“FOR WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, AGAINST SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS IN HEAVENLY PLACES.” EPHESIANS 6:12
Do not forget dear friend, that beyond this interchange; known as life, there is another realm, just as real, just as direct and just as interested in your life.
Many of the obstacles to our success and / or joy are birthed in the spiritual realm. Personal exchanges, unkind remarks, skewed thoughts are the work of the powers of darkness that war against the children of God.
Conflicts within our homes, our churches, even our jobs are the work of an adversary who “WALKS ABOUT AS A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.” 1PETER 5:8 His imps are always ready to bring havoc into our relationships and our lives; the devil is more than willing to allow us to blame personalities and politics and circumstances rather than recognize that we are involved in spiritual warfare.
We are told in the Word “RESIST HIM, STEADFAST IN FAITH, KNOWING THAT THE SAME SUFFERINGS ARE EXPERIENCED BY YOUR BROTHERHOOD IN THE WORLD.” 1 PETER 5:9 Child of God, you are NOT ALONE in your travail, but we must recognize that much of the confusion, unhappiness and discontentment are nothing more than the product of the dark spiritual forces which surround us in this world.
Let us not forget, “WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, AGAINST SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS IN HEAVENLY PLACES.”
“SUBMITYOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE YOU.” JAMES 4:7 AMEN!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
NO NEED TO FEAR
“THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE; I WILL NOT FEAR: WHAT MAN CAN DO TO ME?” PSALM 118:6
It is not by chance that the writer begins his thought by establishing his relationship with God. His right-standing (righteousness) is the solid foundation from which he can proclaim, “I WILL NOT FEAR”.
Beloved, IF God is on your side, you have NO reason to fear. What can separate you from the love of God? “. . . NEITHER DEATH, OR LIFE, NOT ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR HEIGTH, NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” ROMANS 8:38-39
You may say, “What if men persecute me for following Jesus? What if they say bad things about me? “IN FACT, EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO LIVE A GODLY LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS WILL BE PERSECUTED,” 1 TIMOTHY 3:12
But what did Jesus say? “BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN PEOPLE INSULT YOU AND FALSELY SAY ALL KINDS OF EVIL AGAINST YOU BECAUSE OF ME.” MATTHEW 5:11
“What if they do not pay me for my labors; what if I lose my job; how will I live?” “LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP OR STORE AWAY ITEMS AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THEN THEY? Dear Child of God, you can proclaim, “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I SHALL NOT WANT!” PSALM 23
But what if they take my life? “WE ARE CONFIDENT (I SAY), AND WILLING RATHER TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY, AND TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.” 2 CORINTHINANS 5:8
Too many of God’s children live in fear and bondage to the “What-ifs” of life; we belong to ALMIGHTY GOD! We can rightly say, “THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE; I WILL NOT FEAR: WHAT MAN CAN DO TO ME?”AMEN!
It is not by chance that the writer begins his thought by establishing his relationship with God. His right-standing (righteousness) is the solid foundation from which he can proclaim, “I WILL NOT FEAR”.
Beloved, IF God is on your side, you have NO reason to fear. What can separate you from the love of God? “. . . NEITHER DEATH, OR LIFE, NOT ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR HEIGTH, NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” ROMANS 8:38-39
You may say, “What if men persecute me for following Jesus? What if they say bad things about me? “IN FACT, EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO LIVE A GODLY LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS WILL BE PERSECUTED,” 1 TIMOTHY 3:12
But what did Jesus say? “BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN PEOPLE INSULT YOU AND FALSELY SAY ALL KINDS OF EVIL AGAINST YOU BECAUSE OF ME.” MATTHEW 5:11
“What if they do not pay me for my labors; what if I lose my job; how will I live?” “LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP OR STORE AWAY ITEMS AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THEN THEY? Dear Child of God, you can proclaim, “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I SHALL NOT WANT!” PSALM 23
But what if they take my life? “WE ARE CONFIDENT (I SAY), AND WILLING RATHER TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY, AND TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.” 2 CORINTHINANS 5:8
Too many of God’s children live in fear and bondage to the “What-ifs” of life; we belong to ALMIGHTY GOD! We can rightly say, “THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE; I WILL NOT FEAR: WHAT MAN CAN DO TO ME?”AMEN!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
ALONE
“I WATCH, AND AM AS A SPARROW ALONE UPON THE HOUSE TOP.” PSALM 102:7
What more can you be when being your best is not good enough? How far must you run before your history does not catch up to you? How far can you go that your shadow doesn’t threaten to overtake you? Where can you hide when no hiding place wants you?
Have you ever given your all and your all is not enough? How it is that evil men deliberate in their wickedness prosper, but righteous men are condemned in their humanness?
“I WATCH, AND AM AS A SPARROW ALONE UPON THE HOUSE TOP.” I see the churches of hypocrites and liars full and few hungering after God’s plans. I see the abusive and the manipulators succeed, but the holy and the humble are discounted as failures and fools.
The question is not whether God exists or not, the question is whether or not God is aware that you exist. On the roofline where He placed you; your vantage point allows you to see the goings on around you and yet you so often seem to sit alone.
At some point, one begins to wonder whether or not it is worth the watching any longer. Should one sit or take flight; does a single sparrow matter to anyone at any rate?
Scripture does say that a single sparrow does not fall that its father doesn’t take notice of it; perhaps God is waiting for the sparrow to fall! Have you ever felt so desolate and forgotten?
“I WATCH, AND AM AS A SPARROW ALONE UPON THE HOUSE TOP.” Dear God, When we feel alone remind of your presence. Remind us that you have placed us where we are and that we are still under your care. If we fall, you will be there to catch us, but even if you wouldn’t we still belong to you; remind us this day, I pray, Amen!
What more can you be when being your best is not good enough? How far must you run before your history does not catch up to you? How far can you go that your shadow doesn’t threaten to overtake you? Where can you hide when no hiding place wants you?
Have you ever given your all and your all is not enough? How it is that evil men deliberate in their wickedness prosper, but righteous men are condemned in their humanness?
“I WATCH, AND AM AS A SPARROW ALONE UPON THE HOUSE TOP.” I see the churches of hypocrites and liars full and few hungering after God’s plans. I see the abusive and the manipulators succeed, but the holy and the humble are discounted as failures and fools.
The question is not whether God exists or not, the question is whether or not God is aware that you exist. On the roofline where He placed you; your vantage point allows you to see the goings on around you and yet you so often seem to sit alone.
At some point, one begins to wonder whether or not it is worth the watching any longer. Should one sit or take flight; does a single sparrow matter to anyone at any rate?
Scripture does say that a single sparrow does not fall that its father doesn’t take notice of it; perhaps God is waiting for the sparrow to fall! Have you ever felt so desolate and forgotten?
“I WATCH, AND AM AS A SPARROW ALONE UPON THE HOUSE TOP.” Dear God, When we feel alone remind of your presence. Remind us that you have placed us where we are and that we are still under your care. If we fall, you will be there to catch us, but even if you wouldn’t we still belong to you; remind us this day, I pray, Amen!
Friday, May 22, 2009
WHERE IS THE LOVE OF GOD?
“AND HOPE MAKETH NOT ASHAMED; BECAUSE THE LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO US.FOR WHILE WE WERE STILL HELPLESS, AT THE RIGHT TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY – BUT GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS OWN LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” ROMANS 5:5,6,8
I often wonder where the love of God is within the body of Christ. A year ago I conducted the funeral service for a week-old baby boy. The infant’s parents weren’t married and they had no church background, but I had buried the young girl’s grandmother a couple years before and so I found myself doing my best to show this couple the love of God.
In a few days (on the anniversary of their lost baby’s birth) I will be marrying them. As I met with them last evening I asked about their beliefs and church background. I listened intently and broken-hearted as they relayed their experiences with “Christians”.
“There’s a man who comes into my place of employment; we girls have nick-named him, “Jesus Man”. When I was 7 months pregnant or so, he came into work; “Where’s your ring?” I said, “excuse me!” “Are you married?” “I was shocked at his boldness, I was just trying to do my job, he continued; are you going to get married before this baby comes?” “No!” The man’s next few words caused the young lady great sorrow, “Well, you know where you’re going then!”
In one fell-swoop this man had judged, tried and convicted her without as much a common concern for her or her baby.
About this time the young woman and her boyfriend began attending a mega church in. While they didn’t like the size, they did like the preaching and the worship. Within the first few weeks of attending the girl’s mother suffered a financial set-back; being in need and at her daughter’s suggestion and out of desperation, the woman called the church asking for some temporary assistance. Upon receiving the request, the pastor in charge answered, “We’d really like to help you, but your unmarried daughter and her illegitimate baby live with you, for that reason we can’t!” Needless to say, the young couple have never attended church there or anywhere else since.
Almost a year ago, within days of losing her baby she was also told by a co-worker, who is a preacher’s daughter, that God had taken her son because the baby was conceived in sin. This is the same co-worker that hounds the young girl daily about coming to her father’s church. I wonder if the preacher’s daughter realizes that we are all conceived in sin? Since the announcement of the upcoming nuptials, rather than the expected encouragement you might expect the woman to give this young woman, she has been hearing, “A little late, isn’t it?” I believe God weeps for His children.
If we the Church are to offer “HOPE” through the “LOVE OF GOD SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS”, where is the Good News of Hope; indeed, where is the “LOVE OF GOD”? God help us! If Christ so loved us while we were yet sinners; why don’t we who call ourselves by His Name off the same unconditional love to those who are still lost?
Except by the grace of God, you are no different from the most desperate sinner you know. Let us love God with all that we are and love one another as we love ourselves. In Jesus’ Name
AMEN!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE; http://www.newhopecommunityfellowship.com N.H.C.F. Touching Hearts - Changing Lives
I often wonder where the love of God is within the body of Christ. A year ago I conducted the funeral service for a week-old baby boy. The infant’s parents weren’t married and they had no church background, but I had buried the young girl’s grandmother a couple years before and so I found myself doing my best to show this couple the love of God.
In a few days (on the anniversary of their lost baby’s birth) I will be marrying them. As I met with them last evening I asked about their beliefs and church background. I listened intently and broken-hearted as they relayed their experiences with “Christians”.
“There’s a man who comes into my place of employment; we girls have nick-named him, “Jesus Man”. When I was 7 months pregnant or so, he came into work; “Where’s your ring?” I said, “excuse me!” “Are you married?” “I was shocked at his boldness, I was just trying to do my job, he continued; are you going to get married before this baby comes?” “No!” The man’s next few words caused the young lady great sorrow, “Well, you know where you’re going then!”
In one fell-swoop this man had judged, tried and convicted her without as much a common concern for her or her baby.
About this time the young woman and her boyfriend began attending a mega church in. While they didn’t like the size, they did like the preaching and the worship. Within the first few weeks of attending the girl’s mother suffered a financial set-back; being in need and at her daughter’s suggestion and out of desperation, the woman called the church asking for some temporary assistance. Upon receiving the request, the pastor in charge answered, “We’d really like to help you, but your unmarried daughter and her illegitimate baby live with you, for that reason we can’t!” Needless to say, the young couple have never attended church there or anywhere else since.
Almost a year ago, within days of losing her baby she was also told by a co-worker, who is a preacher’s daughter, that God had taken her son because the baby was conceived in sin. This is the same co-worker that hounds the young girl daily about coming to her father’s church. I wonder if the preacher’s daughter realizes that we are all conceived in sin? Since the announcement of the upcoming nuptials, rather than the expected encouragement you might expect the woman to give this young woman, she has been hearing, “A little late, isn’t it?” I believe God weeps for His children.
If we the Church are to offer “HOPE” through the “LOVE OF GOD SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS”, where is the Good News of Hope; indeed, where is the “LOVE OF GOD”? God help us! If Christ so loved us while we were yet sinners; why don’t we who call ourselves by His Name off the same unconditional love to those who are still lost?
Except by the grace of God, you are no different from the most desperate sinner you know. Let us love God with all that we are and love one another as we love ourselves. In Jesus’ Name
AMEN!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE; http://www.newhopecommunityfellowship.com N.H.C.F. Touching Hearts - Changing Lives
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH
“THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” GENESIS 8:21
A popular lie of today’s society says that we are all born innocent; our lives become corrupted by the trials of life.
God’s Word teaches quit the opposite; “ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD” ROMANS 3:23. We are made better by the lessons learned through adversity; not unlike our Lord, “ALTHOUGH HE WAS A SON, HE LEARNED OBEDIAENCE FROM THE THINGS HE SUFFERED” HEBREWS 5:8
Too many, too many within the church, I’m afraid; believe mankind to basically good, except when they are corrupted by culture or other influences. Such an attitude causes the person to be venerable to the possibility of sin, believing they are of better character naturally than is remotely possible.
“IF WE SAY WE HAVE NO SIN, WE ARE DECEIVING OURSELVES AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US.” 1 JOHN 1:8 One might ask if such belief is not a lack of faith. The answer is a resounding; NO! Indeed such understanding of our weakness is a proclamation of our unquestionable reliance upon the Savior!
“THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” The understanding of this reality equips us to understand our reliance upon He who is without sin. If I can be “Holy” by effort or “Righteous” by will; why do I need the grace of God or the sacrifice of Christ?
It is because my heart is deceitful, my ways naturally are wicked, my mind is in need to be continually renewed that I need One who is greater than me.
Sin comes easily for me. I am corrupt by nature. Salvation is the process that I experience daily. While God is perfect; I am not and so I recognize my need for the grace, mercy and salvation of God.
My recognition of my own imperfection also allows me to be as merciful toward others who fail; as I desire God to be toward me.
The man who falls to his knees and cries, “God have mercy on me a sinner!” is far closer to the Kingdom of God than the man who fancies himself, “a pretty good Christian”. As Jesus told the self-righteous men of His’ day, “I ASSURE YOU, CORRUPT TAX COLLECTORS AND PROSTITUTES WILL GET INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU DO!” MATTHEW 21:31
Those who believe they are good see no need for God. However, remember Christian; “THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” AMEN!
A popular lie of today’s society says that we are all born innocent; our lives become corrupted by the trials of life.
God’s Word teaches quit the opposite; “ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD” ROMANS 3:23. We are made better by the lessons learned through adversity; not unlike our Lord, “ALTHOUGH HE WAS A SON, HE LEARNED OBEDIAENCE FROM THE THINGS HE SUFFERED” HEBREWS 5:8
Too many, too many within the church, I’m afraid; believe mankind to basically good, except when they are corrupted by culture or other influences. Such an attitude causes the person to be venerable to the possibility of sin, believing they are of better character naturally than is remotely possible.
“IF WE SAY WE HAVE NO SIN, WE ARE DECEIVING OURSELVES AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US.” 1 JOHN 1:8 One might ask if such belief is not a lack of faith. The answer is a resounding; NO! Indeed such understanding of our weakness is a proclamation of our unquestionable reliance upon the Savior!
“THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” The understanding of this reality equips us to understand our reliance upon He who is without sin. If I can be “Holy” by effort or “Righteous” by will; why do I need the grace of God or the sacrifice of Christ?
It is because my heart is deceitful, my ways naturally are wicked, my mind is in need to be continually renewed that I need One who is greater than me.
Sin comes easily for me. I am corrupt by nature. Salvation is the process that I experience daily. While God is perfect; I am not and so I recognize my need for the grace, mercy and salvation of God.
My recognition of my own imperfection also allows me to be as merciful toward others who fail; as I desire God to be toward me.
The man who falls to his knees and cries, “God have mercy on me a sinner!” is far closer to the Kingdom of God than the man who fancies himself, “a pretty good Christian”. As Jesus told the self-righteous men of His’ day, “I ASSURE YOU, CORRUPT TAX COLLECTORS AND PROSTITUTES WILL GET INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU DO!” MATTHEW 21:31
Those who believe they are good see no need for God. However, remember Christian; “THE IMAGINATION OF MAN’S HEART IS EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH.” AMEN!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
know my heart
“SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART: TRY ME, AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS:” PSALM 139:23
If we are going to be free from sin, we must not wait until we are faced with temptation; we must avoid it.
Acts of sin are birthed within our heats and minds long before they are carried out by our bodies. That is precisely why Jesus warned about the thoughts of adultery and hatred as being the same as the act of adultery and murder.
You and I are commanded by God’s Word to take “EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE”. Before the passing thought can take nest within our being we must chase each impure thought away. Before we lie, steal or cheat we must not allow our thoughts to even consider such actions. Without the thoughts these actions cannot follow.
When we catch ourselves having such thoughts, we must stop them and redirect them to the right way of thinking.
Nothing can do this better than to have the Word of God memorized. Just as Jesus used Scripture to put the thoughts of temptation to flight in the desert; we must be on the ready and equipped to scripturally answer the adversary whenever he should approach us.
So this prayer helps prepare us to face temptation. The Psalmist is saying, “Lord know my heart and know my mind and before they can misdirect me; show me and lead me. You know me better than I know myself – test me and show me where I might fall!”
“SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART: TRY ME, AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS:” I want all that I am; even my thought life to reflect your glory. Amen!
If we are going to be free from sin, we must not wait until we are faced with temptation; we must avoid it.
Acts of sin are birthed within our heats and minds long before they are carried out by our bodies. That is precisely why Jesus warned about the thoughts of adultery and hatred as being the same as the act of adultery and murder.
You and I are commanded by God’s Word to take “EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE”. Before the passing thought can take nest within our being we must chase each impure thought away. Before we lie, steal or cheat we must not allow our thoughts to even consider such actions. Without the thoughts these actions cannot follow.
When we catch ourselves having such thoughts, we must stop them and redirect them to the right way of thinking.
Nothing can do this better than to have the Word of God memorized. Just as Jesus used Scripture to put the thoughts of temptation to flight in the desert; we must be on the ready and equipped to scripturally answer the adversary whenever he should approach us.
So this prayer helps prepare us to face temptation. The Psalmist is saying, “Lord know my heart and know my mind and before they can misdirect me; show me and lead me. You know me better than I know myself – test me and show me where I might fall!”
“SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART: TRY ME, AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS:” I want all that I am; even my thought life to reflect your glory. Amen!
Monday, May 18, 2009
ALL THINGS NEW
“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17
The love of Christ compels us to look to Him, seek after Him, become more like Him. For too many of us, this passage of Scripture is little more than justification for pretending to be what we desire to be rather than allow God to raise us up to be who they were created to be in God.
Herein lies the hitch; knowing the will of God in each individual life. What is “clean” for me may indeed be “Unclean” for you; that is to say, that God knows each of our weaknesses and strengths, what may become destructive in my life; paralyzing my spiritual maturity, may not affect you negatively at all, in fact may even be a spiritual strength for you.
This free will is most disturbing to those of us who would rather have the ten laws written in stone.
Many, perhaps most, would prefer that God would just clearly list all things displeasing to Him for every area of our lives; thus removing our need to seek and to follow Him diligently. God however desires not mind-numb robots programmed to follow rules; God desires relationship with you, therefore, He asks you to stay in step with the Holy Spirit, working out your own salvation with fear and trembling and He commands us not to judge one another, for indeed the liberty expressed in another’s life may be precisely what God has called Him to do.
“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW. So, we might ask, “LORD, WHAT IS THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT?”, but that question was already asked long ago and the answer remains the same; “LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ALL YOUR SOULD, ALL YOUR HEART, MIND AND STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Only people who have been changed by the Holy Spirit of God can love well. Amen!
The love of Christ compels us to look to Him, seek after Him, become more like Him. For too many of us, this passage of Scripture is little more than justification for pretending to be what we desire to be rather than allow God to raise us up to be who they were created to be in God.
Herein lies the hitch; knowing the will of God in each individual life. What is “clean” for me may indeed be “Unclean” for you; that is to say, that God knows each of our weaknesses and strengths, what may become destructive in my life; paralyzing my spiritual maturity, may not affect you negatively at all, in fact may even be a spiritual strength for you.
This free will is most disturbing to those of us who would rather have the ten laws written in stone.
Many, perhaps most, would prefer that God would just clearly list all things displeasing to Him for every area of our lives; thus removing our need to seek and to follow Him diligently. God however desires not mind-numb robots programmed to follow rules; God desires relationship with you, therefore, He asks you to stay in step with the Holy Spirit, working out your own salvation with fear and trembling and He commands us not to judge one another, for indeed the liberty expressed in another’s life may be precisely what God has called Him to do.
“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION; OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW. So, we might ask, “LORD, WHAT IS THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT?”, but that question was already asked long ago and the answer remains the same; “LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ALL YOUR SOULD, ALL YOUR HEART, MIND AND STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Only people who have been changed by the Holy Spirit of God can love well. Amen!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Observation
I sat this morning staring at the expansive ocean before me. As far and as wide and as deep as I can see, only water and waves. Dark grey to light blue, the sea dances in front of me.
The heavy winds today are matched only by the dark restless ocean below. Sea foam blows like tumble weeds across the drifting sands. The roar of the churning waters makes conversation impossible unless one is willing to shout and strain to hear what their partner has to say; so today is better suited for observation and inner reflection.
I love the ocean for many reasons; however I like it best perhaps, because like the mountains, it reminds me of the smallness of man and the vastness of our God.
My world so often is centered almost wholly on me and yet compared with God’s creation, I am so very small. I stretch my heart to embrace the seemingly endless water and reflect upon the fact that God who has created it is so much larger than it that He merely spoke it into being.
The foolish may believe that such beauty was born out of nothing; has evolved into such wonder, but I think such belief would require much more faith than to believe this universe of symmetry and order was created by One who is mightier than us all.
Naturally the belief in a Creator God requires man to understand that there exists someone greater than himself. It also requires Him to accept that he is not free to live without regard for His creator or His laws. I do not find such belief at all difficult. I see the wonders of His’ Creation and like David I readily proclaim; “Your creation displays your glory!” With this understanding renewed; I want to fill my place within His creation. Amen.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE; http://www.newhopecommunityfellowship.com N.H.C.F. Touching Hearts - Changing Lives
The heavy winds today are matched only by the dark restless ocean below. Sea foam blows like tumble weeds across the drifting sands. The roar of the churning waters makes conversation impossible unless one is willing to shout and strain to hear what their partner has to say; so today is better suited for observation and inner reflection.
I love the ocean for many reasons; however I like it best perhaps, because like the mountains, it reminds me of the smallness of man and the vastness of our God.
My world so often is centered almost wholly on me and yet compared with God’s creation, I am so very small. I stretch my heart to embrace the seemingly endless water and reflect upon the fact that God who has created it is so much larger than it that He merely spoke it into being.
The foolish may believe that such beauty was born out of nothing; has evolved into such wonder, but I think such belief would require much more faith than to believe this universe of symmetry and order was created by One who is mightier than us all.
Naturally the belief in a Creator God requires man to understand that there exists someone greater than himself. It also requires Him to accept that he is not free to live without regard for His creator or His laws. I do not find such belief at all difficult. I see the wonders of His’ Creation and like David I readily proclaim; “Your creation displays your glory!” With this understanding renewed; I want to fill my place within His creation. Amen.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE; http://www.newhopecommunityfellowship.com N.H.C.F. Touching Hearts - Changing Lives
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Request
How will you live this day? How will the world be different for you having lived it?
I believe in a simple formula; as I go, so goes my family. As my family goes; so goes our community. As our community goes; so goes our country. As our country goes; so goes the world. We cannot complain about the shape the world is in if the shape of our personal lives are no different.
The choices you make today affect every person you love and every person who loves you. What we permit for ourselves will be the norm for our children and the expected for our grandchildren. If those choices are good; than the next generation will stretch to do better; if they are compromised down for us, they will be less for our children and even less for each generation to follow.
The Word teaches, "TO HAVE A FRIEND, YOU MUST BE FRIENDLY". The same principle applies to every virtue; if we desire to be loved, we must first love, if we desire to receive kindness, we must first offer kindness, if we desire others to be generous, we must first be generous. It's a law of God; "GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU - BY THE MEASURE YOU GIVE IT, YOU SHALL RECEIVE IT."
So simply; allow me to ask you again; How will you live this day? How will the world be different for you having lived it? Think about it - Live it. Amen!
I believe in a simple formula; as I go, so goes my family. As my family goes; so goes our community. As our community goes; so goes our country. As our country goes; so goes the world. We cannot complain about the shape the world is in if the shape of our personal lives are no different.
The choices you make today affect every person you love and every person who loves you. What we permit for ourselves will be the norm for our children and the expected for our grandchildren. If those choices are good; than the next generation will stretch to do better; if they are compromised down for us, they will be less for our children and even less for each generation to follow.
The Word teaches, "TO HAVE A FRIEND, YOU MUST BE FRIENDLY". The same principle applies to every virtue; if we desire to be loved, we must first love, if we desire to receive kindness, we must first offer kindness, if we desire others to be generous, we must first be generous. It's a law of God; "GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU - BY THE MEASURE YOU GIVE IT, YOU SHALL RECEIVE IT."
So simply; allow me to ask you again; How will you live this day? How will the world be different for you having lived it? Think about it - Live it. Amen!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
WE HAVE SINNED
“WE HAVE SINNED, EVEN AS OUR FATHERS DID; WE HAVE DONE WRONG AND ACTED WICKEDLY.” PSALM 106:6
Perhaps these words stir pity within your heart. Perhaps you say, “Poor man; how terrible!” May I suggest that you need pity only yourself? This man is on his way to redemption for he recognizes his sin. You and I may still be stumbling in the darkness and calling it light.
Sin creeps in. Sin comes in so subtly as to not to disturb the slumbering saint. Quietly she steals into the room offering first one compromise and then another and before long, if you should awaken; you realize that you are now doing what you once proclaimed you never would or never would again!
Perhaps you are startled out of your sleep by the realization of your desperation or worse yet, perhaps you merely roll over becoming even more comfortable with sin sliding next to you in bed.
Do not be deceived; sin is progressive; sin is relentless. Sin has not come to be your friend; sin has come to rob, steal and kill you. Sin is always accompanied by his unseen friend; death. Sin may appear to you as a beautiful girl or a comforting drink or a numbing smoke; he may offer you lots of money or lots of comfort or lots of love, but you will also receive the one you do not see, for when you reach out to take the spoils of your sin, you will also grasp the cold hand of death; something in your life; something or someone you care about will die. “FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.” ROMANS 6:23
Only when we recognize that we can no longer control our lives; only when we understand that we are all vulnerable to temptation and prone to sin are we even close to the salvation that awaits us. Only when we understand how close to darkness we stand, do we begin to understand our need for the greater Light. Amen!
Perhaps these words stir pity within your heart. Perhaps you say, “Poor man; how terrible!” May I suggest that you need pity only yourself? This man is on his way to redemption for he recognizes his sin. You and I may still be stumbling in the darkness and calling it light.
Sin creeps in. Sin comes in so subtly as to not to disturb the slumbering saint. Quietly she steals into the room offering first one compromise and then another and before long, if you should awaken; you realize that you are now doing what you once proclaimed you never would or never would again!
Perhaps you are startled out of your sleep by the realization of your desperation or worse yet, perhaps you merely roll over becoming even more comfortable with sin sliding next to you in bed.
Do not be deceived; sin is progressive; sin is relentless. Sin has not come to be your friend; sin has come to rob, steal and kill you. Sin is always accompanied by his unseen friend; death. Sin may appear to you as a beautiful girl or a comforting drink or a numbing smoke; he may offer you lots of money or lots of comfort or lots of love, but you will also receive the one you do not see, for when you reach out to take the spoils of your sin, you will also grasp the cold hand of death; something in your life; something or someone you care about will die. “FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.” ROMANS 6:23
Only when we recognize that we can no longer control our lives; only when we understand that we are all vulnerable to temptation and prone to sin are we even close to the salvation that awaits us. Only when we understand how close to darkness we stand, do we begin to understand our need for the greater Light. Amen!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
GOD SPEAKS THROUGH DREAMS
I want to share with you the dream I experienced this past night; knowing that often within dreams are stories and meanings.
I met a young pastor whose church was “dying”. He invited me to come pastor his church. After some thought, I agreed that I would bring our congregation to join his and I would pastor.
Our first meeting was an evening meeting and within minutes the room began to fill. As the crowd grew, so did the excitement. Within a half an hour the seats were filled in front and to the right which also had ample seating. Within the crowd I could see familiar faces of former members of our church. They were looking around in excitement.
Just before the service was to begin, as I prepared to preach, the former pastor placed a page of scribbled notes upon the pulpit and said to me – “since there’s such a nice crowd tonight, I think I want to preach.” I said, “I thought you said you realized that you aren’t a preacher and you needed me.” “I did”, he replied, “but since I need to go away to get a job and I will be will be going away for awhile, I want to preach tonight”. I quickly examined my heart and analyzed the situation. I thought, “if I am to be Pastor, I must show my leadership’. “Didn’t you advertise that I would be speaking?” I asked “Yes,” he answered, “but this is the best crowd we have ever had!” I remember thinking, ‘Isn’t it interesting that a day ago he had lost all interest in this church and now he wants to preach’. I quietly insisted that we would go on with the service as planned. Crestfallen the man replied, “Ok, I won’t preach, but can my daughter sing a special during the offering – since we will be leaving?” Reluctantly, I agreed. Someone to the side said, “Offering should be GOOD” tonight!”
I took the podium, “In just a moment I will be delivering the Word of God to you. I know it will bless you and in the mean time, little Sue is going to sing a special for you.”
As the music started, I looked around; I was excited. I thought ‘last week we had three people and tonight there must be over a hundred – look what God has done!’
“I must change my message’ I said to myself I will preach, “Come and see what the Lord has done!”
I need a Bible” I knew the quote was from the Word of God, but I couldn’t say from where. I began to look for a Bible to find the Scripture reference. There was something that looked like a Bible by my chair. I picked it up and it was a Bible that had been turned into a decoration, painted gold with glitter pages all glued together. I picked-up what appeared to be another Bible, but it was an old worn song book.
In looking for the Bible I overturned a glass of water. A lady on the other side of the platform approached me with much fanfare offering to clean up the mess. With much disturbance she began moving the curtain behind me and the table beside me, in general causing quite a disturbance. At the same time, I realized that a former member of our church was moving throughout the congregation greeting old friends and handing out Christmas presents that she had from the previous Christmas. She had quit the church before she could give them out and so she was delivering them now.
About this time the song caught my attention and it was a pleasant melody that really didn’t have anything significant to say. The song was closing and I still didn’t have a Bible.
I awakened to the thought, it all seemed great for a moment; a sanctuary full of people ready to hear God’s Word; but I then realized that it was just “church” as usual, not at all as God would have it.
In my dream the other pastor had been cordial until we no longer shared the same agenda; the women moving about, the confusion, the politics, it all seemed too familiar. I wanted to preach “COME SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE”; see how we had only 3 people a week ago and so many now, what success! The only problem was I couldn’t find Scripture to back my message.
As I stood in my bathroom in the early morning light reviewing this all-too realistic dream I realized that what we find comfort in is so seldom God.
I wanted to preach that this was all God’s will, but it wasn’t. So little of what we call “Church” is. We have our ornaments; like the shellacked Bible and the old hymnal, lifeless traditions; gathering dust. We have people who come to be seen; they like to “serve” as long as they can create enough commotion doing it as to get noticed. We have people who come to church for friendships – more interested in friendships with each other than friendship with God. We have the fair-weather Christians (some are preachers, who want to belong), but only as long as the church is “successful”. These people are ready to leave the church as soon as it doesn’t measure-up. Then there are the others who want to be heard, but have nothing to say. And last but not least; we have the Man of God who has become a pulpiteer; a great preacher, a motivator, who honestly wants to please God, but allows the world’s measure of success divert Him from what God intended His Church to be. We all like the broad way, but it’s the narrow road which runs to the Kingdom of God.Isn’t time we care more about BEING THE CHURCH THAN GOING TO CHURCH?
I met a young pastor whose church was “dying”. He invited me to come pastor his church. After some thought, I agreed that I would bring our congregation to join his and I would pastor.
Our first meeting was an evening meeting and within minutes the room began to fill. As the crowd grew, so did the excitement. Within a half an hour the seats were filled in front and to the right which also had ample seating. Within the crowd I could see familiar faces of former members of our church. They were looking around in excitement.
Just before the service was to begin, as I prepared to preach, the former pastor placed a page of scribbled notes upon the pulpit and said to me – “since there’s such a nice crowd tonight, I think I want to preach.” I said, “I thought you said you realized that you aren’t a preacher and you needed me.” “I did”, he replied, “but since I need to go away to get a job and I will be will be going away for awhile, I want to preach tonight”. I quickly examined my heart and analyzed the situation. I thought, “if I am to be Pastor, I must show my leadership’. “Didn’t you advertise that I would be speaking?” I asked “Yes,” he answered, “but this is the best crowd we have ever had!” I remember thinking, ‘Isn’t it interesting that a day ago he had lost all interest in this church and now he wants to preach’. I quietly insisted that we would go on with the service as planned. Crestfallen the man replied, “Ok, I won’t preach, but can my daughter sing a special during the offering – since we will be leaving?” Reluctantly, I agreed. Someone to the side said, “Offering should be GOOD” tonight!”
I took the podium, “In just a moment I will be delivering the Word of God to you. I know it will bless you and in the mean time, little Sue is going to sing a special for you.”
As the music started, I looked around; I was excited. I thought ‘last week we had three people and tonight there must be over a hundred – look what God has done!’
“I must change my message’ I said to myself I will preach, “Come and see what the Lord has done!”
I need a Bible” I knew the quote was from the Word of God, but I couldn’t say from where. I began to look for a Bible to find the Scripture reference. There was something that looked like a Bible by my chair. I picked it up and it was a Bible that had been turned into a decoration, painted gold with glitter pages all glued together. I picked-up what appeared to be another Bible, but it was an old worn song book.
In looking for the Bible I overturned a glass of water. A lady on the other side of the platform approached me with much fanfare offering to clean up the mess. With much disturbance she began moving the curtain behind me and the table beside me, in general causing quite a disturbance. At the same time, I realized that a former member of our church was moving throughout the congregation greeting old friends and handing out Christmas presents that she had from the previous Christmas. She had quit the church before she could give them out and so she was delivering them now.
About this time the song caught my attention and it was a pleasant melody that really didn’t have anything significant to say. The song was closing and I still didn’t have a Bible.
I awakened to the thought, it all seemed great for a moment; a sanctuary full of people ready to hear God’s Word; but I then realized that it was just “church” as usual, not at all as God would have it.
In my dream the other pastor had been cordial until we no longer shared the same agenda; the women moving about, the confusion, the politics, it all seemed too familiar. I wanted to preach “COME SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE”; see how we had only 3 people a week ago and so many now, what success! The only problem was I couldn’t find Scripture to back my message.
As I stood in my bathroom in the early morning light reviewing this all-too realistic dream I realized that what we find comfort in is so seldom God.
I wanted to preach that this was all God’s will, but it wasn’t. So little of what we call “Church” is. We have our ornaments; like the shellacked Bible and the old hymnal, lifeless traditions; gathering dust. We have people who come to be seen; they like to “serve” as long as they can create enough commotion doing it as to get noticed. We have people who come to church for friendships – more interested in friendships with each other than friendship with God. We have the fair-weather Christians (some are preachers, who want to belong), but only as long as the church is “successful”. These people are ready to leave the church as soon as it doesn’t measure-up. Then there are the others who want to be heard, but have nothing to say. And last but not least; we have the Man of God who has become a pulpiteer; a great preacher, a motivator, who honestly wants to please God, but allows the world’s measure of success divert Him from what God intended His Church to be. We all like the broad way, but it’s the narrow road which runs to the Kingdom of God.Isn’t time we care more about BEING THE CHURCH THAN GOING TO CHURCH?
Friday, May 1, 2009
“SALVATION IS FAR FROM THE WICKED: FOR THEY DO NOT SEEK YOUR STATUTES” PSALM 119:155
It’s been said, and is true that God is only a prayer away; as close as your next breath, but if a man is unconcerned with finding God He might as well be a thousand miles away.
If my car keys are on the counter, but I am busy eating or drinking or watching television, those keys might as well be in another state. Unless I look for them, I will never find them.
Some men are content with being “seekers of the truth”; they are content with the process of seeking, but until they decide that they desire to acknowledge the truth once it’s found, they will forever be seekers.
Salvation is far from the wicked because they don’t care about God or the laws of God. They are content to carry on in their wickedness, refusing to even acknowledge God’s existence.
Sadly, righteousness is far from some believers; for while they profess to love God, they are not concerned with being in right standing with Him. They may claim His name and even say, “I love the Lord!”, but Jesus said, “IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS”. Righteousness is as far from these professed believers as salvation is from the wicked, because neither desires to acknowledge the laws of God.
The old song lyric has been playing in my spirit for weeks now; “THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS HE WHO WILL NOT SEE!”
You can say you want to grow in God, but until you are ready to acknowledge that His ways are higher than your own, you are only playing church and church never saved anyone. You can claim to be God’s friend, but a friend is one who will lay down his life for another and unless you are willing to acknowledge your need to change in order to be like Him, you are only deceiving yourself.
Any man who is content where he is will go no further. Amen.
It’s been said, and is true that God is only a prayer away; as close as your next breath, but if a man is unconcerned with finding God He might as well be a thousand miles away.
If my car keys are on the counter, but I am busy eating or drinking or watching television, those keys might as well be in another state. Unless I look for them, I will never find them.
Some men are content with being “seekers of the truth”; they are content with the process of seeking, but until they decide that they desire to acknowledge the truth once it’s found, they will forever be seekers.
Salvation is far from the wicked because they don’t care about God or the laws of God. They are content to carry on in their wickedness, refusing to even acknowledge God’s existence.
Sadly, righteousness is far from some believers; for while they profess to love God, they are not concerned with being in right standing with Him. They may claim His name and even say, “I love the Lord!”, but Jesus said, “IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS”. Righteousness is as far from these professed believers as salvation is from the wicked, because neither desires to acknowledge the laws of God.
The old song lyric has been playing in my spirit for weeks now; “THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS HE WHO WILL NOT SEE!”
You can say you want to grow in God, but until you are ready to acknowledge that His ways are higher than your own, you are only playing church and church never saved anyone. You can claim to be God’s friend, but a friend is one who will lay down his life for another and unless you are willing to acknowledge your need to change in order to be like Him, you are only deceiving yourself.
Any man who is content where he is will go no further. Amen.
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