decides to return, just be ready. Do the things you, personally need to do to be ready for His return.
Dave
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I'm Here For My Paycheck, Please!
If you have a job, most generally, you receive a paycheck for that job. Your employer says you do this and if you do, then I will do that. Most Americans get up in the morning and head off to the workplace for a wage. We give something to an employer and in return, he gives us a wage for that work. Simple process.
Well there are also "wages" in the Bible. Look in your Bible at Romans 6:23a and you will see what I mean. This verse says, "For the wages of sin is death," I don't know, does that sound reasonable? Based on the above illustration I think perhaps so. God made a deal with mankind and even gave plenty of warnings about this deal and what the "deal breakers" might be. For instance, in Romans 3:23 the Bible tells us that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Upon further evaluation we determine that:
Well there are also "wages" in the Bible. Look in your Bible at Romans 6:23a and you will see what I mean. This verse says, "For the wages of sin is death," I don't know, does that sound reasonable? Based on the above illustration I think perhaps so. God made a deal with mankind and even gave plenty of warnings about this deal and what the "deal breakers" might be. For instance, in Romans 3:23 the Bible tells us that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Upon further evaluation we determine that:
- Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4)
- Sin is unbelief; it calls God a liar (1 John 5:10)
- Sin is active rebellion again God (1 Samuel 15:23)
- Sin is also passive rebellion against God (Isaiah 1:2)
- And all unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17)
God said to us that "All have sinned" and the wages for that sin is death (spiritual separation from God for all eternity). Boy it would be nice if our government had those kinds of "checks and balances" (sorry for the political blurb), watching too much news.
However, and thank the Lord, the verse does not end there. It goes on and says in the second part of Romans 6:23 "...but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." So there IS a very accommodating wage involved. Even though because of our sin, our wage, our paycheck should have been eternal death, separated from God, He chose to give us a "free gift" of life with His Son Jesus Christ.
Yes, sin in our lives is all of the things listed above, but Jesus still insisted on giving us a paycheck or more like a gift (because if the wage was earned, we would be in big trouble). There are lots of places in the Bible that tell about how sin came into the world and what we should do with it in order to receive this "free gift" but I am especially fond of The 4 Spiritual Laws. On the left sidebar of this blog is a link that will take you straight to these laws to study for yourself. If you are not familiar with them, pay close attention and if you have any questions, I certainly have time to work up the answers.
There is one other passage of scripture that kind of goes along with this idea as a child of God and it is 1 Corinthians 10:13 saying, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." And there's that word "provide" again. Do you remember a few days ago when I talked about Abraham heading off to sacrifice his only son and God "provided" for Abraham, the sacrifice.
Dave
Friday, May 1, 2009
Got A Spiritual Gift You Can Spare?
Do you give to your church? The place you go, Sunday after Sunday? Do you support that church in a financial way or through the giving of your gifts and talents to be used for the glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ along with that body of believers?
There are several places in God's Word that are very direct in the giving of ourselves to the body of believers. It has also been very confusing over the years as to "what" to give and "How much" to give. If you are a "tither" in your fellowship, that's wonderful, but perhaps you are not at that level of your Christian maturity but you need to understand that no matter where the Bible speaks of giving, finances are never the only thing that the church has need of.
God has blessed each one of us with a talent, or spiritual gift to be used for His Glory and if you are not extending that gift within your fellowship, it really doesn't matter how much money you give, you are cheating God, and yourself.
Spiritual Gifts are divine endowments, and they are used for spiritual purposes. Spiritual gifts are mentioned in several places in the Bible but I think a good place to find several of them is in First Corinthians 12. Verse 7 says "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." That means they are abilities God has given to us to make our unique contribution to the church. When you can, you should read the entire chapter and try to count the number of spiritual gifts listed in that chapter alone. If you email me or make a comment within this devotion I suppose I could tell you if you are right or wrong in your guess.
When you have a chance take a piece of paper and place three dots across the top of the paper, then go done a couple of inches and put three more dots below and in line with the first three dots. And then make a third row of dots a couple of inches lower for a total of nine dots. Then when you are done, try to figure how you can connect all nine dots with four lines without lifting your pencil off the paper.
Someday perhaps we can have a deeper study of the spiritual gifts. I have studied them very long and hard and it is really interesting what people come up with. Well I think I probably open a big "can of worms" with this devotion with no time or space to expound.
We'll talk more about Spiritual Gifts in the near future. In the meantime, ask God to bring to mind, the gift or gifts that He has reserved for you. You may find that you've been serving in the wrong place all this time. And then again, perhaps you'll discover you are exactly where God wants you to be.
Dave
There are several places in God's Word that are very direct in the giving of ourselves to the body of believers. It has also been very confusing over the years as to "what" to give and "How much" to give. If you are a "tither" in your fellowship, that's wonderful, but perhaps you are not at that level of your Christian maturity but you need to understand that no matter where the Bible speaks of giving, finances are never the only thing that the church has need of.
God has blessed each one of us with a talent, or spiritual gift to be used for His Glory and if you are not extending that gift within your fellowship, it really doesn't matter how much money you give, you are cheating God, and yourself.
Spiritual Gifts are divine endowments, and they are used for spiritual purposes. Spiritual gifts are mentioned in several places in the Bible but I think a good place to find several of them is in First Corinthians 12. Verse 7 says "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." That means they are abilities God has given to us to make our unique contribution to the church. When you can, you should read the entire chapter and try to count the number of spiritual gifts listed in that chapter alone. If you email me or make a comment within this devotion I suppose I could tell you if you are right or wrong in your guess.
When you have a chance take a piece of paper and place three dots across the top of the paper, then go done a couple of inches and put three more dots below and in line with the first three dots. And then make a third row of dots a couple of inches lower for a total of nine dots. Then when you are done, try to figure how you can connect all nine dots with four lines without lifting your pencil off the paper.
Someday perhaps we can have a deeper study of the spiritual gifts. I have studied them very long and hard and it is really interesting what people come up with. Well I think I probably open a big "can of worms" with this devotion with no time or space to expound.
We'll talk more about Spiritual Gifts in the near future. In the meantime, ask God to bring to mind, the gift or gifts that He has reserved for you. You may find that you've been serving in the wrong place all this time. And then again, perhaps you'll discover you are exactly where God wants you to be.
Dave
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