Romans 5:6-8 (NLT)
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
The apostle describes the condition of the world when Christ came; the world was nothing but utterly helpless sinners. Then he puts Christ’s sacrifice in perspective for us. A person might be willing to die for someone worthy though it would be unlikely. Yet Christ died for us who were unworthy. God showed us His great love and mercy by sending His Son Jesus, our Savior, while we were yet sinners.
Tony Campolo, in the sermon "The Year of Jubilee," said - I went to my first black funeral when I was 16 years old. A friend of mine, Clarence, had died. The pastor was incredible. From the pulpit he talked about the Resurrection in beautiful terms. He had us thrilled. He came down from the pulpit, went to the family, and comforted them from the fourteenth chapter of John. "Let not your heart be troubled," he said, "'You believe in God, believe also in me,' said Jesus. Clarence has gone to heavenly mansions."
Then, for the last 20 minutes of the sermon, he actually preached to the open casket. Now, that's drama! He yelled at the corpse: "Clarence! Clarence!" He said it with such authority. I would not have been surprised had there been an answer. He said, "Clarence, there were a lot of things we should have said to you that we never said to you. You got away too fast, Clarence. You got away too fast." He went down this litany of beautiful things that Clarence had done for people. When he finished—here's the dramatic part—he said, "That's it, Clarence. There's nothing more to say. When there's nothing more to say, there's only one thing to say. Good night. Good night, Clarence!" He grabbed the lid of the casket and slammed it shut. "Good night, Clarence!" Boom! Shock waves went over the congregation. As the preacher then lifted his head, you could see there was this smile on his face. He said, "Good night, Clarence. Good night, Clarence, because I know, I know that God is going to give you a good morning!" The choir stood and starting singing, "On that great morning, we shall rise, we shall rise." We were dancing in the aisles and hugging each other. I knew the joy of the Lord, a joy that in the face of death laughs and sings and dances, for there is no sting to death.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Jesus is the light
John 12:44-50 (NLT)
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
Jesus gives an account of His mission to the world. The mission was to bring true comfort, joy and hope to the people where before there was always an affliction of darkness. Christ came to be the light of truth to show the world how to find God and eternal life.
Many watched the news as Chilean miners were trapped deep underground in a dark cave. There was no light to guide them other than the flashlights that would not last. There was a loss of hope, joy and comfort as they remained there in the dark helpless to do anything about their situation. In the same way the sin of the world has trapped people in darkness. Sin has cut off hope, comfort and keeps a person in the dark about the joy they could have. We feel hopeless to overcome the darkness of sin. People try on their own to overcome sin, but like the miners flashlights it is only a matter of time before sin covers them again. Christ is our light in this world. Jesus came so that we could find salvation in His sacrifice for us. Jesus did not come to judge, but instead to rescue us from the judgment of sin that is to come. Place your faith in Christ so that you may walk in joy, comfort and hope instead of a dark path of sin.
44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
Jesus gives an account of His mission to the world. The mission was to bring true comfort, joy and hope to the people where before there was always an affliction of darkness. Christ came to be the light of truth to show the world how to find God and eternal life.
Many watched the news as Chilean miners were trapped deep underground in a dark cave. There was no light to guide them other than the flashlights that would not last. There was a loss of hope, joy and comfort as they remained there in the dark helpless to do anything about their situation. In the same way the sin of the world has trapped people in darkness. Sin has cut off hope, comfort and keeps a person in the dark about the joy they could have. We feel hopeless to overcome the darkness of sin. People try on their own to overcome sin, but like the miners flashlights it is only a matter of time before sin covers them again. Christ is our light in this world. Jesus came so that we could find salvation in His sacrifice for us. Jesus did not come to judge, but instead to rescue us from the judgment of sin that is to come. Place your faith in Christ so that you may walk in joy, comfort and hope instead of a dark path of sin.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Christ ruler over all
Hebrews 1:14 (The Message)
14 Isn't it obvious that all angels are sent to help out with those lined up to receive salvation?
In the early church there were those who would argue that angels were given a higher importance than Jesus Christ. The apostle quoted scriptures saying, “But he says to the Son, You're God, and on the throne for good; your rule makes everything right. You love it when things are right; you hate it when things are wrong. That is why God, your God, poured fragrant oil on your head, marking you out as king, far above your dear companions.” God calling The Son, God shows Jesus was truly God and truly man. And now Christ reigns as God over all the angels who are His servants to help those lined up to receive salvation.
Anne Rice, whom the media has called the Queen of the Occult, has sold millions of novels about vampires and witches. Several of her books have also been made into movies, even starring Hollywood big-shots like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. But since a near-death experience in 1998, Anne has had a change of heart—she's turned to Christ. In 2005, she stunned her fans by declaring, "I promised from now on that I will only write for the Lord." Her November 2005 release, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, portrays Jesus as a 7-year-old, and the veteran author worked painstakingly to avoid contradicting Scripture in her interpretation of Jesus' life. The book was released in November 2005, and as of December 7, 2005, it remained on the New York Times bestsellers list at #8. In the afterword of Christ the Lord, Rice summarizes what she has found in Jesus, calling him "the ultimate supernatural hero" and "the ultimate immortal of them all." In an interview with Christianity Today in December of 2005, Rice said, "Christianity achieved what it did because Jesus rose from the dead." [Jennie Yabroff, "Anne Rice Has Gone from Goth to God," Newsday.com (11-21-05);]
God came to this world as Jesus Christ giving up all His titles as God in order that we could find salvation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of God ruling over everything, including angels.
14 Isn't it obvious that all angels are sent to help out with those lined up to receive salvation?
In the early church there were those who would argue that angels were given a higher importance than Jesus Christ. The apostle quoted scriptures saying, “But he says to the Son, You're God, and on the throne for good; your rule makes everything right. You love it when things are right; you hate it when things are wrong. That is why God, your God, poured fragrant oil on your head, marking you out as king, far above your dear companions.” God calling The Son, God shows Jesus was truly God and truly man. And now Christ reigns as God over all the angels who are His servants to help those lined up to receive salvation.
Anne Rice, whom the media has called the Queen of the Occult, has sold millions of novels about vampires and witches. Several of her books have also been made into movies, even starring Hollywood big-shots like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. But since a near-death experience in 1998, Anne has had a change of heart—she's turned to Christ. In 2005, she stunned her fans by declaring, "I promised from now on that I will only write for the Lord." Her November 2005 release, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, portrays Jesus as a 7-year-old, and the veteran author worked painstakingly to avoid contradicting Scripture in her interpretation of Jesus' life. The book was released in November 2005, and as of December 7, 2005, it remained on the New York Times bestsellers list at #8. In the afterword of Christ the Lord, Rice summarizes what she has found in Jesus, calling him "the ultimate supernatural hero" and "the ultimate immortal of them all." In an interview with Christianity Today in December of 2005, Rice said, "Christianity achieved what it did because Jesus rose from the dead." [Jennie Yabroff, "Anne Rice Has Gone from Goth to God," Newsday.com (11-21-05);]
God came to this world as Jesus Christ giving up all His titles as God in order that we could find salvation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of God ruling over everything, including angels.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
We are ambassadors for Christ
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NLT)
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
These verses are about the reconciliation of God to man. God through Christ brought us back to Him. Christ was the propitiation for our sin. Christ redeemed our sin and made us once again presentable to God who no longer counted or held our sins against us. Christians therefore should be willing to share this wonder message of reconciliation with others. We are to be ambassador’s speaking on behalf of God and Christ encouraging others to “come back to God”.
In Decision magazine, Peggy DesNoyers writes in the article “Silent No More”:
My job as a psychiatric home-health nurse brought me in touch with many people who were hurt or angry and who were searching for answers to problems in their lives. I knew that Jesus was the answer, but I couldn't bring myself to talk to them about him. I was the master of excuses. [Until] one patient changed my life. Wanda was a 56-year-old widow in chronic depression. All of her family had died, some of them tragically, within a span of 16 years. The loss and her grief overwhelmed her until life for her became a burden she was unable to bear. One day she quit her job, went home, pulled the curtains, and refused to leave her house. Eventually she stopped eating, and even the smallest of tasks became too difficult for her to do. An observant neighbor had noticed the changed in Wanda's behavior, and that neighbor made arrangements for her to be taken to a hospital where she was admitted to the psychiatric ward. At the end of her hospital stay, when she went home, I was assigned to be her home-health nurse. I visited her weekly to make sure she was taking her medication and was eating and taking care of herself. Over the course of six months Wanda continued to recover. Although I knew she needed to meet Jesus as her Savior, I reasoned that she would soon be attending church and would hear about him there. One day I went to Wanda's house for my regular visit, and I was surprised to find the door ajar. I knocked and when there was no response, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The living room was vacant, so I went to her bedroom and found her lifeless body on the bed. There were several empty medication bottles beside her, and in her hand she held a noted addressed to me.
I sat on the bed beside her and took the note. I read: "Dear Peggy, I'm so sorry. I tried it your way, but I got tired. Please forgive me. I tried. I just couldn't do it. I got tired."
I slid off the bed onto my knees and cried my heart out to my loving, forgiving Father: "Lord Jesus, she tried it my way. I gave her the best that I had. But it was my way. I didn't tell her about you. I didn't tell her about your way." On my knees beside [Wanda's] lifeless body I promised God that I would never pass by another opportunity to tell someone about him.
Never forget we are ambassadors for Christ and we have been given the privilege of sharing the Good News of Salvation with others who may not now Christ. Never wait until it is too late to do so.
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
These verses are about the reconciliation of God to man. God through Christ brought us back to Him. Christ was the propitiation for our sin. Christ redeemed our sin and made us once again presentable to God who no longer counted or held our sins against us. Christians therefore should be willing to share this wonder message of reconciliation with others. We are to be ambassador’s speaking on behalf of God and Christ encouraging others to “come back to God”.
In Decision magazine, Peggy DesNoyers writes in the article “Silent No More”:
My job as a psychiatric home-health nurse brought me in touch with many people who were hurt or angry and who were searching for answers to problems in their lives. I knew that Jesus was the answer, but I couldn't bring myself to talk to them about him. I was the master of excuses. [Until] one patient changed my life. Wanda was a 56-year-old widow in chronic depression. All of her family had died, some of them tragically, within a span of 16 years. The loss and her grief overwhelmed her until life for her became a burden she was unable to bear. One day she quit her job, went home, pulled the curtains, and refused to leave her house. Eventually she stopped eating, and even the smallest of tasks became too difficult for her to do. An observant neighbor had noticed the changed in Wanda's behavior, and that neighbor made arrangements for her to be taken to a hospital where she was admitted to the psychiatric ward. At the end of her hospital stay, when she went home, I was assigned to be her home-health nurse. I visited her weekly to make sure she was taking her medication and was eating and taking care of herself. Over the course of six months Wanda continued to recover. Although I knew she needed to meet Jesus as her Savior, I reasoned that she would soon be attending church and would hear about him there. One day I went to Wanda's house for my regular visit, and I was surprised to find the door ajar. I knocked and when there was no response, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The living room was vacant, so I went to her bedroom and found her lifeless body on the bed. There were several empty medication bottles beside her, and in her hand she held a noted addressed to me.
I sat on the bed beside her and took the note. I read: "Dear Peggy, I'm so sorry. I tried it your way, but I got tired. Please forgive me. I tried. I just couldn't do it. I got tired."
I slid off the bed onto my knees and cried my heart out to my loving, forgiving Father: "Lord Jesus, she tried it my way. I gave her the best that I had. But it was my way. I didn't tell her about you. I didn't tell her about your way." On my knees beside [Wanda's] lifeless body I promised God that I would never pass by another opportunity to tell someone about him.
Never forget we are ambassadors for Christ and we have been given the privilege of sharing the Good News of Salvation with others who may not now Christ. Never wait until it is too late to do so.
Monday, March 21, 2011
No need to hide when nothing has been done wrong
Proverbs 21:29 (NLT)
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
This proverb compares two different people those who plan evil in their hearts and those abstain from evil keeping morally pure hearts. This proverb tells us the wicked person becomes hard in their ways so that a lie doesn’t even faze them. No rebuke, no reproof, nothing will hinder this person from committing their acts of evil and keeping a stone cold face about their actions. The virtuous however need not bluff their way because they have remained pure at heart. There is no need to cover up something which has not been committed.
You may have done this at some point in your life. You do something you know is totally wrong and then you find yourself lying to cover up what you have done. This relates back to the proverb above for when someone does what is wrong they begin to guard those actions. They begin to justify the wrong to themselves and even try to convince others of their innocence. The truth is they have sinned and what they are trying to hide is the sin God already knows about. We sure try to hide the truth from others, but we can’t hide it from God. However for those who take seriously a temptation and think through the consequences; they can see if they choose what is right there is no need for lies. What is to hide when you have done what is right?
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
This proverb compares two different people those who plan evil in their hearts and those abstain from evil keeping morally pure hearts. This proverb tells us the wicked person becomes hard in their ways so that a lie doesn’t even faze them. No rebuke, no reproof, nothing will hinder this person from committing their acts of evil and keeping a stone cold face about their actions. The virtuous however need not bluff their way because they have remained pure at heart. There is no need to cover up something which has not been committed.
You may have done this at some point in your life. You do something you know is totally wrong and then you find yourself lying to cover up what you have done. This relates back to the proverb above for when someone does what is wrong they begin to guard those actions. They begin to justify the wrong to themselves and even try to convince others of their innocence. The truth is they have sinned and what they are trying to hide is the sin God already knows about. We sure try to hide the truth from others, but we can’t hide it from God. However for those who take seriously a temptation and think through the consequences; they can see if they choose what is right there is no need for lies. What is to hide when you have done what is right?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lack of sound judgment can cause separation
Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)
1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
This verse refers to a person who takes pride in separating themselves from the sentiments of others. They seek to contradict what has been said before them in order to advance their own ideas and notions. These people are driven by vanity, lust or desire and they often will meddle in what does not concern them. They are often opinionated and conceited and to others they become a thorn. They create animosity which separates them from those with sound judgment.
Reading this verse reminded me of an event from my past. I was at a drive-thru window waiting on a breakfast item. The cashier said it might be a few minutes and could I pull forward as possible so that they could serve other customers. Well there was only so much room to move forward without blocking the parking lot, but I moved as forward as possible. A few customers had been served and managed without problem to pull around my waiting car. Then a customer driving a new, very expensive car refused to go around me and started blowing his horn for me to move. I was held captive waiting on my food and now I was becoming frustrated by the individual behind me. It wasn’t long that in addition to the horn the man started using finger gestures and I could hear the vulgar profanity as he yelled for me to move out of his way. With nowhere to move I got out of my car to explain I was waiting on my food, but I was insulted with some of the most vulgar language I had ever heard. So I left my car and walked into the store and said I either needed my food or a refund because there was an irate customer at their window refusing to pull around my car. They assured me they would be out in a second with my food so I returned to my car where the man continued to hurl insults. Then as I waited he finally pulled around my car and again demonstrated the versatility of his fingers.
The problem was not with me, the man in the expensive car owned the problem. Everyone else had used sensible judgment to pull around my car; but this man refused. It may have been vanity, pride or his own desires, but he refused to do what other sensible people had done. His rudeness, his demeanor, his actions and his words were enough to separate and isolate him from anyone watching or listening. Make sure to always use sound judgment in dealing with people so as not to separate you from other as this man did.
1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
This verse refers to a person who takes pride in separating themselves from the sentiments of others. They seek to contradict what has been said before them in order to advance their own ideas and notions. These people are driven by vanity, lust or desire and they often will meddle in what does not concern them. They are often opinionated and conceited and to others they become a thorn. They create animosity which separates them from those with sound judgment.
Reading this verse reminded me of an event from my past. I was at a drive-thru window waiting on a breakfast item. The cashier said it might be a few minutes and could I pull forward as possible so that they could serve other customers. Well there was only so much room to move forward without blocking the parking lot, but I moved as forward as possible. A few customers had been served and managed without problem to pull around my waiting car. Then a customer driving a new, very expensive car refused to go around me and started blowing his horn for me to move. I was held captive waiting on my food and now I was becoming frustrated by the individual behind me. It wasn’t long that in addition to the horn the man started using finger gestures and I could hear the vulgar profanity as he yelled for me to move out of his way. With nowhere to move I got out of my car to explain I was waiting on my food, but I was insulted with some of the most vulgar language I had ever heard. So I left my car and walked into the store and said I either needed my food or a refund because there was an irate customer at their window refusing to pull around my car. They assured me they would be out in a second with my food so I returned to my car where the man continued to hurl insults. Then as I waited he finally pulled around my car and again demonstrated the versatility of his fingers.
The problem was not with me, the man in the expensive car owned the problem. Everyone else had used sensible judgment to pull around my car; but this man refused. It may have been vanity, pride or his own desires, but he refused to do what other sensible people had done. His rudeness, his demeanor, his actions and his words were enough to separate and isolate him from anyone watching or listening. Make sure to always use sound judgment in dealing with people so as not to separate you from other as this man did.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Day
Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus after His resurrection told the remaining disciples to go to Galilee. In faith they went even through some were weak in their faith and doubted. Jesus appears to them as He said He would and gave them what is known as the Great Commission; they were to go out into the world to make new disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and to teach them what Christ had taught them. Jesus gave them assurance he would always be with them.
St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated on March 17th. It is a day many have associated with wearing the color green, which originally referred to wearing a shamrock. The shamrock was supposedly used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity. God is represented in the Holy Trinity as one, but also three distinct individuals – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So the entire shamrock was used to show the unity of a Godhead and the three separate leaves was used to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whatever attributes and power God the Father has, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit have as well. Thus, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are also eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, infinitely wise, infinitely holy, infinitely loving, and omniscient. St. Patrick used this illustration to help explain God, Christ and the Holy Spirit to the pagan Irish. In doing so he was able to win many over to Christianity. Isn’t it comforting to know that the Holy Spirit is always with you, which means God the Father and God the Son is always present with you too?
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus after His resurrection told the remaining disciples to go to Galilee. In faith they went even through some were weak in their faith and doubted. Jesus appears to them as He said He would and gave them what is known as the Great Commission; they were to go out into the world to make new disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and to teach them what Christ had taught them. Jesus gave them assurance he would always be with them.
St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated on March 17th. It is a day many have associated with wearing the color green, which originally referred to wearing a shamrock. The shamrock was supposedly used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity. God is represented in the Holy Trinity as one, but also three distinct individuals – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So the entire shamrock was used to show the unity of a Godhead and the three separate leaves was used to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whatever attributes and power God the Father has, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit have as well. Thus, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are also eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, infinitely wise, infinitely holy, infinitely loving, and omniscient. St. Patrick used this illustration to help explain God, Christ and the Holy Spirit to the pagan Irish. In doing so he was able to win many over to Christianity. Isn’t it comforting to know that the Holy Spirit is always with you, which means God the Father and God the Son is always present with you too?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
For all have sinned
Romans 3:23-26 (NLT)
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
The apostle expresses that everyone in the world falls short of God’s standard for righteousness. Yet God by His grace and mercy had a plan to make right the sin of the world. God looking ahead planned to give His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sin. Those who believe in God’s plan are made right in His sight when they believe in Jesus Christ.
There is a concept some often do not understand: There is no one in this world that can live up to God’s glorious standard. The Ten Commandments was the simplest form of the laws given. These laws include not having any type of idol, keeping a love for God and His law, not taking God’s name in a vain in any way for self-purpose, keeping a holy day of worship, honoring your mother and father, not murdering, not stealing, being truthful, and not desiring what does not belong to you. If you are like me there is at least one or more of those laws that have been broken. By those laws alone I fall short of God’s standard for righteousness. I miss the 100% mark and if I were only judged by the law I would be found guilty and condemned. Fortunately Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world that we might be found justified and righteous in God’s sight. All of us will continue to sin in this world and some sins will have greater consequences in this world than others. But those who have faith in Jesus Christ know they are justified and made righteous by Christ. We no longer fear missing God’s mark; for Christ has redeemed us in God’s eyes. Our love for God and Christ gives us a desire to follow His ways, but yet there will be times we will still fail. However, God in His loving mercy and grace always forgives even if those in the world cannot forgive us for our sin.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
The apostle expresses that everyone in the world falls short of God’s standard for righteousness. Yet God by His grace and mercy had a plan to make right the sin of the world. God looking ahead planned to give His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sin. Those who believe in God’s plan are made right in His sight when they believe in Jesus Christ.
There is a concept some often do not understand: There is no one in this world that can live up to God’s glorious standard. The Ten Commandments was the simplest form of the laws given. These laws include not having any type of idol, keeping a love for God and His law, not taking God’s name in a vain in any way for self-purpose, keeping a holy day of worship, honoring your mother and father, not murdering, not stealing, being truthful, and not desiring what does not belong to you. If you are like me there is at least one or more of those laws that have been broken. By those laws alone I fall short of God’s standard for righteousness. I miss the 100% mark and if I were only judged by the law I would be found guilty and condemned. Fortunately Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world that we might be found justified and righteous in God’s sight. All of us will continue to sin in this world and some sins will have greater consequences in this world than others. But those who have faith in Jesus Christ know they are justified and made righteous by Christ. We no longer fear missing God’s mark; for Christ has redeemed us in God’s eyes. Our love for God and Christ gives us a desire to follow His ways, but yet there will be times we will still fail. However, God in His loving mercy and grace always forgives even if those in the world cannot forgive us for our sin.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Suffering for Christ
1 Peter 4:12-14 (NLT)
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
In these verses the apostle Peter tells us there will be angry and serious trials that come against Christians. He tells us to be glad when we face trials due to our belief in Christ for we have become partners with Christ in His suffering for us. However our suffering is not to be self-inflicted. We should not pursue things of this world that bring troubles to us, such as murder, stealing, making trouble or prying into the business of others. We should always find joy to be known by the name of Christ even when the trials of suffering come our way. Praise God that you are called a Christian for you have Christ and you have eternal salvation.
As Christians we are not to be ashamed of the name of Jesus Christ and we are not to be ashamed to be called Christians. Yet for being a Christian we may face those who want to ridicule and belittle the name of Christ and their hate is railed towards us. Yesterday I read a message that said the following, “DON'T donate to Christian charities for Japan quake. We need blankets & food, not bibles & Fundamentalist propaganda.” There are many Christian charities that hand out food, clothes and even blankets. I think of Jesus saying about fathers, “If a child asks you for a fish do you hand them a snake?” Similarly when people ask for food and blankets that is the priority in which a Christian reacts. Meet a person’s needs first and explain later when asked why you desire to meet their need. I know Christians ministering in parts of the world where they are forbidden to say they are Christian unless someone asks. Yet it seems like Christians are the only ones attacked, the only ones mentioned in a negative way. So I encourage everyone to stand firm in their faith knowing Christ understands the suffering you will endure for His Namesake.
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
In these verses the apostle Peter tells us there will be angry and serious trials that come against Christians. He tells us to be glad when we face trials due to our belief in Christ for we have become partners with Christ in His suffering for us. However our suffering is not to be self-inflicted. We should not pursue things of this world that bring troubles to us, such as murder, stealing, making trouble or prying into the business of others. We should always find joy to be known by the name of Christ even when the trials of suffering come our way. Praise God that you are called a Christian for you have Christ and you have eternal salvation.
As Christians we are not to be ashamed of the name of Jesus Christ and we are not to be ashamed to be called Christians. Yet for being a Christian we may face those who want to ridicule and belittle the name of Christ and their hate is railed towards us. Yesterday I read a message that said the following, “DON'T donate to Christian charities for Japan quake. We need blankets & food, not bibles & Fundamentalist propaganda.” There are many Christian charities that hand out food, clothes and even blankets. I think of Jesus saying about fathers, “If a child asks you for a fish do you hand them a snake?” Similarly when people ask for food and blankets that is the priority in which a Christian reacts. Meet a person’s needs first and explain later when asked why you desire to meet their need. I know Christians ministering in parts of the world where they are forbidden to say they are Christian unless someone asks. Yet it seems like Christians are the only ones attacked, the only ones mentioned in a negative way. So I encourage everyone to stand firm in their faith knowing Christ understands the suffering you will endure for His Namesake.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Would you know the answer?
Romans 11:11 (NLT)
Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.
The apostle states salvation was made first available to the Jews, yet many refused to accept the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. So God in His divine plan made salvation available to the Gentiles so they might be saved from their sin. God wanted the Jews see others accept Christ and become jealous and claim salvation for themselves. For God always had a plan of salvation prepared for the Jews, but because of His mercy and grace He made it available to all.
In Matthew 22 Jesus tells the following parable, ““The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! “So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them. “The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are called, but few are chosen.””
God first gave the invitation of salvation to His chosen people, but because they rejected it God gave salvation to those who would properly accept it. The man who was at the banquet improperly dressed did not understand his responsibility or duty. He could not answer the king. If God asked, “Why should I let you into my heaven, what would your response be?” Hopefully you could say, “I have faith Jesus Christ died for my sin and rose to life that I might also live.”
Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.
The apostle states salvation was made first available to the Jews, yet many refused to accept the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. So God in His divine plan made salvation available to the Gentiles so they might be saved from their sin. God wanted the Jews see others accept Christ and become jealous and claim salvation for themselves. For God always had a plan of salvation prepared for the Jews, but because of His mercy and grace He made it available to all.
In Matthew 22 Jesus tells the following parable, ““The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! “So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them. “The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are called, but few are chosen.””
God first gave the invitation of salvation to His chosen people, but because they rejected it God gave salvation to those who would properly accept it. The man who was at the banquet improperly dressed did not understand his responsibility or duty. He could not answer the king. If God asked, “Why should I let you into my heaven, what would your response be?” Hopefully you could say, “I have faith Jesus Christ died for my sin and rose to life that I might also live.”
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lent
Ecclesiastes 5:5 (KJV)
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
The Apostle Paul tells the church it is better not to make a vow unto God than to make a vow and then not keep it. For if a person makes a vow they do not keep they have been boastful and vain in their attempt to keep a promise.
Today marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. Sundays are skipper when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on 9 March 2011 and ends on 23 April 2011, which is the day before Easter. In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on 21 April (Holy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper. Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500 observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles.
For those who observe Lent their commitment is taken serious. They are making a vow to God to withhold a portion of their life they enjoy. Encourage those following lent reminding them a vow unto God is a serious promise.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
The Apostle Paul tells the church it is better not to make a vow unto God than to make a vow and then not keep it. For if a person makes a vow they do not keep they have been boastful and vain in their attempt to keep a promise.
Today marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. Sundays are skipper when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on 9 March 2011 and ends on 23 April 2011, which is the day before Easter. In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on 21 April (Holy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper. Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. All churches that have a continuous history extending before AD 1500 observe Lent. The ancient church that wrote, collected, canonized, and propagated the New Testament also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles.
For those who observe Lent their commitment is taken serious. They are making a vow to God to withhold a portion of their life they enjoy. Encourage those following lent reminding them a vow unto God is a serious promise.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Faith in Christ our Guardian
Galatians 3:23-25 (NTL)
23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.
The apostle explains the Mosaic Law was given for our own good that we might be able to judge right from wrong. It was as though we were put in protective custody by God until His plan in Christ could be accomplished. But because of Christ we have been made right with God. Our faith in Christ is sufficient to meet our needs. No longer are we bound to protective rules, but instead Christ has shown us how to live and Christ gave Himself that we might find mercy and grace from our sin.
If you have ever watched a movie with someone who is under protective custody; they have been told to refrain from any contact with others for their own safety. It is a rule they have been given to follow for their wellbeing. Most movies like to add drama so we find the person in protective custody suddenly breaking the rule and calling a family member or friend while the enemy is listening. The enemy then has their chance to attack and destroy. The Mosaic Law was a lot like this. The person was told what they must do to protect themselves, but if they did not follow the rules Satan was there to attack and destroy. Christ died so that we would find peace in Him. Christ died for our sin to protect us from eternal death. But Christ rose to life and lives in us to show us how we should live, directing our paths and protecting us from Satan’s harm. May we all let out faith in Christ grown and allow Christ our guardian to watch our every step and direct us in every way. Faith is about turning your life over to Christ and allowing Him to live through you. May God bless you and strengthen you in the faith of Christ.
23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.
The apostle explains the Mosaic Law was given for our own good that we might be able to judge right from wrong. It was as though we were put in protective custody by God until His plan in Christ could be accomplished. But because of Christ we have been made right with God. Our faith in Christ is sufficient to meet our needs. No longer are we bound to protective rules, but instead Christ has shown us how to live and Christ gave Himself that we might find mercy and grace from our sin.
If you have ever watched a movie with someone who is under protective custody; they have been told to refrain from any contact with others for their own safety. It is a rule they have been given to follow for their wellbeing. Most movies like to add drama so we find the person in protective custody suddenly breaking the rule and calling a family member or friend while the enemy is listening. The enemy then has their chance to attack and destroy. The Mosaic Law was a lot like this. The person was told what they must do to protect themselves, but if they did not follow the rules Satan was there to attack and destroy. Christ died so that we would find peace in Him. Christ died for our sin to protect us from eternal death. But Christ rose to life and lives in us to show us how we should live, directing our paths and protecting us from Satan’s harm. May we all let out faith in Christ grown and allow Christ our guardian to watch our every step and direct us in every way. Faith is about turning your life over to Christ and allowing Him to live through you. May God bless you and strengthen you in the faith of Christ.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Look forward to the life in heaven
Philippians 3:17-21(NLT)
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Paul closes this letter to the Philippians warning them there are enemies who will always attack their belief. Paul tells us the character of these people; they love to brag about shameful things; and they only think about their life here on earth. Then Paul exhorts the Philippians to live life as though it were meant for heaven, because that is where we all will be one day; living our eternity with Christ.
Research on young adults leaving Christianity by Drew Dyck, "The Leavers,"Christianity Today (November, 2010), p. 40; shows Among young adults in the U.S., sociologists are seeing a major shift taking place away from Christianity. Recent studies have brought the trend to light. Among the findings released in 2009 from the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), one stood out. The percentage of Americans claiming "no religion" almost doubled in about two decades, climbing from 8.1 percent in 1990 to 15 percent in 2008. The trend wasn't confined to one region. Those marking "no religion," called the "Nones," made up the only group to have grown in every state, from the secular Northeast to the conservative Bible Belt. The Nones were most numerous among the young: a whopping 22 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds claimed no religion, up from 11 percent in 1990. The study also found that 73 percent of Nones came from religious homes; 66 percent were described by the study as "de-converts." Other survey results have been grimmer. At the May 2009 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, top political scientists Robert Putnam and David Campbell presented research from their book American Grace, released last month. They reported that "young Americans are dropping out of religion at an alarming rate of five to six times the historic rate (30 to 40 percent have no religion today, versus 5 to 10 percent a generation ago)."
There is a race ahead of us all. There are many dropping out and giving up. There are some who are tired and would like to stop, but they keep hearing the encouragement of others. Be an encourager and tell people about Christ. Share your struggles and how Christ has helped you to overcome to most difficult situations. Share your faith with you children and lead them to understand the rewards God has for the faithful. Most of all keep your faith in Christ and look forward to what is in heaven.
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Paul closes this letter to the Philippians warning them there are enemies who will always attack their belief. Paul tells us the character of these people; they love to brag about shameful things; and they only think about their life here on earth. Then Paul exhorts the Philippians to live life as though it were meant for heaven, because that is where we all will be one day; living our eternity with Christ.
Research on young adults leaving Christianity by Drew Dyck, "The Leavers,"Christianity Today (November, 2010), p. 40; shows Among young adults in the U.S., sociologists are seeing a major shift taking place away from Christianity. Recent studies have brought the trend to light. Among the findings released in 2009 from the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), one stood out. The percentage of Americans claiming "no religion" almost doubled in about two decades, climbing from 8.1 percent in 1990 to 15 percent in 2008. The trend wasn't confined to one region. Those marking "no religion," called the "Nones," made up the only group to have grown in every state, from the secular Northeast to the conservative Bible Belt. The Nones were most numerous among the young: a whopping 22 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds claimed no religion, up from 11 percent in 1990. The study also found that 73 percent of Nones came from religious homes; 66 percent were described by the study as "de-converts." Other survey results have been grimmer. At the May 2009 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, top political scientists Robert Putnam and David Campbell presented research from their book American Grace, released last month. They reported that "young Americans are dropping out of religion at an alarming rate of five to six times the historic rate (30 to 40 percent have no religion today, versus 5 to 10 percent a generation ago)."
There is a race ahead of us all. There are many dropping out and giving up. There are some who are tired and would like to stop, but they keep hearing the encouragement of others. Be an encourager and tell people about Christ. Share your struggles and how Christ has helped you to overcome to most difficult situations. Share your faith with you children and lead them to understand the rewards God has for the faithful. Most of all keep your faith in Christ and look forward to what is in heaven.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Waiting on God
Deuteronomy 29:29 (NLT)
29 “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.”
This verse tells us that God has knowledge that is not known to others. It is because of His greatness God is able to make decisions without us and shares what he chooses to share with us. For God has the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of things we do not understand. We are accountable for what God reveals to us so that we may obey him. But there are some things God withholds to reveal at the proper time and place.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, Holmes wakes Watson. "Watson, look up at the stars and tell me what you deduce." Watson says, "I see millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth, and if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life." Holmes replies, "Watson, you idiot, somebody stole our tent!" [Tom Kuntz, "The World's 'Funniest' Jokes," N.Y. Times (1-27-02)]
Watson missed the obvious being he was looking for something more important. Watson was missing the obvious truth which Holmes gladly shared with him. It is so easy for us to miss the obvious because we are trying to seek out what God has not revealed to us yet. Ask God for patience that all things might be revealed in their proper time. Let God speak to you instead of making your own assumptions about life. Micah 7:7 says, “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.”
29 “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.”
This verse tells us that God has knowledge that is not known to others. It is because of His greatness God is able to make decisions without us and shares what he chooses to share with us. For God has the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of things we do not understand. We are accountable for what God reveals to us so that we may obey him. But there are some things God withholds to reveal at the proper time and place.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, Holmes wakes Watson. "Watson, look up at the stars and tell me what you deduce." Watson says, "I see millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth, and if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life." Holmes replies, "Watson, you idiot, somebody stole our tent!" [Tom Kuntz, "The World's 'Funniest' Jokes," N.Y. Times (1-27-02)]
Watson missed the obvious being he was looking for something more important. Watson was missing the obvious truth which Holmes gladly shared with him. It is so easy for us to miss the obvious because we are trying to seek out what God has not revealed to us yet. Ask God for patience that all things might be revealed in their proper time. Let God speak to you instead of making your own assumptions about life. Micah 7:7 says, “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.”
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Honesty
Jeremiah 5:3 (NLT)
3 Lord, you are searching for honesty. You struck your people, but they paid no attention.You crushed them, but they refused to be corrected.They are determined, with faces set like stone; they have refused to repent.
The prophet acknowledges God is looking for honesty. God wants His people to be honest and truthful with their thoughts and words. Yet they have set their faces like stone refusing to be honest. Their dishonesty keeps them from acknowledging their sins and repenting.
I want to examine the life of an addict for a moment. An addict continues in a wrongful behavior despite the consequences they will face. The addict continues to tell themselves and others around them there is no problem. Even when their actions blatantly acknowledge there is an issue in their life their words will continue to say “I do not know what you are talking about; I can handle this”. We have seen this modeled in celebrities before the camera. While everyone notices their corrupt actions the person still refuses to admit the truth. Most of the time the addict knows what they are doing is wrong, but has a difficult time admitting it. To admit a failure in their life it to admit they are flawed and that is the last thing they want to hear. Jesus knows every action we take and can see the truth in our heart. Jesus understands the temptation and battles we face, but He wants us to be honest with ourselves and with Him. He always knows our flaws, yet He is willing to accept and love us. If was cannot admit our sin, our failures, our temptations then it leaves Christ little room to help. We are covering up our sin in order to preserve it and it keeps us from revealing the truth.
3 Lord, you are searching for honesty. You struck your people, but they paid no attention.You crushed them, but they refused to be corrected.They are determined, with faces set like stone; they have refused to repent.
The prophet acknowledges God is looking for honesty. God wants His people to be honest and truthful with their thoughts and words. Yet they have set their faces like stone refusing to be honest. Their dishonesty keeps them from acknowledging their sins and repenting.
I want to examine the life of an addict for a moment. An addict continues in a wrongful behavior despite the consequences they will face. The addict continues to tell themselves and others around them there is no problem. Even when their actions blatantly acknowledge there is an issue in their life their words will continue to say “I do not know what you are talking about; I can handle this”. We have seen this modeled in celebrities before the camera. While everyone notices their corrupt actions the person still refuses to admit the truth. Most of the time the addict knows what they are doing is wrong, but has a difficult time admitting it. To admit a failure in their life it to admit they are flawed and that is the last thing they want to hear. Jesus knows every action we take and can see the truth in our heart. Jesus understands the temptation and battles we face, but He wants us to be honest with ourselves and with Him. He always knows our flaws, yet He is willing to accept and love us. If was cannot admit our sin, our failures, our temptations then it leaves Christ little room to help. We are covering up our sin in order to preserve it and it keeps us from revealing the truth.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Fear
Psalm 34:3-4 (KJV)
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
In this psalm we find David giving praise and worship to the Lord God. We cannot make God greater than He is, but we can glorify His name to others and to ourselves. When we all do so and join in the praise our praises raise to God in glorious harmony. In praising God David’s fears were eased. David knew God would handle his fear and see him through the difficult times.
If we give fear a chance it will consume our lives. If we stop to take in all the world’s events and let the evil sort through our minds we may allow evil to grab hold of our thoughts and place terror there. Fear can consume a person to the point of rendering them stalled and unable to move forward. Fear can keep someone from facing a decision that needs to be made. Fear can make us walk away when we need to be standing up for an issue. But our Lord God is greater than any fear we can possess. There is nothing in our lives God cannot handle if we are willing to leave our fears with God. Start praising God for who He is and watch as your fears melt away. God bless you and give you peace.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
In this psalm we find David giving praise and worship to the Lord God. We cannot make God greater than He is, but we can glorify His name to others and to ourselves. When we all do so and join in the praise our praises raise to God in glorious harmony. In praising God David’s fears were eased. David knew God would handle his fear and see him through the difficult times.
If we give fear a chance it will consume our lives. If we stop to take in all the world’s events and let the evil sort through our minds we may allow evil to grab hold of our thoughts and place terror there. Fear can consume a person to the point of rendering them stalled and unable to move forward. Fear can keep someone from facing a decision that needs to be made. Fear can make us walk away when we need to be standing up for an issue. But our Lord God is greater than any fear we can possess. There is nothing in our lives God cannot handle if we are willing to leave our fears with God. Start praising God for who He is and watch as your fears melt away. God bless you and give you peace.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Give love to the undeserving
Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Jesus tells us in these verses we are to love our enemies just as much as we love our neighbors. We are to pray for them and act kind towards them. Those who do not know God show kindness to their neighbors; so those who know God should imitate Him and love all, friends and enemies.
A mother went to Napoleon pleading with the emperor for her son’s life. She asked for a pardon, but Napoleon pointed out this was his second offense and justice demanded death as the consequence. The women still begged, “I plead for mercy.” Napoleon responded her son did not deserve mercy. The mother then said, “It would not be mercy if my son deserved it.” With that comment Napoleon granted the pardon. When we pray for our enemies and seek their best interest, we are not giving them what they deserve. Neither does our God in heaven hand out the punishment we deserve. So we like God should show mercy and grace to others just as God has shown us. The unlovable might not deserve love, but love is what they need.
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Jesus tells us in these verses we are to love our enemies just as much as we love our neighbors. We are to pray for them and act kind towards them. Those who do not know God show kindness to their neighbors; so those who know God should imitate Him and love all, friends and enemies.
A mother went to Napoleon pleading with the emperor for her son’s life. She asked for a pardon, but Napoleon pointed out this was his second offense and justice demanded death as the consequence. The women still begged, “I plead for mercy.” Napoleon responded her son did not deserve mercy. The mother then said, “It would not be mercy if my son deserved it.” With that comment Napoleon granted the pardon. When we pray for our enemies and seek their best interest, we are not giving them what they deserve. Neither does our God in heaven hand out the punishment we deserve. So we like God should show mercy and grace to others just as God has shown us. The unlovable might not deserve love, but love is what they need.
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