Inspiration can come from just about anywhere. Yesterday morning it came in the form of a single leaf. As I backed out of our driveway, with the whole family headed to worship, I noticed one single leaf.
In the night the leaf fell from a tree and landed stem first in between two pieces of metal in our windshield wiper on the driver's side. That single leaf was surrounded by many other dingy brown leaves that had also fallen.
When I drove out of the neighborhood all the other leaves blew off the vehicle. All except that single leaf. I thought to myself, "It will blow off once I get on the highway." When I hit higher speeds on the highway the leaf shook, waved back and forth but held fast.
That leaf clung tenaciously. Even against the wind resistance on a 40 mile trip and the blustery north wind gusts. That leaf remained in place the whole way. I watched in amazement wondering how the stem did not break off or the leaf itself not tear apart. It remained in place the entire trip.
It got me to thinking. Isn't that what followers of Jesus are supposed to do. Aren't we supposed to cling tenaciously to God and His promises against the resistance of this world. While the world pushes and pulls against us with Satanic force we must cling tenaciously to our faithful God and His trustworthy word.
I am not saying those things are always easy. When everything is blowing against you it is easy to lose your grip. To let the fingers of your faith and focus slowly give way to the mounting pressures.
If an inanimate object like a leaf can stubbornly hold fast to a windshield wiper for 40 miles I believe God can strengthen our grasp on Him. We must latch onto Him and hold fast with all that is within us. If we cling tenaciously to Him it will be Him who sees us all the way to the end of our journey. Others have experienced this. So must we. Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to cling tenaciously to Yahweh and His Son Jesus.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Break Up Your Fallow Ground
While driving to a worship gathering recently to minister the word of God I passed by a field that had recently been plowed. The turned over dirt looked rich and fertile. I am not sure what the owner has in mind for that field, but I do know the fallow ground had been broken up.
As I drove past that field I thought about our hearts. How hard they can become. How unproductive. How littered with weeds. Just like the field needs to be plowed we need God to take the plow of His word and His Spirit to break up our fallow ground. To break up our hard hearts.
How easily we can lose our focus and become hardened. It happens through busyness, disappointments, temptations and apathy. We may not even be aware it is happening. Daily and hourly our hearts become hardened, petrified, callused, rigid and fallow.
When this happens the word of God is not received readily. The promptings of the Holy Spirit are ignored. Apathy sets in and such people may not even be aware they need to repent.
Breaking up the fallow ground is not a pleasant experience. For the hard working farmer he knows to break up the fallow ground means lots of dust, lots of time and the digging down deep of the plow to turn over the dirt. Neither is this a pleasant experience for a follower of Jesus.
Conviction is like the blade of a plow sinking into a hard heart. The pressure breaks through the hard outer surface to get down deep. The cutting of the blades turns over things in hearts that lie beneath the surface. Sins. Attitudes. Wrong priorities. Steps gone astray.
Afterwards, when the word of God is sowed into such hearts it falls on fertile ground. It germinates and takes root. It grows and matures. Soon fruit is ripened.
What is the condition of your heart today? Is your heart fallow ground? Is your heart turned over and fertile ground?
Jeremiah 4:3 (ESV)
3 For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
As I drove past that field I thought about our hearts. How hard they can become. How unproductive. How littered with weeds. Just like the field needs to be plowed we need God to take the plow of His word and His Spirit to break up our fallow ground. To break up our hard hearts.
How easily we can lose our focus and become hardened. It happens through busyness, disappointments, temptations and apathy. We may not even be aware it is happening. Daily and hourly our hearts become hardened, petrified, callused, rigid and fallow.
When this happens the word of God is not received readily. The promptings of the Holy Spirit are ignored. Apathy sets in and such people may not even be aware they need to repent.
Breaking up the fallow ground is not a pleasant experience. For the hard working farmer he knows to break up the fallow ground means lots of dust, lots of time and the digging down deep of the plow to turn over the dirt. Neither is this a pleasant experience for a follower of Jesus.
Conviction is like the blade of a plow sinking into a hard heart. The pressure breaks through the hard outer surface to get down deep. The cutting of the blades turns over things in hearts that lie beneath the surface. Sins. Attitudes. Wrong priorities. Steps gone astray.
Afterwards, when the word of God is sowed into such hearts it falls on fertile ground. It germinates and takes root. It grows and matures. Soon fruit is ripened.
What is the condition of your heart today? Is your heart fallow ground? Is your heart turned over and fertile ground?
Jeremiah 4:3 (ESV)
3 For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
Do What You Can
Acts 28:30-31 (ESV)
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
For two whole years Paul lived under house arrest. In Acts 28:16 we learn that Paul stayed in a house by himself with a guard. While Paul had some freedoms he was not really free. He always had a guard keeping watch.
Paul had a mission. He felt called to take the gospel to as many people as possible and to establish churches. For two years he could not travel. While Paul did get to live in his own house he had to do this at his own expense. I am sure companions in the ministry helped raise funds for Paul's lodging and meals. Paul was trapped in that home though.
These were not wasted years. Paul constantly received and welcomed people who came to visit. Some were lost. Some were new believers. Paul welcomed them all and constantly preached or taught about Jesus to all who came to see him. Even though under arrest this did not deter Paul from his mission.
If he did not use his time to preach and teach he used it to write. He wrote what has come to be known as the "Prison Epistles." Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and after getting released and imprisoned again II Timothy. Those prison years were not wasted years. They were productive years. God sat Paul still long enough to write sacred scripture.
There are 27 books in the New Testament of our Bibles. Paul wrote 13 of those books. Out of that 60% of what Paul wrote he did so while under arrest.
You may not like your present circumstances. You may feel like God has forgotten you and that you are wasting away in your sufferings. With God this time is not wasted. If you submit to Him and do what you can where you are God can still use you. You can still be productive. Just do what you can.
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
For two whole years Paul lived under house arrest. In Acts 28:16 we learn that Paul stayed in a house by himself with a guard. While Paul had some freedoms he was not really free. He always had a guard keeping watch.
Paul had a mission. He felt called to take the gospel to as many people as possible and to establish churches. For two years he could not travel. While Paul did get to live in his own house he had to do this at his own expense. I am sure companions in the ministry helped raise funds for Paul's lodging and meals. Paul was trapped in that home though.
These were not wasted years. Paul constantly received and welcomed people who came to visit. Some were lost. Some were new believers. Paul welcomed them all and constantly preached or taught about Jesus to all who came to see him. Even though under arrest this did not deter Paul from his mission.
If he did not use his time to preach and teach he used it to write. He wrote what has come to be known as the "Prison Epistles." Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and after getting released and imprisoned again II Timothy. Those prison years were not wasted years. They were productive years. God sat Paul still long enough to write sacred scripture.
There are 27 books in the New Testament of our Bibles. Paul wrote 13 of those books. Out of that 60% of what Paul wrote he did so while under arrest.
You may not like your present circumstances. You may feel like God has forgotten you and that you are wasting away in your sufferings. With God this time is not wasted. If you submit to Him and do what you can where you are God can still use you. You can still be productive. Just do what you can.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Mud Puddle
Texans are known for telling some tall tales. When I was in Arkansas a few weeks ago I could not help but think of a few myself while talking to some of the men up there. You know what they say. Everything is bigger in Texas. I am proud native Texan. One of those tall tales I was tempted to share I held back after visiting a river.
The host pastor took us out one day for a special treat. We drove to the Arkansas river. An impressive river. As we walked up we got to see several pelicans fly off the river startled as we approached. I ventured out as close to the water as I could get on a sand bar and just watched the river flow. Watching the water flow soothed my soul. I could have remained there a lot longer than we stayed lost in my thoughts. I love the outdoors. Arkansas is a very beautiful state.
I spanned the distance from where I stood to the bank on the other side. It was much further than I could throw. It was the widest river I had seen since crossing the Mississippi a few years ago. Then it dawned on me. From my perspective I saw a mighty river. From God's perspective He saw a tiny mud puddle.
We need to remember that. What are you facing today that looks impossible. It does not appear navigable. You may not even think you can survive or ever overcome. You may be exactly right if left on your own. If God is with you what looks impossible to you is doable and no big deal for Him. What looks like a wide river impossible to forge just looks like a mud puddle to Him.
God specializes in turning impossibilities into possibilities. He makes mountains into mole hills. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. He turns rivers into mud puddles. He provides financial needs of any amount by just reaching for pocket change. He can do anything. Nothing is difficult for Him. Learn to view things from His perspective.
Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV)
17 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
The host pastor took us out one day for a special treat. We drove to the Arkansas river. An impressive river. As we walked up we got to see several pelicans fly off the river startled as we approached. I ventured out as close to the water as I could get on a sand bar and just watched the river flow. Watching the water flow soothed my soul. I could have remained there a lot longer than we stayed lost in my thoughts. I love the outdoors. Arkansas is a very beautiful state.
I spanned the distance from where I stood to the bank on the other side. It was much further than I could throw. It was the widest river I had seen since crossing the Mississippi a few years ago. Then it dawned on me. From my perspective I saw a mighty river. From God's perspective He saw a tiny mud puddle.
We need to remember that. What are you facing today that looks impossible. It does not appear navigable. You may not even think you can survive or ever overcome. You may be exactly right if left on your own. If God is with you what looks impossible to you is doable and no big deal for Him. What looks like a wide river impossible to forge just looks like a mud puddle to Him.
God specializes in turning impossibilities into possibilities. He makes mountains into mole hills. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. He turns rivers into mud puddles. He provides financial needs of any amount by just reaching for pocket change. He can do anything. Nothing is difficult for Him. Learn to view things from His perspective.
Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV)
17 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
72 Hours
Cold. Damp. Rancid. Dark. With no way of escape. 72 hours of complete misery. Not your idea get away. Not a Paradise vacation. It felt more like prison. In essence it was prison. A soldier did not obey his commander and got exiled to this unusual prison.
Being in such a place gives you time to think. To ponder things. To reflect on where things went wrong. This soldier had time to rethink his direct violation of orders. He also had time to regret his disobedience and how he would respond the next time. The day finally came for his release. The soldier got afforded another chance.
You better believe when his next marching orders were given, ironically the same as the one he previously disobeyed, he complied. He learned his lesson well and obeyed promptly. He may not have wanted to follow through on the order down deep inside but he executed those orders perfectly on the outside. Following through with something unpleasant sure felt better than prison.
So goes the story of Jonah. Imprisoned in the belly of a fish. He even mentions getting sea weed tangled around his head. The fish went to depth of the sea. Utter darkness. Cold. No way to escape. And surrounded by partially digested fish in acidic digestive juices. Miserable all the way around.
It worked though. God used that to get Jonah's attention. Jonah preferred death to obedience. God preferred chastisement and brokenness which led to a second chance.
I am thinking now of one of the worst choices of disobedience I've done. Such a horrid decision it impacted hundreds of people. God had to take me down into a prison to get my attention. That proved a very painful season. It also taught me some valuable lessons I am still living out today. God's chastisement, while painful, is also merciful and beneficial.
Jonah learned what he needed to in those 72 hours in the deep. 72 hours to be broken. 72 hours to repent. 72 hours to submit to God and His authority. 72 hours to remember former vows and resolve to pay those vows. It is amazing what God can do in 72 hours.
It took 72 hours for Jonah to determine obedience was better than rebellion. In 72 hours God conformed a stubborn defiant will to one of submission and compliance. LORD, if any of us need that then I ask You to do what You must to get hold of our hearts, minds and wills over the next 72 hours.
Being in such a place gives you time to think. To ponder things. To reflect on where things went wrong. This soldier had time to rethink his direct violation of orders. He also had time to regret his disobedience and how he would respond the next time. The day finally came for his release. The soldier got afforded another chance.
You better believe when his next marching orders were given, ironically the same as the one he previously disobeyed, he complied. He learned his lesson well and obeyed promptly. He may not have wanted to follow through on the order down deep inside but he executed those orders perfectly on the outside. Following through with something unpleasant sure felt better than prison.
So goes the story of Jonah. Imprisoned in the belly of a fish. He even mentions getting sea weed tangled around his head. The fish went to depth of the sea. Utter darkness. Cold. No way to escape. And surrounded by partially digested fish in acidic digestive juices. Miserable all the way around.
It worked though. God used that to get Jonah's attention. Jonah preferred death to obedience. God preferred chastisement and brokenness which led to a second chance.
I am thinking now of one of the worst choices of disobedience I've done. Such a horrid decision it impacted hundreds of people. God had to take me down into a prison to get my attention. That proved a very painful season. It also taught me some valuable lessons I am still living out today. God's chastisement, while painful, is also merciful and beneficial.
Jonah learned what he needed to in those 72 hours in the deep. 72 hours to be broken. 72 hours to repent. 72 hours to submit to God and His authority. 72 hours to remember former vows and resolve to pay those vows. It is amazing what God can do in 72 hours.
It took 72 hours for Jonah to determine obedience was better than rebellion. In 72 hours God conformed a stubborn defiant will to one of submission and compliance. LORD, if any of us need that then I ask You to do what You must to get hold of our hearts, minds and wills over the next 72 hours.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Church Growth
I still find it hard to believe what I heard about another church in another town. The church, which I will not name, has impressive facilities. Multi million dollar buildings. At one time they were a mega church. They were one of the fastest growing churches in their state. Thousands flocked to this church.
Today they are a mere shell of what they used to be. A former pastor was so focused on growth he did things I'd never heard of before. He required any person who joined the church to be re-baptized whether they were already saved and had already been baptized. This bolstered their baptism statistics at the end of the year and made the church appear to be evangelistic. It was a sham.
That pastor is no longer there. The mega facilities they built are not even half filled weekly now. They have about ten% of the attendance they used to have. Sadly what I heard from one member is the preaching of the word is so watered down she can no longer attend there though she has been a faithful worker in that church for close to five decades.
Have churches really stooped to the shenanigans of tricks and gimmicks to grow a church? Sadly, the answer is an emphatic yes. They have and do.
I have heard about pastors padding the attendance record books counting people who never attend, people who cut out lowly attended services such as holidays and bad weather days so as not bring the average attendance. I even heard about one pastor who put mirrors up in the sanctuary to give the appearance of more people in attendance than who were actually there.
The Bible has something to say about church growth. Read it for yourself in Acts 2:47. That is the kind of church growth I'd like to see across the land.
Yes
He woke up to a new encounter with God. God revealed a new assignment. A clear mission. Not an easy one mind you. Yet, a necessary missionary endeavor. The man could neither deny or mistake the call and will of God. God clearly revealed His assignment.
What he should have done was to submit and obey. What he actually did was to rebel and refuse the missionary call on his life. He did not give God his yes. He rebelled with a defiant no by his actions. He did everything in his power to run away from this call.
Giving God our yes is important. No matter what God requires, commands or calls a person to do. We ought to wake up each day and give God our yes. When we walk into a worship gathering we ought to give God our yes. Yes in response to the prompting of the Spirit through a message. Yes in response to conviction and a call to repentance. Yes in response to a new direction. God deserves our yes no matter what He commands.
Not our man in the above story. Jonah rebelled. So much so he preferred to be thrown into a tumultuous sea and drown than to follow God's call to that wicked city Nineveh. Jonah resolved to disobey no matter what it cost him.
Trouble is disobedience doesn't just impact the rebellious. Disobedience can impact our families, the people we work around and those we worship alongside. Jonah's rebellion impacted an entire ship of sailors. All of that could have been avoided if Jonah would have just given God His yes.
Thankfully God is gracious. He gave Jonah a second chance and Jonah had time to ponder the situation while trapped in the belly of the fish. He made the wise choice to give God his yes and to obey. He preached in Nineveh and the people repented. God brought a great revival through a reluctant prophet.
Have you given God your yes? Has your rebellion not only impacted your life but also those around you in a negative way? Why not repent and submit today.
Jonah 1-4
What he should have done was to submit and obey. What he actually did was to rebel and refuse the missionary call on his life. He did not give God his yes. He rebelled with a defiant no by his actions. He did everything in his power to run away from this call.
Giving God our yes is important. No matter what God requires, commands or calls a person to do. We ought to wake up each day and give God our yes. When we walk into a worship gathering we ought to give God our yes. Yes in response to the prompting of the Spirit through a message. Yes in response to conviction and a call to repentance. Yes in response to a new direction. God deserves our yes no matter what He commands.
Not our man in the above story. Jonah rebelled. So much so he preferred to be thrown into a tumultuous sea and drown than to follow God's call to that wicked city Nineveh. Jonah resolved to disobey no matter what it cost him.
Trouble is disobedience doesn't just impact the rebellious. Disobedience can impact our families, the people we work around and those we worship alongside. Jonah's rebellion impacted an entire ship of sailors. All of that could have been avoided if Jonah would have just given God His yes.
Thankfully God is gracious. He gave Jonah a second chance and Jonah had time to ponder the situation while trapped in the belly of the fish. He made the wise choice to give God his yes and to obey. He preached in Nineveh and the people repented. God brought a great revival through a reluctant prophet.
Have you given God your yes? Has your rebellion not only impacted your life but also those around you in a negative way? Why not repent and submit today.
Jonah 1-4
Friday, November 9, 2018
Follow Me
This is not a foreign message to my ears. Seven and a half years ago in response to this same message, "Follow Me," from Jesus I uprooted my family, ministry and life to what I believed was His call to a new direction. I am very familiar with Jesus' message to, "Follow Me."
In recent days that same message has resurfaced undeniably. I first read it in a devotion book with scripture references [John 14:3] and [John 21:22]. What really got my attention that morning was the title of the devotion. It simply read, "Follow Me."
That same day I got in my vehicle and turned on the radio the song playing was Chris Tomlin's song, "I Will Follow."
In subsequent days I have read each of these passages in my normal Bible reading. [Matt 4:18-22]. [Matt 8:22] [Matt 9:9] [Heb 11:8] [Is 6:8]
Just yesterday I heard the Cris Tomlin song "I Will Follow" again along with another song from Mercy Me titled, "Where You Lead Me I Will Follow" within a few minutes of each other. It appears to me Jesus is calling for my attention.
Following Jesus is my ambition. Yesterday that meant following Him to make contacts with some hurting and suffering people. There are days where following Jesus means getting up in the wee hours to make a hospital visit or to comfort a grieving family over the death of a loved one. Sometimes following Jesus means getting out of the comfortable cozy bed at unreasonable hours to pray. Sometimes following Jesus means packing a suitcase and traveling to another town, state or country to minister. Following Jesus has meant giving away possessions, opening our home for different people to live with us at different times. On a few occasions following Jesus has meant moving to a new town and a new ministry.
It does not matter where Jesus is leading. It only matters that we get behind Him and follow. Like that old song we used to sing preaches, Wherever He Leads I'll Go.
Let's be honest. Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart. It is not easy. He does not always lead to comfortable places. Many times He has lead me to minister to terminally ill people. Such people have often testified how other people mostly avoid them. It is uncomfortable trying to talk someone you know is about to die. We weird out. THEY ARE STILL PEOPLE. They still have feelings. They still need people.
Jesus will often lead you to the down and out people. He will often lead to the hard, uncomfortable, and risky places. Ask William Carey. Ask Adoniram Judson. Ask David Bainerd, Hudson Taylor, Lottie Moon, Amy Carmichael or Jackie Pullinger.
Following Jesus may lead to sacrifice. He may lead you into financially difficult situations. He may lead you away from everything comfortable and secure like He did with Abraham. [Heb 11:8]
This is the pattern of scripture. I just don't get this modern church where people act as if following Jesus only means attending some religious gatherings weekly. He is the Master and we are the servants to do His bidding no matter what it is or where it leads.
Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh but following God meant doing so anyway. Job did not want to suffer but God allowed him to anyway. Mary questioned having the Savior as a young girl out of wedlock conceived by the Holy Spirit. She submitted anyway. I am sure through the years many did not want to be martyrs but they followed Jesus to the death. People like Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Rachel Scott, and many others history has forgotten their names.
Following Jesus is not optional for children of God. It is not a suggestion when convenient. I would submit that following God is often inconvenient. It is still required.
So I put on my marching boots and get in file behind Jesus along with many others. We may not alway know where He is leading but we do know we are called to follow.
In recent days that same message has resurfaced undeniably. I first read it in a devotion book with scripture references [John 14:3] and [John 21:22]. What really got my attention that morning was the title of the devotion. It simply read, "Follow Me."
That same day I got in my vehicle and turned on the radio the song playing was Chris Tomlin's song, "I Will Follow."
In subsequent days I have read each of these passages in my normal Bible reading. [Matt 4:18-22]. [Matt 8:22] [Matt 9:9] [Heb 11:8] [Is 6:8]
Just yesterday I heard the Cris Tomlin song "I Will Follow" again along with another song from Mercy Me titled, "Where You Lead Me I Will Follow" within a few minutes of each other. It appears to me Jesus is calling for my attention.
Following Jesus is my ambition. Yesterday that meant following Him to make contacts with some hurting and suffering people. There are days where following Jesus means getting up in the wee hours to make a hospital visit or to comfort a grieving family over the death of a loved one. Sometimes following Jesus means getting out of the comfortable cozy bed at unreasonable hours to pray. Sometimes following Jesus means packing a suitcase and traveling to another town, state or country to minister. Following Jesus has meant giving away possessions, opening our home for different people to live with us at different times. On a few occasions following Jesus has meant moving to a new town and a new ministry.
It does not matter where Jesus is leading. It only matters that we get behind Him and follow. Like that old song we used to sing preaches, Wherever He Leads I'll Go.
Let's be honest. Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart. It is not easy. He does not always lead to comfortable places. Many times He has lead me to minister to terminally ill people. Such people have often testified how other people mostly avoid them. It is uncomfortable trying to talk someone you know is about to die. We weird out. THEY ARE STILL PEOPLE. They still have feelings. They still need people.
Jesus will often lead you to the down and out people. He will often lead to the hard, uncomfortable, and risky places. Ask William Carey. Ask Adoniram Judson. Ask David Bainerd, Hudson Taylor, Lottie Moon, Amy Carmichael or Jackie Pullinger.
Following Jesus may lead to sacrifice. He may lead you into financially difficult situations. He may lead you away from everything comfortable and secure like He did with Abraham. [Heb 11:8]
This is the pattern of scripture. I just don't get this modern church where people act as if following Jesus only means attending some religious gatherings weekly. He is the Master and we are the servants to do His bidding no matter what it is or where it leads.
Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh but following God meant doing so anyway. Job did not want to suffer but God allowed him to anyway. Mary questioned having the Savior as a young girl out of wedlock conceived by the Holy Spirit. She submitted anyway. I am sure through the years many did not want to be martyrs but they followed Jesus to the death. People like Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Rachel Scott, and many others history has forgotten their names.
Following Jesus is not optional for children of God. It is not a suggestion when convenient. I would submit that following God is often inconvenient. It is still required.
So I put on my marching boots and get in file behind Jesus along with many others. We may not alway know where He is leading but we do know we are called to follow.
Crossless Church
I enjoyed breakfast with an old friend yesterday. I love those times we spend together. Our conversations cover a wide range of topics. God. Sports. Life. Bible truth. What new things we are learning. How God is leading us. We can laugh in one moment and get soberingly serious in the next.
He told me something I could not believe. He recounted reading an article about how some churches are taking down all their crosses because people find them offensive. The offended ones say it reminds them of a murder. It reminds of blood shed. Instead of crosses one church has replaced them with soothing seashells. SEASHELLS!
Yes. The cross is offensive as well as the gospel message in itself. That does not mean we are to soften the message.
1 Corinthians 1:23 (NKJV)
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
He told me something I could not believe. He recounted reading an article about how some churches are taking down all their crosses because people find them offensive. The offended ones say it reminds them of a murder. It reminds of blood shed. Instead of crosses one church has replaced them with soothing seashells. SEASHELLS!
Yes. The cross is offensive as well as the gospel message in itself. That does not mean we are to soften the message.
1 Corinthians 1:23 (NKJV)
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
In another place Paul went even further with his no compromising message of the death of Jesus on a cross.
Romans 1:16 (NKJV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
The story of the cross is a hard message. A sinless Savior, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb of God was slain. His blood spilled. And like we used to sing so frequently, There Is Power In The Blood and Are You Washed In The Blood. Christianity is a cross religion. It is also a blood religion. It took the sinless perfect Jesus to give up His life on that old cross so people through the ages could be forgiven of their sin guilt, cleansed, justified and reconciled to God.
May the church never quit boasting in the cross. . May we keep singing about that Old Rugged Cross.
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world
I want no part of a watered down Christless, crossless, mealy mouthed, soft pedaling, tickling the ears, make you feel good church. I celebrate what Jesus did on the cross and celebrate more today that cross is empty. Jesus no longer hangs there but is resurrected and alive. No crossless churches for me.
For The Love Of Books
I was just holding a red hard cover book. This book was published in 1956. You can see from inside the pages where the book was bound with stitching and not glue they so often use today. The pages are no longer white. They have begun to fade into a dull yellow over the past 64 years. At least a couple of people owned this book before me; a lady named Kathleen and a man named Jess. I guess I should put my name on the inside cover as now I am the rightful owner and steward of this little book.
I spent a good portion of yesterday reading. I totally lost track of time while doing so. Time passed as I got lost in the pages. I LOVE TO READ. I am thankful for the gift of learning to read. I am most thankful for the vision to be able to see to read. I am appreciative of all the books I have been blessed with to read and have read.
Each of those books contains truth and the spiritual experiences of fellow followers of God through the ages. I admit my books are limited to theology books, biographies and autobiographies of preachers, pastors and missionaries. It is always a good day when I can carve out some time to read.
No book I own holds more affection in my heart than my well worn leather bound Bible. There are pages where the color has turned yellow from where my hands have held it as I preached over the past two decades. There are passages hi-lighted, underlined with all sorts of notations around circled words and phrases. Just as much as I've read other books I have immersed myself in reading the sacred scriptures. In 1995 I committed to read through the Bible at least once a year. Just this morning I read several fascinating passages in Matthew soaking up the words of Jesus. Like a sponge I wanted God's truth.
Here is a sobering thought. What good do books and our Bibles do for us if we never open them, read them, and dig into them. It pains my heart I own multiple volumes I have never opened. There is so much to learn. No matter how many times I read the Bible through there is so much more to discover. More of God to know. More revelation to receive.
God has made available to us a wealth of knowledge and insight into His truth and Himself. Sadly, many do not take advantage of these things. There seems so little hunger for reading and studying the Bible outside a religious gathering anymore. Television is more enticing. It amazes me we can sit in front of a television flipping channels and endlessly searching for something to watch when books beg for our attention in vain.
I do not say this arrogantly. The most significant encounters I have had with God over the past three decades have been alone with Him and my Bible somewhere. He has at times used other books to influence my life in deep ways. Yes, I have encountered God in public worship services. Those pale in comparison to those private encounters I've had with God in the pages of His book. His word. The Bible.
May we never quit hungering to know God and His word. May that desire consume us. Read these following verses and plead with God to revive your love not just for books but for THE BOOK.
Psalm 119:37-38 (NKJV)
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.
I spent a good portion of yesterday reading. I totally lost track of time while doing so. Time passed as I got lost in the pages. I LOVE TO READ. I am thankful for the gift of learning to read. I am most thankful for the vision to be able to see to read. I am appreciative of all the books I have been blessed with to read and have read.
Each of those books contains truth and the spiritual experiences of fellow followers of God through the ages. I admit my books are limited to theology books, biographies and autobiographies of preachers, pastors and missionaries. It is always a good day when I can carve out some time to read.
No book I own holds more affection in my heart than my well worn leather bound Bible. There are pages where the color has turned yellow from where my hands have held it as I preached over the past two decades. There are passages hi-lighted, underlined with all sorts of notations around circled words and phrases. Just as much as I've read other books I have immersed myself in reading the sacred scriptures. In 1995 I committed to read through the Bible at least once a year. Just this morning I read several fascinating passages in Matthew soaking up the words of Jesus. Like a sponge I wanted God's truth.
Here is a sobering thought. What good do books and our Bibles do for us if we never open them, read them, and dig into them. It pains my heart I own multiple volumes I have never opened. There is so much to learn. No matter how many times I read the Bible through there is so much more to discover. More of God to know. More revelation to receive.
God has made available to us a wealth of knowledge and insight into His truth and Himself. Sadly, many do not take advantage of these things. There seems so little hunger for reading and studying the Bible outside a religious gathering anymore. Television is more enticing. It amazes me we can sit in front of a television flipping channels and endlessly searching for something to watch when books beg for our attention in vain.
I do not say this arrogantly. The most significant encounters I have had with God over the past three decades have been alone with Him and my Bible somewhere. He has at times used other books to influence my life in deep ways. Yes, I have encountered God in public worship services. Those pale in comparison to those private encounters I've had with God in the pages of His book. His word. The Bible.
May we never quit hungering to know God and His word. May that desire consume us. Read these following verses and plead with God to revive your love not just for books but for THE BOOK.
Psalm 119:37-38 (NKJV)
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Sardis
After a week of revival preaching I made my way back home. My host pastor and I hit the road by 6:00 a.m. We opted to take the scenic route back from Arkansas to Texas. We wound our way through beautiful mountains over into Oklahoma where we came to Sardis Lake.
A two mile dam and bridge were built over the lake. There is a scenic overlook just off the bridge where you can pull over and take in the sights. We took advantage of this opportunity. The lake is surrounded by mountains. When I stepped outside I worshipped. I audibly thanked God for such a beautiful sight. Beautiful mountains littered with brilliant colored fall leaves on trees. All surrounding a large lake.
A cold front blew through. Overhead I witnessed overcast skies. The wind blew briskly from the north with a little bit of a bite to it. Looking over the lake I saw white capped waves whipping up. Right in front of where we parked was a large concrete structure with the word "Sardis" written on top.
Kyle nad I stood looking over the lake for a few moments. Down below the waves pounded the shores pushed by the northern winds. Soon we got back in the car to continue our journey. For some reason I could not get that word "Sardis" out of my mind." When I got home I looked it up. Sardis was a city in ancient Asia Minor.
It was also a city God showed John when he received the Revelation. Sardis was one of the seven churches singled out by John.
Revelation 3:1-2 (NKJV)
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
A two mile dam and bridge were built over the lake. There is a scenic overlook just off the bridge where you can pull over and take in the sights. We took advantage of this opportunity. The lake is surrounded by mountains. When I stepped outside I worshipped. I audibly thanked God for such a beautiful sight. Beautiful mountains littered with brilliant colored fall leaves on trees. All surrounding a large lake.
A cold front blew through. Overhead I witnessed overcast skies. The wind blew briskly from the north with a little bit of a bite to it. Looking over the lake I saw white capped waves whipping up. Right in front of where we parked was a large concrete structure with the word "Sardis" written on top.
Kyle nad I stood looking over the lake for a few moments. Down below the waves pounded the shores pushed by the northern winds. Soon we got back in the car to continue our journey. For some reason I could not get that word "Sardis" out of my mind." When I got home I looked it up. Sardis was a city in ancient Asia Minor.
It was also a city God showed John when he received the Revelation. Sardis was one of the seven churches singled out by John.
Revelation 3:1-2 (NKJV)
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
What a horrible word. Sardis appeared alive. They had all the outward signs of life. Inside spiritually they were dead. That certainly could describe a great many churches today. Busy busy with activity. They appear alive. The truth is they are dead. Spiritually bankrupt. Church has become big business but little ministry. Many churches are a blur of never ending activity but at the same time they are dead on the inside. There is no power in what they do and therefore no effectiveness.
I do not want to be Sardis in my personal life. I do not want the ecclesia to be Sardis either. I pray for the life of God to be present in me and in His bride across the land. I pray His life be in you and that none of us would be Sardis.
We must be watchful over our souls. We must strengthen what remains of faith, hunger for the word of God and the church. If not, people will fall away, we will grow cold and apathetic and churches will one day close their doors for good in death. God forbid such a day ever comes.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Clouded View
My host for the week drove us about an hour outside Lava,AR, where I preached a revival meeting, to Mount Magazine. Rain descended and clouds hung low. As we neared the mountain what I saw left me awed. Beautiful trees with changing leave colors ascending up the tower of rock.
We drove winding our way to the top while the rain continued to fall. The colors looked like paint splashes with brilliant reds, oranges and multiple shades of brown on the foilage. Living in Texas all my life I have not always enjoyed seeing real fall seasons.
As we neared the top we drove into the low clouds. It was like driving in dense fog. At times we could only see a few yards in front of us on the road. When we turned into the scenic overlook we could not see anything. The clouds blocked our view of other mountains in the distance and the beautiful trees below. We only saw the cloud.
I still loved the trip but I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had been able to see everything. That did not mean the beautiful scenery had disappeared. From our vantage point it was not visible. The mountains and the trees with their brilliant colored leaves were still there. I had see many on them on the side of the road as we drove up. Yet the cloud obscured our views from seeing from a distance. That got me to thinking.
There are many cloud-like circumstances in the lives of people. From their clouded views they may not be able to see clearly. They may even doubt whether God is even there. Just because the view gets clouded does not negate the fact He is there. He is the most real thing in the universe.
I hope to remember this lesson. A lesson when a cloud engulfed mountain obscured my view. Sometimes the pain, the trials, the disappointments and sorrows cloud the view. We are to look closer through the eyes of faith that help see the greater realities. God is still there and He is still working.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
We drove winding our way to the top while the rain continued to fall. The colors looked like paint splashes with brilliant reds, oranges and multiple shades of brown on the foilage. Living in Texas all my life I have not always enjoyed seeing real fall seasons.
As we neared the top we drove into the low clouds. It was like driving in dense fog. At times we could only see a few yards in front of us on the road. When we turned into the scenic overlook we could not see anything. The clouds blocked our view of other mountains in the distance and the beautiful trees below. We only saw the cloud.
I still loved the trip but I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had been able to see everything. That did not mean the beautiful scenery had disappeared. From our vantage point it was not visible. The mountains and the trees with their brilliant colored leaves were still there. I had see many on them on the side of the road as we drove up. Yet the cloud obscured our views from seeing from a distance. That got me to thinking.
There are many cloud-like circumstances in the lives of people. From their clouded views they may not be able to see clearly. They may even doubt whether God is even there. Just because the view gets clouded does not negate the fact He is there. He is the most real thing in the universe.
I hope to remember this lesson. A lesson when a cloud engulfed mountain obscured my view. Sometimes the pain, the trials, the disappointments and sorrows cloud the view. We are to look closer through the eyes of faith that help see the greater realities. God is still there and He is still working.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
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