Proverbs 29:24 (NLT)
24 If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.
This proverb shows one of the results of being enticed by sin. The receiver of stolen goods, the one who receives stolen goods or the one who assists someone in stealing is as guilty as the one who stole the item. They have been drawn into the commission of a sin and now they cannot escape joining in the concealment of the sin. When questioned they should tell the truth, but the fear of their own participation keeps them from doing so.
The show COPS documents police activity in various cities. In one episode police arrived on the scene after an argument was reported. It seems one person had sold a car to a couple. The person selling the car had disclosed to the husband some of the issues around the car. The husband wanted a break on taxes so he had asked for the title transfer information to remain blank and he would fill it in later. The wife learned of the cars issues and wanted a refund not knowing what the man and husband had discussed. When the police looked at the title and saw the transfer information blank they told the seller he had a choice, accept the car back and give back the money, or pay the fines associated for not filling out the title transfer and still have someone complaining to him. Reluctantly the man took back the car and refunded the money because he knew he was in the wrong for trying to help the other individual for his own profit. It does not pay to participate in sin. In fact it can be very costly and leave a person with options they may not have chosen.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
What man should not have known
Genesis 3:1-6 (NLT)
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
These verses are the well known story of Adam and Eve. The verses recall when they ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden. Satan came to them in the form of a serpent and tempted Eve. Adam who had been directly commanded by God not to eat, the fruit took it from Eve and freely ate. This was a sad story for man because it marked the loss of grace and favor from God along with the loss His beautiful creation; something which was very, very good.
God himself said man has become like one of us, knowing both good and evil. But that is where God stops with His comparison. God does not say man is now like us knowing good and evil and abstaining from evil. God knew man was incapable of handling the knowledge of good and evil. For man gives in to the temptation of evil and seeks aimlessly after good. The Bible tells us only God knows what is in the hearts of man. For man can’t honestly recognize the evil that exists in life and instead man focuses on an attempt to become good. Yet all of man’s attempts to remain good are like dirty rags when compared to the holiness of God. God told Adam he could not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for God knew man could not deal with such knowledge.
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
These verses are the well known story of Adam and Eve. The verses recall when they ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden. Satan came to them in the form of a serpent and tempted Eve. Adam who had been directly commanded by God not to eat, the fruit took it from Eve and freely ate. This was a sad story for man because it marked the loss of grace and favor from God along with the loss His beautiful creation; something which was very, very good.
God himself said man has become like one of us, knowing both good and evil. But that is where God stops with His comparison. God does not say man is now like us knowing good and evil and abstaining from evil. God knew man was incapable of handling the knowledge of good and evil. For man gives in to the temptation of evil and seeks aimlessly after good. The Bible tells us only God knows what is in the hearts of man. For man can’t honestly recognize the evil that exists in life and instead man focuses on an attempt to become good. Yet all of man’s attempts to remain good are like dirty rags when compared to the holiness of God. God told Adam he could not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for God knew man could not deal with such knowledge.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Obeying God
1 John 5:2-5 (NLT)
2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
In these verses we find the Apostle John telling those who have faith in God and Christ how they can discern the truth of their belief. They should love God, which also means loving and obeying His commandments. His commands are not like the burdensome rules placed on people by the religious leaders. What God commands to obey He also gives strength through Christ to follow.
A person who establishes a home is also the one who makes the rules about the home. For instance my children know there are certain rules they should follow when entering the house. Because of their love for my wife and I they follow those rules and obey to the best of their ability. For instance we have a rule, leave your dirty shoes at the door. For the most part my son and daughter always listened and followed that rule. Sometimes when they were in a rush they might have chosen not to obey, but if they realized they were tracking in mud they also knew they had to go back and clean up the mess. God created this world and God is ultimately in charge. God guides us on what we need to do through the Holy Spirit. God convicts us when we don’t follow what He desires and if we love Him we will repent and clean up what we messed up. Like a good parent God will help when He knows the task is difficult to do alone. And He is there to remind us when we start going astray.
2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
In these verses we find the Apostle John telling those who have faith in God and Christ how they can discern the truth of their belief. They should love God, which also means loving and obeying His commandments. His commands are not like the burdensome rules placed on people by the religious leaders. What God commands to obey He also gives strength through Christ to follow.
A person who establishes a home is also the one who makes the rules about the home. For instance my children know there are certain rules they should follow when entering the house. Because of their love for my wife and I they follow those rules and obey to the best of their ability. For instance we have a rule, leave your dirty shoes at the door. For the most part my son and daughter always listened and followed that rule. Sometimes when they were in a rush they might have chosen not to obey, but if they realized they were tracking in mud they also knew they had to go back and clean up the mess. God created this world and God is ultimately in charge. God guides us on what we need to do through the Holy Spirit. God convicts us when we don’t follow what He desires and if we love Him we will repent and clean up what we messed up. Like a good parent God will help when He knows the task is difficult to do alone. And He is there to remind us when we start going astray.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Precious Saving Grace
Acts 2:36-41 (NLT)
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
The Holy Spirit had come to dwell in those who believed in Jesus. These people began speaking out in many languages and it created such a commotion many came to witness what was taking place. The Apostle Peter spoke to the crowd. He proclaimed if they wanted the Holy Spirit to come upon them they should repent of their sin and be baptized proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Three thousand people claimed Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. This day is known as Pentecost and is the beginning of The Church that would proclaim the name of Jesus.
Scott Bowles, "Hesitation Is a Fatal Mistake As California Firestorm Closes In," USA Today (10-30-03)
In the fall of 2003, a string of Southern California wildfires eventually claimed two-dozen lives. The flames moved at a speed faster than people could flee. Responding to complaints that some residents did not receive enough warning, Sgt. Conrad Grayson said, "We're begging people to leave, and they don't take us seriously. They want to pack some clothes, or fight it in the backyard with a garden hose. They don't seem to understand that this is unlike any fire we've seen. If people don't move fast, they're going to become charcoal briquettes." Jon Smalldridge frantically warned his neighbors, only to have some disregard him or respond too casually. He told of those who tried to save their televisions and computers before escaping. "They looked like they were packing for a trip. The ones who listened to me and left the area, lived. The ones who didn't, died."
The church should be like Jon Smalldridge and Sgt. Grayson calling out to people who need the love and grace of Jesus. The church needs to see those who do not know Jesus as being in a place danger, ready to be consumed by the fire of their sin. There will be some who will listen to the pleas, but there will also be those who don’t heed the warning. Pray for those who do not know Jesus that they may come to believe in His precious saving grace.
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
The Holy Spirit had come to dwell in those who believed in Jesus. These people began speaking out in many languages and it created such a commotion many came to witness what was taking place. The Apostle Peter spoke to the crowd. He proclaimed if they wanted the Holy Spirit to come upon them they should repent of their sin and be baptized proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Three thousand people claimed Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. This day is known as Pentecost and is the beginning of The Church that would proclaim the name of Jesus.
Scott Bowles, "Hesitation Is a Fatal Mistake As California Firestorm Closes In," USA Today (10-30-03)
In the fall of 2003, a string of Southern California wildfires eventually claimed two-dozen lives. The flames moved at a speed faster than people could flee. Responding to complaints that some residents did not receive enough warning, Sgt. Conrad Grayson said, "We're begging people to leave, and they don't take us seriously. They want to pack some clothes, or fight it in the backyard with a garden hose. They don't seem to understand that this is unlike any fire we've seen. If people don't move fast, they're going to become charcoal briquettes." Jon Smalldridge frantically warned his neighbors, only to have some disregard him or respond too casually. He told of those who tried to save their televisions and computers before escaping. "They looked like they were packing for a trip. The ones who listened to me and left the area, lived. The ones who didn't, died."
The church should be like Jon Smalldridge and Sgt. Grayson calling out to people who need the love and grace of Jesus. The church needs to see those who do not know Jesus as being in a place danger, ready to be consumed by the fire of their sin. There will be some who will listen to the pleas, but there will also be those who don’t heed the warning. Pray for those who do not know Jesus that they may come to believe in His precious saving grace.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
We are all sinners, but God is gracious to us
Titus 3:4-8 (NLT)
4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
We find the Apostle Paul writing to Titus. His name would indicate he was a Gentile Greek. Titus found grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul reminded Titus that because of God’s love for us He saved us. Not because of anything we had done, but because of His generous love, mercy and grace for us. By His grace through our faith in Jesus Christ; God has declared us righteous and promised us an eternal life with Him. We live to do good out of our love for God, but our goodness had no impact on the grace imparted to us.
The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” No matter who we are; everyone falls short of God’s holiness and righteousness. This would include our local pastor, Sunday school teacher, mother, father, brother, spouse, friend and anyone else we know. The Bible also says in Isaiah that “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.” 1 John 1:10 says, “If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” We need to understand there is nothing we could have done or could ever do on our own to meet God’s standard of righteousness and holiness. We are born sinners to this world. But out of God’s love for us He tells us in Ephesians, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is God’s plan of Salvation - faith in Christ that saves us from eternal death. It is not how good we have been, not the charities we donated to, nor the kindness we might have shown another. These are good things, but these good things are meant to serve others out of our love for God. King David wrote, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” What God desires most from us is a humble spirit that admits our sin and will accept His free gift of salvation. Are you trying to live by faith or by works? If you are trying to live by works you will fail on your own. If you live by faith in Jesus Christ and fellowship with God then you will find the desire to do what is right and good.
4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
We find the Apostle Paul writing to Titus. His name would indicate he was a Gentile Greek. Titus found grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul reminded Titus that because of God’s love for us He saved us. Not because of anything we had done, but because of His generous love, mercy and grace for us. By His grace through our faith in Jesus Christ; God has declared us righteous and promised us an eternal life with Him. We live to do good out of our love for God, but our goodness had no impact on the grace imparted to us.
The Bible tells us, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” No matter who we are; everyone falls short of God’s holiness and righteousness. This would include our local pastor, Sunday school teacher, mother, father, brother, spouse, friend and anyone else we know. The Bible also says in Isaiah that “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.” 1 John 1:10 says, “If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” We need to understand there is nothing we could have done or could ever do on our own to meet God’s standard of righteousness and holiness. We are born sinners to this world. But out of God’s love for us He tells us in Ephesians, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is God’s plan of Salvation - faith in Christ that saves us from eternal death. It is not how good we have been, not the charities we donated to, nor the kindness we might have shown another. These are good things, but these good things are meant to serve others out of our love for God. King David wrote, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” What God desires most from us is a humble spirit that admits our sin and will accept His free gift of salvation. Are you trying to live by faith or by works? If you are trying to live by works you will fail on your own. If you live by faith in Jesus Christ and fellowship with God then you will find the desire to do what is right and good.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Be free for you were bought with a price.
1 Corinthians 7:23 (NLT)
23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
Writing to the Church of Corinth the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians not to become slaves of men. But Paul was not talking about physical slavery; instead Paul was talking about being enslaved by the words of man. For some were already indentured slaves. Some had been bought to work the fields. Their freedom in Christ was not to change what God had called them to, but instead to renew their minds and transform them into someone who could share the Good News of Jesus Christ where ever they were. They may have been indentured to man, but Jesus had bought their freedom from sin.
Man has a way of interpreting things to meet his own needs; often taking words out of context trying to convince another they are right. The teachers of the law during Paul’s life were hung up on following their tradition and rules. They twisted God’s word to enslave men to their rules. It didn’t matter what God meant; it mattered how they interpreted God’s word. They failed to let the Holy Spirit work in their lives. Often Jesus would call the religious leaders out when they tried to force their traditions upon others. Jesus was God and had established the law. If anyone understood The Law it was Jesus. In the book of Matthew we find these words, “Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply amazed them, and they went away.” Funny how the leaders who sought to control through their rules didn’t even go to confront Jesus. Instead they sent those who had been fooled by man’s word to confront Jesus and they were amazed that they could be wrong. Jesus paid your debt for sin. Don’t let man’s word hold you in slavery, but instead allow the Holy Spirit to work freely in your life.
23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
Writing to the Church of Corinth the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians not to become slaves of men. But Paul was not talking about physical slavery; instead Paul was talking about being enslaved by the words of man. For some were already indentured slaves. Some had been bought to work the fields. Their freedom in Christ was not to change what God had called them to, but instead to renew their minds and transform them into someone who could share the Good News of Jesus Christ where ever they were. They may have been indentured to man, but Jesus had bought their freedom from sin.
Man has a way of interpreting things to meet his own needs; often taking words out of context trying to convince another they are right. The teachers of the law during Paul’s life were hung up on following their tradition and rules. They twisted God’s word to enslave men to their rules. It didn’t matter what God meant; it mattered how they interpreted God’s word. They failed to let the Holy Spirit work in their lives. Often Jesus would call the religious leaders out when they tried to force their traditions upon others. Jesus was God and had established the law. If anyone understood The Law it was Jesus. In the book of Matthew we find these words, “Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply amazed them, and they went away.” Funny how the leaders who sought to control through their rules didn’t even go to confront Jesus. Instead they sent those who had been fooled by man’s word to confront Jesus and they were amazed that they could be wrong. Jesus paid your debt for sin. Don’t let man’s word hold you in slavery, but instead allow the Holy Spirit to work freely in your life.
Monday, June 21, 2010
God is always listening
Romans 8:26 (NLT)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
The apostle tells us the Holy Spirit that dwells within us is present to help us when we are weak and tempted by the world. At times when we do not even know how to pray for ourselves the Holy Spirit cries out to God with words that cannot even be expressed. We have a great desire to follow God, but we are also burdened with the temptations of the world. God understands this and hears our needs even when we are unsure of our needs.
From "The Wounded Warrior" Men of Integrity (entry 3-11-10 from the March/April, 2010 issue); Brian Doerksen, Make Love, Make War (David C. Cook, 2009) --- Worship songwriter Brian Doerksen's son, Isaiah, suffers from fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition which results in physical, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral limitations. In his book “Make Love, Make War”, Brian reflects on the day he and his wife first received medical confirmation of Isaiah's condition. In the midst of his heartache, as Brian considered turning away from worship ministry altogether, God taught Brian a lesson that instead carried him further into his ministry:
[After receiving the test results], I stumbled around our property weeping, confused, heartbroken. At one point I lifted my voice to heaven and handed in my resignation: "God, I am through being a worship leader and songwriter …"
When I was able to be quiet enough to hear, I sensed God holding out his hand and inviting me: "Will you trust me?" Will you go even with your broken heart—for who will relate to my people who are heartbroken if not those like you who are acquainted with disappointment?"
Reflecting further on this word from God, Brian writes:
I use to think people were most blessed by our great victories. But now I know differently: People are just longing to hear [others] speak of how they have walked through the deepest valleys. The world lifts up the victorious and the successful, but God lifts up the brokenhearted. –-
Isn’t it a blessing God hears us even when we are not sure what to pray for? The greater blessing is that God has answers with far greater blessings than anything we could ask for.
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
The apostle tells us the Holy Spirit that dwells within us is present to help us when we are weak and tempted by the world. At times when we do not even know how to pray for ourselves the Holy Spirit cries out to God with words that cannot even be expressed. We have a great desire to follow God, but we are also burdened with the temptations of the world. God understands this and hears our needs even when we are unsure of our needs.
From "The Wounded Warrior" Men of Integrity (entry 3-11-10 from the March/April, 2010 issue); Brian Doerksen, Make Love, Make War (David C. Cook, 2009) --- Worship songwriter Brian Doerksen's son, Isaiah, suffers from fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition which results in physical, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral limitations. In his book “Make Love, Make War”, Brian reflects on the day he and his wife first received medical confirmation of Isaiah's condition. In the midst of his heartache, as Brian considered turning away from worship ministry altogether, God taught Brian a lesson that instead carried him further into his ministry:
[After receiving the test results], I stumbled around our property weeping, confused, heartbroken. At one point I lifted my voice to heaven and handed in my resignation: "God, I am through being a worship leader and songwriter …"
When I was able to be quiet enough to hear, I sensed God holding out his hand and inviting me: "Will you trust me?" Will you go even with your broken heart—for who will relate to my people who are heartbroken if not those like you who are acquainted with disappointment?"
Reflecting further on this word from God, Brian writes:
I use to think people were most blessed by our great victories. But now I know differently: People are just longing to hear [others] speak of how they have walked through the deepest valleys. The world lifts up the victorious and the successful, but God lifts up the brokenhearted. –-
Isn’t it a blessing God hears us even when we are not sure what to pray for? The greater blessing is that God has answers with far greater blessings than anything we could ask for.
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