“REMAIN IN ME, AND I WILL REMAIN IN YOU.”
JOHN 15:4
Can God’s Word be any clearer? “REMAIN IN ME, AND I WILL REMAIN IN YOU.” When we are no longer growing in God we don’t need a new church or a different pastor or other programs; we don’t need a newer Bible or better singing. When we are not growing in Christ it is because we are no longer allowing Him to be dominant in our lives.
Change of scenery may suffice until you grow weary of trying to be a “Christian” outside of His Lordship, but God’s promise is true; “REMAIN IN ME, AND I WILL REMAIN IN YOU.” If you are no longer growing in God it is because you are not where you need to be in God.
A woman once told me, “I can’t be spiritual; with a husband like I have, he holds me back!” Ironically for all the years she lived with her restrictive husband she fought to be in church and continued to grow, if at times that growth was so marginal it was barely noticeable, however was they were divorced she quit coming to church altogether and has for years now been a raging alcoholic. How many times I have seen people leave the church where God has directed them in search of something better only to become non-churchgoers altogether!
“REMAIN IN ME, AND I WILL REMAIN IN YOU.” Either Jesus is God and His words are true or He is a liar and they aren’t. I want to say, “Buck-up; grow-up, own-up and fess-up!” We live in a society where everyone else is to blame, but if you aren’t growing in God it’s because you are GOING in God!
A word of caution here; some of the times of my greatest spiritual growth have been those silent times when I have had to continue to walk on in faith. We have all had those times when God appears to be on vacation just when you need Him most. You are looking for A SIGN, you are trying to FEEL your religion, you want to hear Him, but you don’t. That’s when you look to the promises of God’s Word and walk on in FAITH. Once you’ve survived the valley to your next upward clime toward the mountain top, you will look back and realize the faithfulness of God.
So many times during their 40 years of wandering in the desert the Israelites were ready to return to the slavery of Egypt; they were blinded to God’s presence by the sheer hardships of the wilderness, however to this day in hindsight, they remember and celebrate the faithfulness and deliverance of God of those very times.
Jesus said, “REMAIN IN ME, AND I WILL REMAIN IN YOU.” You have His Word on it. Amen!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
WHERE'S YOUR HEART?
Where’s your heart? If you’re like me your passions change; sometimes overtime, however far too often my passions change almost daily. Should I say my passions or my interests? Perhaps my deepest passions remain fairly consistent, but my interests can fluctuate wildly. One day I am certain that I am going to write a book, the next day I am making plans to record a new CD. A week later I have momentarily forgotten those desires in favor of another project or idea. I believe the more creative an individual is the greater this instability may be.
How about you; where’s your heart? Here’s the danger of such instability; as John Lennon said, “LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS WHILE WE’RE MAKING OTHER PLANS”. The danger is that we can become so preoccupied with what we are going to do we accomplish little or nothing of lasting value. The Apostle James reminds us, “A DOUBLE-MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS” JAMES 1:8 I know this passage is examining the value of FAITH, but isn’t often a LACK OF FAITH that prevents us from pursuing our interests?
When the fire of enthusiasm if flaming we can get all excited about starting a task, but when the winds of doubt start challenging that flame too many of us shy away from the hard work that would produce results and allow ourselves to be drawn another direction. Many Pastors are visionaries and they are prone to envision exciting possibilities only to abandon them before the church leadership or the congregation can embrace the vision. Suddenly yesterday’s “God Vision” is passé and the new vision is all the rage at least in the Pastor’s mind.
Churches as a whole can fall victim to such shifts. This week we’re going to be a “Purpose-Driven Church”, next week we’re going to be a “Missionary-Church” and again the next week, we’re going to be a “worship-led church”. The sadness is while we’re busy making our plans; life happens; millions of souls are lost all around us, babies go to bed hungry, somebody’s daughter sells herself, body and soul for a little more dope. While we’re busy building a better net, the fish are being loss.
I passed a construction site this morning; a big church is building an even bigger building. Ironically, as I was looking at the piles of construction supplies which will become the new “church” a homeless man shuffled by. Disheveled, weary and already warm on what promises a very hot day; he carried all his worldly good in to plastic grocery bags in his hands. He nodded at me and he too looked at the impressive structure being built. I wonder what he thought about it. Do you think the homeless man is as excited about the new church as the Pastor or the congregation? What are we doing with our lives, our time, and our finances? Who are we building our “ministries” for? Who do we hope to reach? When do we stop dreaming and begin doing the work of God?
For the second day this week, as I look out my window, the police have a man spread eagle against a car in the parking lot next door; church, whose impacting that man’s life? Has he ever had the opportunity to encounter a person of faith who has encountered the living God?
Church, we’re NOT impacting our world; something’s wrong, so I will ask you again; where’s your heart?
How about you; where’s your heart? Here’s the danger of such instability; as John Lennon said, “LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS WHILE WE’RE MAKING OTHER PLANS”. The danger is that we can become so preoccupied with what we are going to do we accomplish little or nothing of lasting value. The Apostle James reminds us, “A DOUBLE-MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS” JAMES 1:8 I know this passage is examining the value of FAITH, but isn’t often a LACK OF FAITH that prevents us from pursuing our interests?
When the fire of enthusiasm if flaming we can get all excited about starting a task, but when the winds of doubt start challenging that flame too many of us shy away from the hard work that would produce results and allow ourselves to be drawn another direction. Many Pastors are visionaries and they are prone to envision exciting possibilities only to abandon them before the church leadership or the congregation can embrace the vision. Suddenly yesterday’s “God Vision” is passé and the new vision is all the rage at least in the Pastor’s mind.
Churches as a whole can fall victim to such shifts. This week we’re going to be a “Purpose-Driven Church”, next week we’re going to be a “Missionary-Church” and again the next week, we’re going to be a “worship-led church”. The sadness is while we’re busy making our plans; life happens; millions of souls are lost all around us, babies go to bed hungry, somebody’s daughter sells herself, body and soul for a little more dope. While we’re busy building a better net, the fish are being loss.
I passed a construction site this morning; a big church is building an even bigger building. Ironically, as I was looking at the piles of construction supplies which will become the new “church” a homeless man shuffled by. Disheveled, weary and already warm on what promises a very hot day; he carried all his worldly good in to plastic grocery bags in his hands. He nodded at me and he too looked at the impressive structure being built. I wonder what he thought about it. Do you think the homeless man is as excited about the new church as the Pastor or the congregation? What are we doing with our lives, our time, and our finances? Who are we building our “ministries” for? Who do we hope to reach? When do we stop dreaming and begin doing the work of God?
For the second day this week, as I look out my window, the police have a man spread eagle against a car in the parking lot next door; church, whose impacting that man’s life? Has he ever had the opportunity to encounter a person of faith who has encountered the living God?
Church, we’re NOT impacting our world; something’s wrong, so I will ask you again; where’s your heart?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Brennan manning observes; “THE ENTIRE PROCESS (OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT) CAN BE VERY EXCITING AND ENTERTAING. BUT THE PROBLEM IS THERE’S NO END TO IT. THE FANTASY IS THAT IF ONE HEADS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND JUST WORKS HARD ENOUGH TO LEARN NEW THINGS AND GROWS ENOUGH AND GETS ACTUALIZED, ONE WILL BE THERE. NONE OF US IS QUITE CERTAIN EXACTLY WHERE THERE IS, BUT IT OBVIOUSLY HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH RESTING.”
Isn’t it so easy to become disillusioned with life; religion, relationships, church, and God? There is something within each of us that notifies us that we have not arrived yet and yet we strive as little “Martha’s” to work hard to achieve whatever it is we think we are suppose to achieve only to learn that we have not achieved it at all!
What is the answer then? Do we quit striving to fulfill the inward desire to look like “Abba (Daddy) God”? No! I believe the answer is simply to do as the Apostle John teaches; do the next thing in love. John announces Christ deity with His opening declaration of his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word”. When we recognize that Christ lives in us, it becomes increasingly easy to allow Christ to live through us.
The world won’t know you are Christian by how many times a week you go to church or by how many Scripture verses you memorize. They won’t know you are “Christian” by whether or not you are “born-again’, baptized or Spirit-filled. They could care less whether you cut your hair, avoid R-Rated Movies or listen to Rock n Roll. I hate to tell you Preachers, but the world isn’t impressed by your plastic smiles, your college degrees or how well you can preach; they don’t even care if you preach; but they will know we are Christians by our LOVE.
Who is it that takes the hand of the dirty homeless man and sees in him the business man he was meant to be? Who is it that kisses the cheek of the promiscuous AIDS infected girl and looks into her eyes to tell her she’s virginal princess in the eyes of her Eternal Father? Who is it that gives away his bill money to pay the bills of another, (perhaps reckless) young couple? Who is it that cares for the widows, feeds the orphans and believes that basic human needs are more important than a glistening steeple, polished church van or new stained-glass windows? I’ll tell you who; the Christian; the man or woman who has looked into the face of love, been touched by the hands of love and has been carried by the arms of love; not when they had “made it”, but as they stumbled along still hurt and broken.
Do you know where to find mercy? You find mercy at the feet of those who have received mercy. Whether or not your lips have never touched alcohol or cigarettes or the lips of a loose woman do not matter nearly as much as whether you have ever really touched the heart of God and allowed Him to touch the lives others do not want to touch. True faith is NOT about religion, true faith is about RELATIONSHIP; with God and with others. Christianity does not begin with us - it begins with Christ. It begins and is and is nothing if it is not love. Amen!
Isn’t it so easy to become disillusioned with life; religion, relationships, church, and God? There is something within each of us that notifies us that we have not arrived yet and yet we strive as little “Martha’s” to work hard to achieve whatever it is we think we are suppose to achieve only to learn that we have not achieved it at all!
What is the answer then? Do we quit striving to fulfill the inward desire to look like “Abba (Daddy) God”? No! I believe the answer is simply to do as the Apostle John teaches; do the next thing in love. John announces Christ deity with His opening declaration of his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word”. When we recognize that Christ lives in us, it becomes increasingly easy to allow Christ to live through us.
The world won’t know you are Christian by how many times a week you go to church or by how many Scripture verses you memorize. They won’t know you are “Christian” by whether or not you are “born-again’, baptized or Spirit-filled. They could care less whether you cut your hair, avoid R-Rated Movies or listen to Rock n Roll. I hate to tell you Preachers, but the world isn’t impressed by your plastic smiles, your college degrees or how well you can preach; they don’t even care if you preach; but they will know we are Christians by our LOVE.
Who is it that takes the hand of the dirty homeless man and sees in him the business man he was meant to be? Who is it that kisses the cheek of the promiscuous AIDS infected girl and looks into her eyes to tell her she’s virginal princess in the eyes of her Eternal Father? Who is it that gives away his bill money to pay the bills of another, (perhaps reckless) young couple? Who is it that cares for the widows, feeds the orphans and believes that basic human needs are more important than a glistening steeple, polished church van or new stained-glass windows? I’ll tell you who; the Christian; the man or woman who has looked into the face of love, been touched by the hands of love and has been carried by the arms of love; not when they had “made it”, but as they stumbled along still hurt and broken.
Do you know where to find mercy? You find mercy at the feet of those who have received mercy. Whether or not your lips have never touched alcohol or cigarettes or the lips of a loose woman do not matter nearly as much as whether you have ever really touched the heart of God and allowed Him to touch the lives others do not want to touch. True faith is NOT about religion, true faith is about RELATIONSHIP; with God and with others. Christianity does not begin with us - it begins with Christ. It begins and is and is nothing if it is not love. Amen!
Monday, June 22, 2009
THE LORD PROTECTS
“THE LORD PROTECTS THE UPRIGHT BUT DESTROYS THE WICKED.” PROVERBS 10:29
In this age of “reason”, such a statement pricks our souls. In a world of grey, such division of black and white seems impractical if not unwise. Yet to those of us who have been bought with a price, there is comfort in knowing that God is on our side. Still, we who have experienced and are experiencing still the wondrous range of God’s mercy and grace it seems difficult to imagine such a loving God pouring out destruction.
Still we must remember that the wicked are wicked by choice. Born as they were, as we were, within their sin; they have neglected opportunity to turn from their sin and in their negligence of not making a choice they have indeed chosen to remain within the ranks of the damned.
God’s Word is given to us to remind us that we still must choose or suffer the consequences of making no choice. There is a continual purging of wickedness from this earth and yet it seems wickedness often prevails, however wickedness is not lasting, while in fact; as they are cast out into eternal torment, God protects the righteous who live forever.
Our sensibilities dislike hearing such truth, but it is indeed the truth which sets man free; free from his own self-destroying wickedness as well giving the opportunity for eternal abundant life righteously lived with God.
God does not choose to destroy the wicked; the wicked choose to be wicked knowing that such a choice brings promised destruction, such as choosing too live righteously carries with it the promise of God’s protection.
How do you choose today?
In this age of “reason”, such a statement pricks our souls. In a world of grey, such division of black and white seems impractical if not unwise. Yet to those of us who have been bought with a price, there is comfort in knowing that God is on our side. Still, we who have experienced and are experiencing still the wondrous range of God’s mercy and grace it seems difficult to imagine such a loving God pouring out destruction.
Still we must remember that the wicked are wicked by choice. Born as they were, as we were, within their sin; they have neglected opportunity to turn from their sin and in their negligence of not making a choice they have indeed chosen to remain within the ranks of the damned.
God’s Word is given to us to remind us that we still must choose or suffer the consequences of making no choice. There is a continual purging of wickedness from this earth and yet it seems wickedness often prevails, however wickedness is not lasting, while in fact; as they are cast out into eternal torment, God protects the righteous who live forever.
Our sensibilities dislike hearing such truth, but it is indeed the truth which sets man free; free from his own self-destroying wickedness as well giving the opportunity for eternal abundant life righteously lived with God.
God does not choose to destroy the wicked; the wicked choose to be wicked knowing that such a choice brings promised destruction, such as choosing too live righteously carries with it the promise of God’s protection.
How do you choose today?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
CHOOSE
“CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE” JOSHUA 24:15
You and I must make a daily choice; whom will you serve? Will you choose to walk in the precepts of God or do you choose to serve the flesh? Do you choose to embrace the laws of God or do you choose to ignore His’ precepts?
I can almost hear the critic saying, but I made my choice long ago, why must I make it again? The short answer is that temptation did not quit on the first day you chose to live for Christ. I am not saying you need to be saved anew each day, Christ has paid the price for the salvation you have received however, I am saying you must make a conscious decision to live that salvation daily. However temptation to sin is but one tributary of a many rivers one must continually, spiritually navigate. Other choices we must make define our lives. Our integrity is known by the depth of our conscious living choices.
Just as a believer should retire each day by asking, “What did I do for God today?” “We should also begin each day by asking, “What will I do for God today?” How can I be a blessing to others today? What good thing will I do to allow the love of God to shine through me?”
As Christians we are to shine forth the glory of God, but far too often the grime of this world hides our lights. We can try to clean the outside of our lives by practicing religion, but religion will not allow others to see God in you. Or we can earnestly seek to love God with all we are and our neighbors as ourselves and those choices will allow the Holy Ghost to cleanse us from the inside out. It will also allow others to see Christ in us.
Some, perhaps you; have recently been going through the motion of going to church, but you aren’t really excited about God right now. For some, it was difficult for you to open this devotion; you just aren’t interested, but it is for you this devotion is given; “CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE” AMEN!
As you read this, Donna Williams is having a triple bypass of her heart performed at Riverside Hospital. Pray for Donna and her husband, Mark. Amen
You and I must make a daily choice; whom will you serve? Will you choose to walk in the precepts of God or do you choose to serve the flesh? Do you choose to embrace the laws of God or do you choose to ignore His’ precepts?
I can almost hear the critic saying, but I made my choice long ago, why must I make it again? The short answer is that temptation did not quit on the first day you chose to live for Christ. I am not saying you need to be saved anew each day, Christ has paid the price for the salvation you have received however, I am saying you must make a conscious decision to live that salvation daily. However temptation to sin is but one tributary of a many rivers one must continually, spiritually navigate. Other choices we must make define our lives. Our integrity is known by the depth of our conscious living choices.
Just as a believer should retire each day by asking, “What did I do for God today?” “We should also begin each day by asking, “What will I do for God today?” How can I be a blessing to others today? What good thing will I do to allow the love of God to shine through me?”
As Christians we are to shine forth the glory of God, but far too often the grime of this world hides our lights. We can try to clean the outside of our lives by practicing religion, but religion will not allow others to see God in you. Or we can earnestly seek to love God with all we are and our neighbors as ourselves and those choices will allow the Holy Ghost to cleanse us from the inside out. It will also allow others to see Christ in us.
Some, perhaps you; have recently been going through the motion of going to church, but you aren’t really excited about God right now. For some, it was difficult for you to open this devotion; you just aren’t interested, but it is for you this devotion is given; “CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE” AMEN!
As you read this, Donna Williams is having a triple bypass of her heart performed at Riverside Hospital. Pray for Donna and her husband, Mark. Amen
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
DAY OF RECKONING
“WHAT WILL YOU DO ON THE DAY OF RECKONING, WHEN DISATER COMES FROM AFAR? TO WHOM WILL YOU RUN FOR HELP? WHERE WILLYOU LEAVE YOUR RICHES” Isaiah 10:3
The prophet Isaiah was not so much asking questions as he was giving his listeners an opportunity to think. Notice his premise is not whether or not trouble will ever become present; his premise is “when” trouble comes, then what?
He asks; what will you do? Who will you turn to? All the possessions you have worked all your life to accumulate; where will they go?
Whether we are facing calamity or the end of the world or even death itself, there is a day of reckoning for each one of us. “Day of reckoning” means the day of a settling of accounts. There is a day coming when the score is settled; everything you have said, thought and done will be taken into account and the score will be settled. Some people call it Karma, but I believe Jesus addresses this law when He says, “GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU: GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER WILL BE PUT INTO YOUR BOSSOM. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU.” LUKE 6:38
I know we most often associate this verse as a pleasant promise of blessings being returned for blessings and I believe that’s true, but think of it, if “THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH”. What you accumulate through sin is what you’ve earned, payday is coming!
If you want financial blessings; give. If you want mercy: give mercy. If you want to live in peace; be a peacemaker. If you want kind words spoken of you; speak kindly of others. If you want a friend; be friendly. If you wanted to be loved; love. Granted you may be persecuted in spite of righteousness or rather because of it, but even then Jesus says when you are, you are blessed!
Payday is coming and we have “ALL SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD”, so “TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION”. Rather than wait until the day of reckoning (which can come at any moment for anyone of us), you need to turn now to God and repent of your sin; you need to flee temptation and run headlong into the will of God for your life! Jesus said,”IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, BUT I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD”, so why not turn to Him now while you can? You may not have time to “Get Ready”, so you must live ready!As certainly as you are alive and reading this, an account is being made of what you think, say, and do. You need Christ’s forgiveness and salvation otherwise, allow me to echo the Prophet, “WHAT WILL YOU DO ON THE DAY OF RECKONING, WHEN DISATER COMES FROM AFAR? TO WHOM WILL YOU RUN FOR HELP? WHERE WILLYOU LEAVE YOUR RICHES” Think about it – do something about it, now. Amen!
PLEASE PRAY, A LADY IN OUR CHURCH;DONNA WILLIAMS IS SCHEDULED FOR A DOUBLE BYPASS TOMORROW
The prophet Isaiah was not so much asking questions as he was giving his listeners an opportunity to think. Notice his premise is not whether or not trouble will ever become present; his premise is “when” trouble comes, then what?
He asks; what will you do? Who will you turn to? All the possessions you have worked all your life to accumulate; where will they go?
Whether we are facing calamity or the end of the world or even death itself, there is a day of reckoning for each one of us. “Day of reckoning” means the day of a settling of accounts. There is a day coming when the score is settled; everything you have said, thought and done will be taken into account and the score will be settled. Some people call it Karma, but I believe Jesus addresses this law when He says, “GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU: GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER WILL BE PUT INTO YOUR BOSSOM. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU.” LUKE 6:38
I know we most often associate this verse as a pleasant promise of blessings being returned for blessings and I believe that’s true, but think of it, if “THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH”. What you accumulate through sin is what you’ve earned, payday is coming!
If you want financial blessings; give. If you want mercy: give mercy. If you want to live in peace; be a peacemaker. If you want kind words spoken of you; speak kindly of others. If you want a friend; be friendly. If you wanted to be loved; love. Granted you may be persecuted in spite of righteousness or rather because of it, but even then Jesus says when you are, you are blessed!
Payday is coming and we have “ALL SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD”, so “TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION”. Rather than wait until the day of reckoning (which can come at any moment for anyone of us), you need to turn now to God and repent of your sin; you need to flee temptation and run headlong into the will of God for your life! Jesus said,”IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, BUT I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD”, so why not turn to Him now while you can? You may not have time to “Get Ready”, so you must live ready!As certainly as you are alive and reading this, an account is being made of what you think, say, and do. You need Christ’s forgiveness and salvation otherwise, allow me to echo the Prophet, “WHAT WILL YOU DO ON THE DAY OF RECKONING, WHEN DISATER COMES FROM AFAR? TO WHOM WILL YOU RUN FOR HELP? WHERE WILLYOU LEAVE YOUR RICHES” Think about it – do something about it, now. Amen!
PLEASE PRAY, A LADY IN OUR CHURCH;DONNA WILLIAMS IS SCHEDULED FOR A DOUBLE BYPASS TOMORROW
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A COMMAND
“MY SON, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS.” PROVERBS 23:26
God’s ways do not change. The Father who has given us life has also given us the way to best preserve that life. His laws are not to prevent us from enjoying life; just the opposite; His ways lead to abundant life and that life eternal.
Natural man cannot understand the restraints of God. In fact natural man cannot understand restraints at all. His heart cries for freedom, but what natural man perceives as freedom is the desire for those things which would enslave us. Without boundaries there is no freedom only chaos and destruction. Natural man left to his own devices is inclined toward sin and death. It is the Christ who says, “HE WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED!”
In as much as man’s heart longs for its own independence, his Creator desires liberty and joy and peace to reign supreme in the heart of man. Where there is no disciple there is no peace. Yet God cries out, “MY SON, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS.”
Does your heart belong to God? Do you awaken each day longing to bring Him Glory or do you awaken each day longing to find your own pleasure? Do you begin each new day desiring to be a blessing to others or do you begin each day desiring to be blessed? Do you hungry and thirst after righteousness with God or are you concerned whether or not you are in right standing with God? God says “GIVE ME YOUR HEART”. Is your reply, “Lord my heart already belongs to you” or do you secretly say, “My heart is MINE”? If you place your own comfort, desires and wants before your love for God or the expression of that love toward others, you have already made such a proclamation.
“AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS”, I have said it before; the world says, “TAKE”, God says, “GIVE”. What are the ways of Jehovah God? How does He look upon His Creation? How did God in flesh live while among us? The surely the example has been set. To truly observe indicates more than just seeing. To observe is to see and to do; to recognize and to duplicate; to put into practice what you have seen.
In what ways are you observing the ways of your God? Is your love unconditional; as His love is? Are you slow to anger and quick to forgive as Our God is? Are you more concerned about the needs of those who hurt you and abuse you or deny you? Are you persistent in your deliberate concern for those who hold no concern for you?
Consider these thoughts and hear your Heavenly Father say to you this day, “MY SON, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS.” AMEN!
God’s ways do not change. The Father who has given us life has also given us the way to best preserve that life. His laws are not to prevent us from enjoying life; just the opposite; His ways lead to abundant life and that life eternal.
Natural man cannot understand the restraints of God. In fact natural man cannot understand restraints at all. His heart cries for freedom, but what natural man perceives as freedom is the desire for those things which would enslave us. Without boundaries there is no freedom only chaos and destruction. Natural man left to his own devices is inclined toward sin and death. It is the Christ who says, “HE WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED!”
In as much as man’s heart longs for its own independence, his Creator desires liberty and joy and peace to reign supreme in the heart of man. Where there is no disciple there is no peace. Yet God cries out, “MY SON, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS.”
Does your heart belong to God? Do you awaken each day longing to bring Him Glory or do you awaken each day longing to find your own pleasure? Do you begin each new day desiring to be a blessing to others or do you begin each day desiring to be blessed? Do you hungry and thirst after righteousness with God or are you concerned whether or not you are in right standing with God? God says “GIVE ME YOUR HEART”. Is your reply, “Lord my heart already belongs to you” or do you secretly say, “My heart is MINE”? If you place your own comfort, desires and wants before your love for God or the expression of that love toward others, you have already made such a proclamation.
“AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS”, I have said it before; the world says, “TAKE”, God says, “GIVE”. What are the ways of Jehovah God? How does He look upon His Creation? How did God in flesh live while among us? The surely the example has been set. To truly observe indicates more than just seeing. To observe is to see and to do; to recognize and to duplicate; to put into practice what you have seen.
In what ways are you observing the ways of your God? Is your love unconditional; as His love is? Are you slow to anger and quick to forgive as Our God is? Are you more concerned about the needs of those who hurt you and abuse you or deny you? Are you persistent in your deliberate concern for those who hold no concern for you?
Consider these thoughts and hear your Heavenly Father say to you this day, “MY SON, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, AND LET YOUR EYES OBSERVE MY WAYS.” AMEN!
Monday, June 15, 2009
LIFE IS A SURPRISE PARTY
Life is a surprise party; we didn’t know that it would happen, but one day we realized our existence and conscious living began.
It doesn’t matter so much what we decide to do with our lives if we never understand that life is bigger than our own choices. If our reality is that we are somehow responsible for our own lives than we tend to live selfishly. If however, e embrace the truth that our lives are a gift from God to be used for the betterment of others to His Glory; we gain a totally different perspective of what it means to be alive.
Changed as well is our definition of success; suddenly “the one who dies with the most wins philosophy” is null and void and possessions lose their value compared to caring for one another. Once a man realizes that he is indeed his brother’s keeper how can he find any pleasure in his own abundance if others around him remain in need? Success is measured more by what is freely given than by what one accumulates for himself. When the character of Christ is replaces our own selfish natures what we value changes. The importance of temporal things diminishes while the eternal good of others, even before our own desires increases.
Work becomes ministry and a means to touch other lives; a conduit by which makes God makes Him known through us. Commerce becomes the podium and our lives become the sermons for a lost and dying world who will never entertain the practice of entering a “Church’.
Reality “Church” is wherever God’s people are living in right-standing with God; when we walk in righteousness for His name’s sake, men are drawn unto our Eternal God.
Life is a surprise party; in immaturity we can protest that we never asked to be born or we can be thankful for the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked, grateful for the opportunity to serve our God through the lives we live.
Today is a good day to reflect the Glory of God. Amen!
It doesn’t matter so much what we decide to do with our lives if we never understand that life is bigger than our own choices. If our reality is that we are somehow responsible for our own lives than we tend to live selfishly. If however, e embrace the truth that our lives are a gift from God to be used for the betterment of others to His Glory; we gain a totally different perspective of what it means to be alive.
Changed as well is our definition of success; suddenly “the one who dies with the most wins philosophy” is null and void and possessions lose their value compared to caring for one another. Once a man realizes that he is indeed his brother’s keeper how can he find any pleasure in his own abundance if others around him remain in need? Success is measured more by what is freely given than by what one accumulates for himself. When the character of Christ is replaces our own selfish natures what we value changes. The importance of temporal things diminishes while the eternal good of others, even before our own desires increases.
Work becomes ministry and a means to touch other lives; a conduit by which makes God makes Him known through us. Commerce becomes the podium and our lives become the sermons for a lost and dying world who will never entertain the practice of entering a “Church’.
Reality “Church” is wherever God’s people are living in right-standing with God; when we walk in righteousness for His name’s sake, men are drawn unto our Eternal God.
Life is a surprise party; in immaturity we can protest that we never asked to be born or we can be thankful for the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked, grateful for the opportunity to serve our God through the lives we live.
Today is a good day to reflect the Glory of God. Amen!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I Know He Holds My Hand
When the light of day has vanishedand darkness closes in
When comfort is replaced with uncertainty
I know He holds my hand
When sorrow is met with sorrow
When I do not understand
When I feel I must stand all alone
I know He holds my hand
When I cannot breathe for weeping
When it seems I cannot standIt’s than I look within my heart
I know He holds my hand
When my friends have all abandoned me
Though I’ve done my best by them
I have a friend who never leaves
I know He holds my hand
Without doubt, I’ve ignore His warnings
Without doubt, followed my own plans
In as much as I have forsaken Him
I know still; He holds my hand
Gary L. Holman © Pending 2009
When comfort is replaced with uncertainty
I know He holds my hand
When sorrow is met with sorrow
When I do not understand
When I feel I must stand all alone
I know He holds my hand
When I cannot breathe for weeping
When it seems I cannot standIt’s than I look within my heart
I know He holds my hand
When my friends have all abandoned me
Though I’ve done my best by them
I have a friend who never leaves
I know He holds my hand
Without doubt, I’ve ignore His warnings
Without doubt, followed my own plans
In as much as I have forsaken Him
I know still; He holds my hand
Gary L. Holman © Pending 2009
as i see it
As I see it; each new day is both a blessing as well as a responsibility. Each dawning brings with the light of the new day the opportunity for you and me to choose to live for ourselves or to live for others; unto the Glory of God.
For certainly, I can spend my time making myself more comfortable or I can invest my time pouring myself into another life that he or she might see a bit of the Glory of God’s love.
The more unlikely the recipient; the greater opportunity for God to make Himself known. If I love someone who is lovely and loveable, I am no better than the pimps and the drug dealers, if I love the very one who is likely to use, abuse or curse me; than I am ripping asunder the very veil of darkness that enslaves that dear Soul.
If I feed one’s body or spirit or mind or heart than surely I am also touching the very Spirit and mind and heart of God. “WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHERN; I HAVE DONE IT UNTO MY GOD.”
Consider standing in line at the grocery is a grumpy grandmother of color and a young white man steps forward and without fanfare pays for her groceries, or if an young black man would step-up and hand $10.00 to the clerk for the shopper behind him, or a stressed-out mother was handed a few roses and a simple “God Bless You” as she left the market. What if the next time you’re eating out you pay the bill for the couple at the next table via your waitress? Consider the impact a simple act of kindness can generate.
The world has grown weary of “good deeds” done as advertising ploys and “free” services which are really a ploy for donations. Isn’t our God big enough to reveal Himself through our selfless acts done without promoting ourselves, our ministry or our church? The possibilities are endless; as are the opportunities, the question then becomes how often are you and I living only by our own agenda or for our own comfort? How often do you and I look for the opportunity to be a blessing?
As I see it; each new day is both a blessing as well as a responsibility. How are you going to live this day?
For certainly, I can spend my time making myself more comfortable or I can invest my time pouring myself into another life that he or she might see a bit of the Glory of God’s love.
The more unlikely the recipient; the greater opportunity for God to make Himself known. If I love someone who is lovely and loveable, I am no better than the pimps and the drug dealers, if I love the very one who is likely to use, abuse or curse me; than I am ripping asunder the very veil of darkness that enslaves that dear Soul.
If I feed one’s body or spirit or mind or heart than surely I am also touching the very Spirit and mind and heart of God. “WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHERN; I HAVE DONE IT UNTO MY GOD.”
Consider standing in line at the grocery is a grumpy grandmother of color and a young white man steps forward and without fanfare pays for her groceries, or if an young black man would step-up and hand $10.00 to the clerk for the shopper behind him, or a stressed-out mother was handed a few roses and a simple “God Bless You” as she left the market. What if the next time you’re eating out you pay the bill for the couple at the next table via your waitress? Consider the impact a simple act of kindness can generate.
The world has grown weary of “good deeds” done as advertising ploys and “free” services which are really a ploy for donations. Isn’t our God big enough to reveal Himself through our selfless acts done without promoting ourselves, our ministry or our church? The possibilities are endless; as are the opportunities, the question then becomes how often are you and I living only by our own agenda or for our own comfort? How often do you and I look for the opportunity to be a blessing?
As I see it; each new day is both a blessing as well as a responsibility. How are you going to live this day?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"FOLLOW ME"
“FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” MATTHEW 4:9
Notice in His exchange Jesus does not direct the soon-to-be disciples to the local religious leaders, nor does He direct them to the established religious centers.
He does not offer religion at all. These men had been steeped in religion, what they were in need of was a livening experience with the living God. Jesus gave the prescription for life in one simple command; just two words; “FOLLOW ME”.
He wasn’t hosting a teaching seminar or Jesus Rally. He didn’t offer DVD Teachings or a message series on tape, He didn’t have His own ‘authorized’ version of the law to sell or coffee mugs or T-shirts or even sanctified breath mints; in fact what Jesus did looks nothing like what most of Christianity looks like today.
What Jesus had to offer was ABUNDNAT LIFE and that He would purchase for one and all. He instructed His Disciples, ‘FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE”. Jesus didn’t preface His remarks with 30 minutes of praise, nor did He follow them by receiving an offering (now I’ve got some preachers attention), what He did His command with was what God always attaches to His commands; a promise.
In this case, Jesus says, “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” In other words, follow me and you will lead others who desire what they see what I have deposited in you. Jesus did not offer religion; He offered RELATIONSHIP. He said in so many words, “Come get to know me and I’ll introduce you to My Father and you will all be family!”
The call of Christ has never changed and the promise remains the same; “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN”
You may or may not like the package Jesus is most often seen to be a part of, but His gift remains the same and once you get past the fancy ribbons and gaudy paper, the present of eternal, abundant life is what you need.Listen carefully Jesus is speaking, “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” AMEN!
Notice in His exchange Jesus does not direct the soon-to-be disciples to the local religious leaders, nor does He direct them to the established religious centers.
He does not offer religion at all. These men had been steeped in religion, what they were in need of was a livening experience with the living God. Jesus gave the prescription for life in one simple command; just two words; “FOLLOW ME”.
He wasn’t hosting a teaching seminar or Jesus Rally. He didn’t offer DVD Teachings or a message series on tape, He didn’t have His own ‘authorized’ version of the law to sell or coffee mugs or T-shirts or even sanctified breath mints; in fact what Jesus did looks nothing like what most of Christianity looks like today.
What Jesus had to offer was ABUNDNAT LIFE and that He would purchase for one and all. He instructed His Disciples, ‘FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE”. Jesus didn’t preface His remarks with 30 minutes of praise, nor did He follow them by receiving an offering (now I’ve got some preachers attention), what He did His command with was what God always attaches to His commands; a promise.
In this case, Jesus says, “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” In other words, follow me and you will lead others who desire what they see what I have deposited in you. Jesus did not offer religion; He offered RELATIONSHIP. He said in so many words, “Come get to know me and I’ll introduce you to My Father and you will all be family!”
The call of Christ has never changed and the promise remains the same; “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN”
You may or may not like the package Jesus is most often seen to be a part of, but His gift remains the same and once you get past the fancy ribbons and gaudy paper, the present of eternal, abundant life is what you need.Listen carefully Jesus is speaking, “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN” AMEN!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Authentic Christianity
Ok; Call me crazy; call it a miracle; call it Déjà vu; call it a coincidence, but I was thinking of the direction the Lord is leading our church and I got a mental picture of an “ad” that sums it up with a picture and a few words.
The strange part is that I saw a particular picture in my mind. I carried the image and wording around in my head for a couple of days before I sat down last night to create the ad.
I found the exact image that I had in mind on the internet. I am not aware that I have seen it before at all, but I only scanned a few pages when the picture I had seen in my mind’s eye popped-up. As I started to type, rather than my normal default font the words began appearing in the font I saw in my mind’s eye.
Like I said, Call me crazy; call it a miracle; call it Déjà vu ; call it a coincidence, but it’s little things like this that assure me daily that God is leading us. If the picture had been “kinda close” or the lettering looked almost the same, but this is exactly what I saw.
The message is the same as we have been using; “STOP GOING TO CHURCH; COME BE THE CHURCH”, but I like the humor this shows. Do you understand what we are saying? We are striving to be as close to the Acts Church as possible; we don’t want to establish a religious institution of “Christian” programs; we want to be the Body of Christ through whom individual lives are changed. Someone else suggested that we advertise, “THIS ISN’T YOUR MOMMA’S CHURCH” which says it as well.
We want you to come, but don’t expect a “regular church meeting”, there may or may not be music; we sit in a circle facing one another and the service is interactive; meaning I share with lots of room of comments, questions and explanations. We only go about an hour, but that hour is without announcements or programs or “down time”. We meet and wait on God; we receive and we go out into our world to do the ministry; Compassion born from within community.
Above is the ad – let me know what you think. Pastor Gary
The strange part is that I saw a particular picture in my mind. I carried the image and wording around in my head for a couple of days before I sat down last night to create the ad.
I found the exact image that I had in mind on the internet. I am not aware that I have seen it before at all, but I only scanned a few pages when the picture I had seen in my mind’s eye popped-up. As I started to type, rather than my normal default font the words began appearing in the font I saw in my mind’s eye.
Like I said, Call me crazy; call it a miracle; call it Déjà vu ; call it a coincidence, but it’s little things like this that assure me daily that God is leading us. If the picture had been “kinda close” or the lettering looked almost the same, but this is exactly what I saw.
The message is the same as we have been using; “STOP GOING TO CHURCH; COME BE THE CHURCH”, but I like the humor this shows. Do you understand what we are saying? We are striving to be as close to the Acts Church as possible; we don’t want to establish a religious institution of “Christian” programs; we want to be the Body of Christ through whom individual lives are changed. Someone else suggested that we advertise, “THIS ISN’T YOUR MOMMA’S CHURCH” which says it as well.
We want you to come, but don’t expect a “regular church meeting”, there may or may not be music; we sit in a circle facing one another and the service is interactive; meaning I share with lots of room of comments, questions and explanations. We only go about an hour, but that hour is without announcements or programs or “down time”. We meet and wait on God; we receive and we go out into our world to do the ministry; Compassion born from within community.
Above is the ad – let me know what you think. Pastor Gary
Friday, June 5, 2009
"he's not just my Pastor - he's more like a brother!"
“A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES, AND A BROTHER IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” PROVERBS 17:17
“He’s not just my Pastor; he’s more than a friend; he’s more like a brother”; spoken to a church visitor, spoken about me, spoken by a member I did indeed count as a friend. Ironically, she quit the church that same week and I haven’t seen or heard from her since.
Those words, her voice have haunted me for the largest part of the past year. In spite of my resolve to move on, my heart aches when I think of the “friends” who have moved in and out of my life.
The truth is that I have been more fortunate than most. I do have friends who I have had all my life. I have friends, I do not see or speak to everyday, but the mere remembrance of them brings a smile to my face and encouragement to my heart. With a few major exceptions, most of them predate my ministry days and I suspect will be there when all I have shepherd have forgotten me.
We live in an egocentric world. We define love by “what’s in it for me?” We define commitment by our level of current contentment. Our relationships don’t last, our jobs don’t last, our marriages don’t last, our church memberships don’t last, our friendships don’t last; but we comfort ourselves saying, “It’s not me – it’s everyone else!”
Listen to how God defines friendship; “A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES, AND A BROTHER IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” Do you understand there is NO SUCH THING AS A FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND? If you’re not down with me for the struggle, than you’re not down with me at all. (How’s that for modern lingo?)At a time when the first disciples were concerned about people quitting the “First Church of Jesus”, listen to what Jesus said, “THEY WENT OUT FROM US, BUT THEY WERE NOT OF US; FOR IF THEY HAD BEEN OF US, THEY WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE CONTINUED WITH US; BUT THEY WENT OUT, THAT IT MIGHT BE KNOWN THAT THEY WERE NOT ALL OF US” 1 John 2:19
Pastors around the world receive this devotion for encouragement, so please allow me to speak to you a moment; we all know the feeling of rejection that comes after you have poured your life into the lives of people only to have those people walk away (usually after they are better), any man or woman knows how we tend to depend upon the sweet counsel of friends; PROVERBS 27:9 says “THE HEARTFELT COUNSEL OF A FRIEND IS AS SWEET AS PERFUME AND INCENSE” , for your health, for the health of your family and for the health of your ministry, please realize we are going to experience only what Our Elder Brother has experienced before us. Hurt as it may, there is only one proper response, bless them, let them go in love.
At times, like this time for me; you will have no idea why you have been abandoned; you will be haunted by past promises of loyalty and commitment. We understand that the Bible says, “BEWARE WHEN ALL MEN SPEAK WELL OF YOU”, but yet each time we want to believe the expressions of love are sincere; remember the same people who welcomed Jesus later cried “crucify Him”, the very followers who proclaimed Him Lord and King, chose the ungodly Barabbas to live and condemned Christ to die, the same people who bowed before Jesus; some of whom he had healed, some, whom He had fed, most of whom He had invested His very physical life into later nailed Him to the cross,.
You will have many acquaintances throughout life and ministry, but very few friends indeed; you needn’t worry about which they are for in time they will reveal it to you themselves. “A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES, AND A BROTHER IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” Cherish the few friends who come into your life; as I wrote some time ago; friendship is a sacred trust, when broken it offends both God and man. Amen!
“He’s not just my Pastor; he’s more than a friend; he’s more like a brother”; spoken to a church visitor, spoken about me, spoken by a member I did indeed count as a friend. Ironically, she quit the church that same week and I haven’t seen or heard from her since.
Those words, her voice have haunted me for the largest part of the past year. In spite of my resolve to move on, my heart aches when I think of the “friends” who have moved in and out of my life.
The truth is that I have been more fortunate than most. I do have friends who I have had all my life. I have friends, I do not see or speak to everyday, but the mere remembrance of them brings a smile to my face and encouragement to my heart. With a few major exceptions, most of them predate my ministry days and I suspect will be there when all I have shepherd have forgotten me.
We live in an egocentric world. We define love by “what’s in it for me?” We define commitment by our level of current contentment. Our relationships don’t last, our jobs don’t last, our marriages don’t last, our church memberships don’t last, our friendships don’t last; but we comfort ourselves saying, “It’s not me – it’s everyone else!”
Listen to how God defines friendship; “A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES, AND A BROTHER IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” Do you understand there is NO SUCH THING AS A FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND? If you’re not down with me for the struggle, than you’re not down with me at all. (How’s that for modern lingo?)At a time when the first disciples were concerned about people quitting the “First Church of Jesus”, listen to what Jesus said, “THEY WENT OUT FROM US, BUT THEY WERE NOT OF US; FOR IF THEY HAD BEEN OF US, THEY WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE CONTINUED WITH US; BUT THEY WENT OUT, THAT IT MIGHT BE KNOWN THAT THEY WERE NOT ALL OF US” 1 John 2:19
Pastors around the world receive this devotion for encouragement, so please allow me to speak to you a moment; we all know the feeling of rejection that comes after you have poured your life into the lives of people only to have those people walk away (usually after they are better), any man or woman knows how we tend to depend upon the sweet counsel of friends; PROVERBS 27:9 says “THE HEARTFELT COUNSEL OF A FRIEND IS AS SWEET AS PERFUME AND INCENSE” , for your health, for the health of your family and for the health of your ministry, please realize we are going to experience only what Our Elder Brother has experienced before us. Hurt as it may, there is only one proper response, bless them, let them go in love.
At times, like this time for me; you will have no idea why you have been abandoned; you will be haunted by past promises of loyalty and commitment. We understand that the Bible says, “BEWARE WHEN ALL MEN SPEAK WELL OF YOU”, but yet each time we want to believe the expressions of love are sincere; remember the same people who welcomed Jesus later cried “crucify Him”, the very followers who proclaimed Him Lord and King, chose the ungodly Barabbas to live and condemned Christ to die, the same people who bowed before Jesus; some of whom he had healed, some, whom He had fed, most of whom He had invested His very physical life into later nailed Him to the cross,.
You will have many acquaintances throughout life and ministry, but very few friends indeed; you needn’t worry about which they are for in time they will reveal it to you themselves. “A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES, AND A BROTHER IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” Cherish the few friends who come into your life; as I wrote some time ago; friendship is a sacred trust, when broken it offends both God and man. Amen!
Monday, June 1, 2009
THE CHOICE
“SEE, I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU THIS DAY LIFE AND GOOD, AND DEATH AND EVIL” DUETERONOMY 30:15
“FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” ROMANS 6:23
God has set before man a simple choice; seek Him and live or deny Him and die. God says, “you can do what I know will give you the best life possible and live eternally or you can choose to find your own way, suffer throughout this existence and be damned forever without relief.”
Such a simple truth that is central throughout the Word of God is so often neglected by the pulpiteers of today. Why; could it be that such a stark message does not assure a preacher’s popularity.
Men love to hear how good they are. They love the unconditional assurance of good life and Heaven, however who wants to hear about sin and death? Such preaching will never build bigger buildings or buy cars or new robes for that matter, but with men lost and dying, shouldn’t we be warning them of Hell before they find out all too late of it’s existence?
Preachers, we should be shouting from the rooftops, “Choose Life - Choose Christ!” Some of us preach as though we’re afraid of offending the devil himself. We have too often forgotten that the eternal soul of man is at stake!
Believer, Christ has called you also to “GO UNTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL”. The word “Gospel” means “Good News!” We hold the Good News that God has a better way and it leads to life eternal. Whom have you told lately? If you are afraid of turning them away from God; realize this, if they are not following Him, they have already turned away from Him. Are you afraid to speak the truth in love because they might go to a hotter Hell? Saved is saved and lost is lost and if one isn’t saved they are already lost!
Hear the Word of God; it applies to you and to everyone you meet, know and love; “SEE, I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU THIS DAY LIFE AND GOOD, AND DEATH AND EVIL” DUETERONOMY 30:15
“FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” ROMANS 6:23
God has set before man a simple choice; seek Him and live or deny Him and die. God says, “you can do what I know will give you the best life possible and live eternally or you can choose to find your own way, suffer throughout this existence and be damned forever without relief.”
Such a simple truth that is central throughout the Word of God is so often neglected by the pulpiteers of today. Why; could it be that such a stark message does not assure a preacher’s popularity.
Men love to hear how good they are. They love the unconditional assurance of good life and Heaven, however who wants to hear about sin and death? Such preaching will never build bigger buildings or buy cars or new robes for that matter, but with men lost and dying, shouldn’t we be warning them of Hell before they find out all too late of it’s existence?
Preachers, we should be shouting from the rooftops, “Choose Life - Choose Christ!” Some of us preach as though we’re afraid of offending the devil himself. We have too often forgotten that the eternal soul of man is at stake!
Believer, Christ has called you also to “GO UNTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL”. The word “Gospel” means “Good News!” We hold the Good News that God has a better way and it leads to life eternal. Whom have you told lately? If you are afraid of turning them away from God; realize this, if they are not following Him, they have already turned away from Him. Are you afraid to speak the truth in love because they might go to a hotter Hell? Saved is saved and lost is lost and if one isn’t saved they are already lost!
Hear the Word of God; it applies to you and to everyone you meet, know and love; “SEE, I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU THIS DAY LIFE AND GOOD, AND DEATH AND EVIL” DUETERONOMY 30:15
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