There are those who constantly give. They tend to the needs of others. They sacrifice financially to help others. They give of their time to minister to other's needs. The continually look for ways to bless others. They put others before themselves. Whether it be driving someone to a doctor's appointment or just checking on a loved one not feeling well.
I have often been the recipient of givers' care. On several occasions I have been blessed by church member's who cut my hair for nothing. I have received free meals, love gifts, little gifts of appreciation, vehicles on a couple of occasions and help to purchase two different houses. All made possible by someone willing to give with no expectation in return. I do not take these people for granted and thank God for them. They have richly blessed me and my family.
There are those who serve their local church. They volunteer, cook, clean, mow, teach, organize, visit, plan, give financially and more. How often do such people get recognized for their service. I know such people do not want to draw attention to themselves. They do what they do for the Lord and not to be noticed by people.
Still, I want to say a huge thank you to all the givers. Those who give of themselves to minister to others. To wives and mothers. To fathers. To caregivers in the medical profession. To childcare workers. To law enforcement officers and fire fighters. To those who wait tables, repair vehicles, cut the grass, make music, preach, teach, comfort, console, lead, coach, protect in our military and so many others. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for the prayer warriors who stand in the gap for others. Thank you for those who serve quietly behind the scenes and to those who prefer it that way. They still give.
It is easy to take givers for granted. They give and seldom ask for anything in return. It might surprise you how much just saying thank you to the givers would mean to them. Just to notice their giving is reward in itself.
What givers in your life need to hear "thank you?" We do not have to wait until November 22 to do this. We can do it now. I hope you will take a few moments to reach out to someone just to let them know how much you appreciate them.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Warring Against Witches
I recently read an article where a group of witches gathered at an occult book store to cast spells over the President of the United States and a Supreme Court Justice. Those swearing allegiance to Satan are more brazenly warring against God and His followers.
At the same time the witches were in the store casting their spell several Christians gathered outside the store to pray and to sing praises to God.
Wake up America. We are in a war. Spiritual warfare is real. We have a real adversary. A hostile opponent. The followers of Satan are ratcheting up their attacks on all we hold dear as Christ followers. Faith. Family. Morality. The Bible. The Church. Freedoms in our country. Honor. Integrity. Justice. All under assault.
What will we do as a result? Notice I wrote "we." It's easy to expect others to engage in the battle while we sit on the sidelines refusing to get involved. If we do not war against the cultists we are going to lose our children, grandchildren and the religious freedoms this nation was founded upon.
If witches are willing to openly war for what they believe may we be even more committed to the cause of righteousness. May prayer bands form. May prayer closets be more frequented. May the followers of Jesus be more vocal in our witness. May we not cower in this time of battle. May we run to the battle and fight for the soul of this nation.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
At the same time the witches were in the store casting their spell several Christians gathered outside the store to pray and to sing praises to God.
Wake up America. We are in a war. Spiritual warfare is real. We have a real adversary. A hostile opponent. The followers of Satan are ratcheting up their attacks on all we hold dear as Christ followers. Faith. Family. Morality. The Bible. The Church. Freedoms in our country. Honor. Integrity. Justice. All under assault.
What will we do as a result? Notice I wrote "we." It's easy to expect others to engage in the battle while we sit on the sidelines refusing to get involved. If we do not war against the cultists we are going to lose our children, grandchildren and the religious freedoms this nation was founded upon.
If witches are willing to openly war for what they believe may we be even more committed to the cause of righteousness. May prayer bands form. May prayer closets be more frequented. May the followers of Jesus be more vocal in our witness. May we not cower in this time of battle. May we run to the battle and fight for the soul of this nation.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
Early EncounterAt The Bay
I awoke suddenly. I rolled out of bed and put on my slippers reaching down for a sweatshirt to break the chill of the morning. I walked the few paces to my little office and flipped on the lamp taking my seat. I slid my glasses on and reached for my prayer journal. I wrote these words, "It is good to get up early to seek You."
With those few words I started my journey with God today. Soon I opened my Bible and began reading where I left off last time. I read multiple chapters anticipating a fresh word from Him. I read page after page and then it happened. A verse seemed to grab my attention and my heart. The truth leapt off the page into my mind and spirit. A timely verse. I highlighted and underlined the verse.
I meditated on the truth contained in that verse seeking to apply it to my life. Pondering each word and phrase. Seeking to squeeze all the juices of truth from it like squeezing juice from an orange. This was not speed reading or hurrying through a devotion. This was a God encounter.
I encountered God this morning in our home at Runaway Bay Drive in Runaway Bay, TX. I have had the same experience thousands of other times and it never gets old. God uses the truth from His word to minister to my heart. I am grateful. I am humbled. I am satisfied.
There is something special about waking early for these encounters with God. Many times I have prayer and devotions later in the day for one reason or another. They are always different. They appear to be lacking in intensity. They are not as sweet. I seem more distracted.
Not in those early morning encounters when all is quiet and I encounter God in my secret place. I prefer God's company than more sleep. In the early mornings there are no distractions. Depending on the time one awakes there is prolonged time to seek and enjoy God.
I hope you too will make time for early morning or even late night encounters with God. I hope you carve out time in your schedule to meet with Him. Prolonged time. Uninterrupted time. Your soul will benefit from it in ways you could have never imagined.
With those few words I started my journey with God today. Soon I opened my Bible and began reading where I left off last time. I read multiple chapters anticipating a fresh word from Him. I read page after page and then it happened. A verse seemed to grab my attention and my heart. The truth leapt off the page into my mind and spirit. A timely verse. I highlighted and underlined the verse.
I meditated on the truth contained in that verse seeking to apply it to my life. Pondering each word and phrase. Seeking to squeeze all the juices of truth from it like squeezing juice from an orange. This was not speed reading or hurrying through a devotion. This was a God encounter.
I encountered God this morning in our home at Runaway Bay Drive in Runaway Bay, TX. I have had the same experience thousands of other times and it never gets old. God uses the truth from His word to minister to my heart. I am grateful. I am humbled. I am satisfied.
There is something special about waking early for these encounters with God. Many times I have prayer and devotions later in the day for one reason or another. They are always different. They appear to be lacking in intensity. They are not as sweet. I seem more distracted.
Not in those early morning encounters when all is quiet and I encounter God in my secret place. I prefer God's company than more sleep. In the early mornings there are no distractions. Depending on the time one awakes there is prolonged time to seek and enjoy God.
I hope you too will make time for early morning or even late night encounters with God. I hope you carve out time in your schedule to meet with Him. Prolonged time. Uninterrupted time. Your soul will benefit from it in ways you could have never imagined.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
The Flight Of The Raven
You told me go to the brook and hide,
Where You would faithfully provide,
So I believed ad stepped out to obey,
Wondering how You'd do it day by day,
You commanded the flight of the ravens,
To provide for me in my small safe haven,
Daily they came with meat and bread,
They showed up to ensure I was fed,
Not once did I miss a single meal,
I obeyed and You kept Your deal,
What You did for me I know You,
For others will also come through.
I Kings 17:1-7
Where You would faithfully provide,
So I believed ad stepped out to obey,
Wondering how You'd do it day by day,
You commanded the flight of the ravens,
To provide for me in my small safe haven,
Daily they came with meat and bread,
They showed up to ensure I was fed,
Not once did I miss a single meal,
I obeyed and You kept Your deal,
What You did for me I know You,
For others will also come through.
I Kings 17:1-7
Thank You For The Ravens
1 Kings 17:1-6 (ESV)
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
2 And the word of the LORD came to him:
3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan.
4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan.
6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
2 And the word of the LORD came to him:
3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan.
4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan.
6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
This seems way out of the ordinary. The prophet Elijah received his daily sustenance from ravens. In fact, God told Elijah he had commanded the ravens to to feed Elijah. Scoffers may doubt the validity to this story. I don't.
While Brenda and I cannot testify about ravens providing for us we can testify about God commanding people to be His instruments of provision just like He did with the ravens. He has used scores of people to come along side us to fund ministry projects like revivals, mission trips and publication of books. He has used such people to provide a salary for us.
When I first started in full time evangelistic work God called a business man I barely knew to give me $6,000 so for the first six months I would get a $1,000 a month salary in addition to what I made from traveling and preaching. He used financial partners to continue helping me in that ministry for years.
In the past seven years He has used multiple people to help us with housing, clothing, vehicle repairs, tires, and day to day bills. We've not asked for money. We ask God and He commands his people like ravens to help us. No. I do not doubt this story.
He has used wealthy people, middle class people and even retired people living on fixed incomes to help us. Over and over again when we've had a need God has used someone to meet that need. He commands the people to provide. They obey and another testimony is established.
The faith life is not an easy life. I would never has chosen this path for my family. It is the path God chose for us. It is trusting God from trial to trial, to move mountain after mountain and to pray without losing heart. I recently sat down to calculate what my family actually needed. Not wanted. What we needed. The figure surprised me. Somehow we get by. Week after week and month after month we get by. There is never extra. Sometimes the provision is lean. Somehow we get by.
I still preach, teach, write, shepherd and evangelize. While I busy myself with those things I leave the providing up to God. If He can command ravens to feed Elijah for a season He can certainly command people with the means to help not only me but all His children in need. He can do anything. He can provide for any need through any means He desires.
Are you in financial lack. Trust and obey the LORD. He has all the provision any of us will ever need.
Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
1 The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
Psalm 50:10-12 (NKJV)
10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
That means He has got all we will ever need. He has access to money, homes, automobiles, food, jobs, clothing and anything else we will ever need. His storehouse is full. It never gets depleted. It never gets low. When we have a need we can rest assured God is able to command people just like ravens to help when He wills.
Remember God has everything we will ever need. He also knows our address. That means He knows exactly how to get His provision to us at the right time. That is truth to rest in today.
Insulted
Our services had just ended. I greeted people at the back of the room. Once the room emptied I walked into the entry hall and saw someone angry with me. We had disagreed about a matter earlier in the morning. Nothing major but everything was not harmony.
We talked for a moment. Our disagreement continued. We had two different opinions. I moved on to gather my things so we could meet some people for lunch. When I walked out this person had made their way to my vehicle. More conversation followed and then I got insulted. I had never heard this before. "You are a lying sack of turd juice!" A parishioner spoke this to their pastor.
At first I could not believe what I had just heard. Being this all happened right after a worship gathering made it all the more shocking. Surprisingly I did not get mad or offended. Why? Simple. I knew the person who insulted me really loves me and was just venting. This love has been proven over and over again. So the words lost their sting in the backdrop of love.
We learn as children the old rhyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." That is flatly wrong. Words do hurt. Ask a browbeaten child. Ask spouses in loveless marriages. Ask under appreciated over criticized workers. Words hurt. To be called a "Lying sack of turd juice" is not a compliment. When I get past the words and my pride they are just words. The actions of my hostile friend have to be take-in context. My friend was very frustrated and venting. We both were accusing the other of being stubborn. We both are me especially.
In the end, our relationship is not damaged. There is still love and reconciliation will follow. If love permeated more relationships we could more easily survive insults. Jesus said we would be known by our love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We talked for a moment. Our disagreement continued. We had two different opinions. I moved on to gather my things so we could meet some people for lunch. When I walked out this person had made their way to my vehicle. More conversation followed and then I got insulted. I had never heard this before. "You are a lying sack of turd juice!" A parishioner spoke this to their pastor.
At first I could not believe what I had just heard. Being this all happened right after a worship gathering made it all the more shocking. Surprisingly I did not get mad or offended. Why? Simple. I knew the person who insulted me really loves me and was just venting. This love has been proven over and over again. So the words lost their sting in the backdrop of love.
We learn as children the old rhyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." That is flatly wrong. Words do hurt. Ask a browbeaten child. Ask spouses in loveless marriages. Ask under appreciated over criticized workers. Words hurt. To be called a "Lying sack of turd juice" is not a compliment. When I get past the words and my pride they are just words. The actions of my hostile friend have to be take-in context. My friend was very frustrated and venting. We both were accusing the other of being stubborn. We both are me especially.
In the end, our relationship is not damaged. There is still love and reconciliation will follow. If love permeated more relationships we could more easily survive insults. Jesus said we would be known by our love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Closer Than Before
How would you define your devotions in one word? I asked this question in a Bible study recently. While the group had been chatty up to that point their silence spoke all I needed to hear. I heard answers like quick and lacking. I had hoped to hear things like rich, satisfying, growing, intense, sweet, prolonged etc.
Let me ask you another question I'll also pose to myself. Do you want to grow closer to Jesus than ever before? I realize not everyone wants this. Some are satisfied as they are. They are perfectly content to continue in a nominal relationship with Him. If you happen to fall in that number you need not bother to finish reading this for it was not intended for you.
I am writing to those who want to draw nearer to the blazing center of God's heart. So near you become part of what A.W. Tozer called "the fellowship of the burning heart." Do you desire more of Him?
That is where it must start. It starts with desire. Hunger. Thirst. Craving. Desire for Him. Hunger for Him. Thirst for Him. Craving for Him. Desire for Him.
That all starts with love. I love Brenda Edwards. I loved her when we dated. After 27 years of marriage I still love her. I love to be with her. I don't mind serving her. When we dated I could to talk to her for hours on the phone. Once we talked all night on the phone and both of us had to work the next day. Love does that. Love will pay the price. Love will sacrifice. Love will readjust priorities to give more time to the one you love.
Those same principles are true for a follower of Jesus. I am convinced many people in church like Jesus a lot. I am less persuaded the majority love Him. If you do not truly love Him you are not going to desire to get closer to Him.
If you want to get closer than ever before we have established two starting points. Desire. Love. Once these things are established another thing is needed. Time. You don't get closer to Jesus than you have ever been by rushing through devotions. The more you desire Him and the more you love Him the more time you will make for Him.
When I first started having quiet times as a teenagers I could do all of it easily with time to spare in 15 minutes. That included Bible reading, reading a devotion thought about the passage, journaling my insights and prayer. Over time the desire for more of Jesus, more encounters, more revelation, more time with Him increased. So did my desire to read His word. Before long those once 15 minute devotions became extended. Now they are the most important part of my day. I am no longer in a hurry to rush through them. I enjoy lingering in His presence.
So to recap, if you want to grow closer to Jesus it starts with these three things.
Desire
Psalm 63:1 (ESV)
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Love
Matthew 22:36-38 (ESV)
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Time
Mark 1:35 (ESV)
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Luke 22:39-46 (ESV)
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.
40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,
42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Let me ask you another question I'll also pose to myself. Do you want to grow closer to Jesus than ever before? I realize not everyone wants this. Some are satisfied as they are. They are perfectly content to continue in a nominal relationship with Him. If you happen to fall in that number you need not bother to finish reading this for it was not intended for you.
I am writing to those who want to draw nearer to the blazing center of God's heart. So near you become part of what A.W. Tozer called "the fellowship of the burning heart." Do you desire more of Him?
That is where it must start. It starts with desire. Hunger. Thirst. Craving. Desire for Him. Hunger for Him. Thirst for Him. Craving for Him. Desire for Him.
That all starts with love. I love Brenda Edwards. I loved her when we dated. After 27 years of marriage I still love her. I love to be with her. I don't mind serving her. When we dated I could to talk to her for hours on the phone. Once we talked all night on the phone and both of us had to work the next day. Love does that. Love will pay the price. Love will sacrifice. Love will readjust priorities to give more time to the one you love.
Those same principles are true for a follower of Jesus. I am convinced many people in church like Jesus a lot. I am less persuaded the majority love Him. If you do not truly love Him you are not going to desire to get closer to Him.
If you want to get closer than ever before we have established two starting points. Desire. Love. Once these things are established another thing is needed. Time. You don't get closer to Jesus than you have ever been by rushing through devotions. The more you desire Him and the more you love Him the more time you will make for Him.
When I first started having quiet times as a teenagers I could do all of it easily with time to spare in 15 minutes. That included Bible reading, reading a devotion thought about the passage, journaling my insights and prayer. Over time the desire for more of Jesus, more encounters, more revelation, more time with Him increased. So did my desire to read His word. Before long those once 15 minute devotions became extended. Now they are the most important part of my day. I am no longer in a hurry to rush through them. I enjoy lingering in His presence.
So to recap, if you want to grow closer to Jesus it starts with these three things.
Desire
Psalm 63:1 (ESV)
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Love
Matthew 22:36-38 (ESV)
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Time
Mark 1:35 (ESV)
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Luke 22:39-46 (ESV)
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.
40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,
42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Don't Judge The Bible
When you first read that title you probably came to some conclusions about what I am writing about today. Let me say up front you are probably wrong. This is not written to defend the Bible against scoffers and mockers. Many others have done so much more effectively than I ever could. I have a totally different aim in mind.
There are those suffering so much, even believers in Jesus, that doubt the truth of the Bible against the backdrop of their circumstances. People who battle for health and that have watched loved ones slip into eternity despite fervent praying. People who have suffered even though they have lived righteously.
In such moments it is easy to judge the Bible by our harsh circumstances. We may not say it out loud but we sure think that Bible truth is not true for us. We judge the Bible by our emotional upheaval. Let me state emphatically, WE DO NOT JUDGE THE BIBLE. THE BIBLE JUDGES US. Bible truth is set in bedrock. It does not change. The word of God has weathered much larger storms than just the ones you and I face.
We get slammed by the winds and waves of life. This is no surprise. I think of repeated passages when God warned us such things would happen. [John 16:33] [Ps 30:5] [Ps 34:18-19] just to name a few. When we read Bible stories we see others who suffered and endured believing God along the way.
I think of Joseph. He could have easily given up on God. He didn't. We learn God was with him when he was sold as a slave. God was with him when he got falsely accused and imprisoned. God never abandoned him in those difficult years.
Job suffered. He lost everything but his wife and his health. Eventually he even lost his health. Yet he did not turn his back on God. He wanted to die. He questioned why he was even born. He did not curse God though. He did not judge truth from his horrible circumstances.
The winds and waves hit hard. That does not mean the Bible is not true. We must mature to the point where we believe God's word in all of life's circumstances. We must believe that He works all things together for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28] We must believe it is possible to rejoice always. [Phil 4:4] We must believe that He lifts our burdens as we cast our cares on Him. [I Pet 5:7] We must believe that when our hearts are shattered He is near to us. [Ps 34:18] We must believe that He loves us. [Rom 5:8]
Trust Him. Trust His word. Don't judge either by your circumstances.
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
There are those suffering so much, even believers in Jesus, that doubt the truth of the Bible against the backdrop of their circumstances. People who battle for health and that have watched loved ones slip into eternity despite fervent praying. People who have suffered even though they have lived righteously.
In such moments it is easy to judge the Bible by our harsh circumstances. We may not say it out loud but we sure think that Bible truth is not true for us. We judge the Bible by our emotional upheaval. Let me state emphatically, WE DO NOT JUDGE THE BIBLE. THE BIBLE JUDGES US. Bible truth is set in bedrock. It does not change. The word of God has weathered much larger storms than just the ones you and I face.
We get slammed by the winds and waves of life. This is no surprise. I think of repeated passages when God warned us such things would happen. [John 16:33] [Ps 30:5] [Ps 34:18-19] just to name a few. When we read Bible stories we see others who suffered and endured believing God along the way.
I think of Joseph. He could have easily given up on God. He didn't. We learn God was with him when he was sold as a slave. God was with him when he got falsely accused and imprisoned. God never abandoned him in those difficult years.
Job suffered. He lost everything but his wife and his health. Eventually he even lost his health. Yet he did not turn his back on God. He wanted to die. He questioned why he was even born. He did not curse God though. He did not judge truth from his horrible circumstances.
The winds and waves hit hard. That does not mean the Bible is not true. We must mature to the point where we believe God's word in all of life's circumstances. We must believe that He works all things together for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28] We must believe it is possible to rejoice always. [Phil 4:4] We must believe that He lifts our burdens as we cast our cares on Him. [I Pet 5:7] We must believe that when our hearts are shattered He is near to us. [Ps 34:18] We must believe that He loves us. [Rom 5:8]
Trust Him. Trust His word. Don't judge either by your circumstances.
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
From Where I Sit
From this little perch in my home office I have access to all sorts of information. I have bookshelves lined with many volumes. I have a computer to give me access to the whole world and current events. I have a phone that gives me instant communication through several avenues.
From where I sit things on this old planet don't look so good. It seems we are fast approaching what the Bible calls "the end days." Aas I check out the news, not thought main stream media, it appears we are increasingly taking steps toward a one world government. People are lovers of themselves. This is not more evident than in politicians. Greed rules the day. Lawlessness abounds. The love of many has grown cold. The country is divided. Due process is thrown out. The accused are condemned. Justice is bought with bribes. History is rewritten to accommodate the agendas of the globalists.
Religious gatherings continue. Holy huddles seldom make any difference outside their own walls. So much talk and such little action. Sermons. Endless sermons. Endless Bible studies. When will the church ever awaken to the fact that if sermons and Bible studies were going to change the world it would have already happened. I am not saying such things are not important. From where I sit I'm saying they are not enough.
Every 36 seconds another marriage ends in divorce. There are no fault divorces. There are divorces because of irreconcilable differences. Others happen because of adultery. The family disintegrates because very little attention is given to the covenant a man and woman make not only to each other but to God when they wed. What happens to that covenant with God in divorce courts?
From where I sit we are raising a soft generation of kids and especially males. Fewer it appears know anything about a work ethic. It is easier to live in the pretend world of social media where posts are staged to make it appear they live happily ever after. What about the dark moods, the nights of weeping, the long dark night of the soul. Don't see many posting about these real life issues. Such posts do not get "likes." Video games can be just as addictive as drugs. Ever heard of Fort Night? Teens prefer to live in a fantasy world of make believe games and sports than actually living real life adventures.
We have surpassed the 60 million mark in abortions all because a woman has the right to choose. True. They can choose to keep their zippers up and their skirts down too. I often think about those 60 million murdered defenseless infants. What plans did God have for them? What impact would they have had on our world? We will never know. Murder in the name of convenience and political correctness. There will be a day of reckoning for all those lost lives.
From where I sit America is headed for trouble. Oh I know we are already there. I predict things may get worse. Way worse. Lawlessness may abound more. People continually post and chant death to police officers. This doubles me being I have a son studying to become a law enforcement officer. They call for the assignation of the President and Vice President. Does this trouble believers?
From where I sit I am disturbed. Deeply troubled. Beyond concerned. Grieved. Burdened.
There are two choices. I can quit. Give up. Surrender. Retire from the battle. Or I can...
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
From where I sit things on this old planet don't look so good. It seems we are fast approaching what the Bible calls "the end days." Aas I check out the news, not thought main stream media, it appears we are increasingly taking steps toward a one world government. People are lovers of themselves. This is not more evident than in politicians. Greed rules the day. Lawlessness abounds. The love of many has grown cold. The country is divided. Due process is thrown out. The accused are condemned. Justice is bought with bribes. History is rewritten to accommodate the agendas of the globalists.
Religious gatherings continue. Holy huddles seldom make any difference outside their own walls. So much talk and such little action. Sermons. Endless sermons. Endless Bible studies. When will the church ever awaken to the fact that if sermons and Bible studies were going to change the world it would have already happened. I am not saying such things are not important. From where I sit I'm saying they are not enough.
Every 36 seconds another marriage ends in divorce. There are no fault divorces. There are divorces because of irreconcilable differences. Others happen because of adultery. The family disintegrates because very little attention is given to the covenant a man and woman make not only to each other but to God when they wed. What happens to that covenant with God in divorce courts?
From where I sit we are raising a soft generation of kids and especially males. Fewer it appears know anything about a work ethic. It is easier to live in the pretend world of social media where posts are staged to make it appear they live happily ever after. What about the dark moods, the nights of weeping, the long dark night of the soul. Don't see many posting about these real life issues. Such posts do not get "likes." Video games can be just as addictive as drugs. Ever heard of Fort Night? Teens prefer to live in a fantasy world of make believe games and sports than actually living real life adventures.
We have surpassed the 60 million mark in abortions all because a woman has the right to choose. True. They can choose to keep their zippers up and their skirts down too. I often think about those 60 million murdered defenseless infants. What plans did God have for them? What impact would they have had on our world? We will never know. Murder in the name of convenience and political correctness. There will be a day of reckoning for all those lost lives.
From where I sit America is headed for trouble. Oh I know we are already there. I predict things may get worse. Way worse. Lawlessness may abound more. People continually post and chant death to police officers. This doubles me being I have a son studying to become a law enforcement officer. They call for the assignation of the President and Vice President. Does this trouble believers?
From where I sit I am disturbed. Deeply troubled. Beyond concerned. Grieved. Burdened.
There are two choices. I can quit. Give up. Surrender. Retire from the battle. Or I can...
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Downcast And Downtrodden
Do you feel downcast and downtrodden today? Do you see more gloom on the horizon than hope? Are you stouthearted or given into fear and anxiety?
We do not always get to choose the adversity a person has to face. In recent days I've ministered to a young man who epitomizes health. He works out. He eats healthy. He is fit as a fiddle. He took a nap on Saturday and today he is in the hospital. The details are not important. He did not choose this. It's left up to him and his family to endure it and to overcome it.
You may have not chosen your adversity. A lost job. Financial crisis. Loss of a loved one. A reassignment at work. Divorce you worked to avoid but have to endure anyway. The break down of vehicles. The adversity you watch your children endure.
The Psalmist knew those feelings of despair. He asked the questions that so often surface in the mind. Where is God? Where are the happy joyous days? Why such despair? Why so much turmoil? Then he wrote these words that have served multiple generations.
Psalm 42:5 (ESV)
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
It is so easy to get discouraged by the trials of life. It is easy to get in turmoil like a tempest in your mind and heart. Such turmoil impacts the way you think and the way you feel. It is easy to be deceived on both fronts. If the mind dwells on the despair the faithfulness of God will be forgotten. The discouraging circumstances will dominate thoughts and that in turn will lead to further depression and hopelessness.
What is the solution? The Psalmist makes an intentional decision to will himself to hope in God. To look to Him with confident expectation. One great thing to help with this is to recall all the times God has delivered you in the past from adversity. Meditate on the times He stepped in and saved the day.
Sometimes it helps to preach to yourself. That is exactly what the Psalmist does here. Why downcast? Why in turmoil? Turn your hope to God and praise Him again. Even when you may like feel like praising Him. Praise your way to hope again. Recall more joyful days. Job did this. So did Paul. It worked for them and I am confident it will work for you too.
We do not always get to choose the adversity a person has to face. In recent days I've ministered to a young man who epitomizes health. He works out. He eats healthy. He is fit as a fiddle. He took a nap on Saturday and today he is in the hospital. The details are not important. He did not choose this. It's left up to him and his family to endure it and to overcome it.
You may have not chosen your adversity. A lost job. Financial crisis. Loss of a loved one. A reassignment at work. Divorce you worked to avoid but have to endure anyway. The break down of vehicles. The adversity you watch your children endure.
The Psalmist knew those feelings of despair. He asked the questions that so often surface in the mind. Where is God? Where are the happy joyous days? Why such despair? Why so much turmoil? Then he wrote these words that have served multiple generations.
Psalm 42:5 (ESV)
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
It is so easy to get discouraged by the trials of life. It is easy to get in turmoil like a tempest in your mind and heart. Such turmoil impacts the way you think and the way you feel. It is easy to be deceived on both fronts. If the mind dwells on the despair the faithfulness of God will be forgotten. The discouraging circumstances will dominate thoughts and that in turn will lead to further depression and hopelessness.
What is the solution? The Psalmist makes an intentional decision to will himself to hope in God. To look to Him with confident expectation. One great thing to help with this is to recall all the times God has delivered you in the past from adversity. Meditate on the times He stepped in and saved the day.
Sometimes it helps to preach to yourself. That is exactly what the Psalmist does here. Why downcast? Why in turmoil? Turn your hope to God and praise Him again. Even when you may like feel like praising Him. Praise your way to hope again. Recall more joyful days. Job did this. So did Paul. It worked for them and I am confident it will work for you too.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Timely Truth
I had 70 minutes before leaving the office today. After a full day yesterday and two hospital visits one late into the morning hours I needed God to speak. I devoted those 70 minutes to seeking God asking, begging, pleading, beseeching Him to speak to me. I sat still before Him. Eventually I climbed under my desk prostrate on the floor and waited longingly for a fresh word. 40 minutes passed and nothing.
I got back in my chair and opened my Bible. I read several passages and nothing really touched me. Then a passage surfaced in my mind. Hurriedly I turned the pages until my eyes fell on some timely truth. I read the verses slowly. I circled key words and phrases. I read the verses a second time meditating on those words and phrases prayerfully. It was just what I needed. A fresh timely word.
Here are the key words He spoke:
Trust.
Dwell.
Befriend faithfulness.
Delight.
Commit.
Trust.
He will act.
All right out of the scriptures.
Psalm 37:3-5 (ESV)
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
I got back in my chair and opened my Bible. I read several passages and nothing really touched me. Then a passage surfaced in my mind. Hurriedly I turned the pages until my eyes fell on some timely truth. I read the verses slowly. I circled key words and phrases. I read the verses a second time meditating on those words and phrases prayerfully. It was just what I needed. A fresh timely word.
Here are the key words He spoke:
Trust.
Dwell.
Befriend faithfulness.
Delight.
Commit.
Trust.
He will act.
All right out of the scriptures.
Psalm 37:3-5 (ESV)
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
When you long for God to speak to you go to His word. There is timely truth there. Timely truth for all of us.
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