Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth
David was a refugee in an enemy territory running from a mad king who was trying to murder him. He could have easily cried out in complaint questioning why God had allowed these things to occur in his life. But instead, during one the most difficult times of his life David made this incredible declaration:
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Ps. 34:1
Through David we can learn these basic principles of gratitude.
• Gratitude is a matter of the heart and not the circumstances surrounding you.
• Gratitude is a matter of choice which reveals the condition of the heart within in you.
• Gratitude is a matter of perspective which reveals how you see the circumstances around you.
• Gratitude is a matter of the mind which reveals how you understand the God who created you.
David simply chose not to allow tough times to rob him of the joy of praising God, but instead turned his trials into praise which then turned his potential fear into hope and sadness into joy. Friends, each of us can do the very same regardless of the circumstance. The spirit of gratitude will change your life and will make every day a good day and every circumstance a matter of thanksgiving. I am reminded of a these thoughts on the subject of thanksgiving by Pastor Troy Mason…
I am Thankful for......... ....the taxes I pay ....because it means I’m employed. ....the clothes that fit a little too snug ....because it means I have enough to eat. ....my shadow who watches me work ....because it means I am out in the sunshine. ....a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and ....gutters that need fixing ....because it means I have a home. ....the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot ....because it means I am capable of walking. ....my huge heating bill ....because it means I am warm. ....all the complaining I hear about our government ....because it means we have freedom of speech. ....the lady behind me in church who sings off key. ....because it means that I can hear. ....the piles of laundry and ironing ....because it means my loved ones are nearby. ....the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours ....because it means that I’m alive. ....weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day ....because it means I have been productive. The art of thanksliving. It is gratitude in action. It is thanking God for the gift of life by living it triumphantly. It is thanking God for your talents and abilities by accepting them as obligations to be invested for the common good. It is thanking God for all that men and women have done for you by doing things for others. It is thanking God for happiness by striving to make others happy. It is thanking God for beauty by helping to make the world more beautiful. It is thanking God for inspiration by trying to be an inspiration to others.”
Let us each learn to live daily with the spirit of thanksgiving and an attitude of gratitude. This will allow us to give God the glory He is due and will allow us to experience the simple joy of finding God’s hand in everything. He is an incredible God in the good and the bad. Let us bless Him at all times.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Prosperity of the Soul
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2
Much is being spoken of today on the subject of prosperity. The self-help sections of bookstores are crammed with books teaching us how to become more prosperous or rich. Obviously, prosperity “sells” as it is the major theme of much of today’s preaching. This subject dominates Christian broadcasting programming. But material prosperity is not that which is spoken of by Christ Jesus and the apostles. It is something more precious.
The apostle John was also a prosperity preacher but not in the same vein of today’s materialistic crowd. He desired above all things for his readers to experience prosperity: prosperity of the soul. One is never more rich than when one overflows with prosperous soul. Such a soul flourishes with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithulness, meekness and self-control. Understandably, the soul that prospers is the soul the overflows with happiness and enjoys life each day regardless of the circumstance.
The world cannot offer this type of prosperity nor can materials provide such satisfaction in life although many chase its counterfeit glimmer. Yet, prosperity of the soul is available to all regardless of economic, educational or cultural status. It can be found through Christ and His Word. I am reminded of the words spoken through Joshua before the children of Israel entered the Promised Land as he reminded them, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Let us all desire being rich in the soul as it is available to all. The world can’t give it and the world can’t take it away.
Much is being spoken of today on the subject of prosperity. The self-help sections of bookstores are crammed with books teaching us how to become more prosperous or rich. Obviously, prosperity “sells” as it is the major theme of much of today’s preaching. This subject dominates Christian broadcasting programming. But material prosperity is not that which is spoken of by Christ Jesus and the apostles. It is something more precious.
The apostle John was also a prosperity preacher but not in the same vein of today’s materialistic crowd. He desired above all things for his readers to experience prosperity: prosperity of the soul. One is never more rich than when one overflows with prosperous soul. Such a soul flourishes with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithulness, meekness and self-control. Understandably, the soul that prospers is the soul the overflows with happiness and enjoys life each day regardless of the circumstance.
The world cannot offer this type of prosperity nor can materials provide such satisfaction in life although many chase its counterfeit glimmer. Yet, prosperity of the soul is available to all regardless of economic, educational or cultural status. It can be found through Christ and His Word. I am reminded of the words spoken through Joshua before the children of Israel entered the Promised Land as he reminded them, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Let us all desire being rich in the soul as it is available to all. The world can’t give it and the world can’t take it away.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Never Forsaken
Psalm 22:1-3 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Being forsaken is one of the deepest pains to cut the human soul. The agony of rejection and aloneness pierces deep within the inner being. Our God has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us, yet the psalmist David, who was a man after God’s own heart, cried out in his feelings of forsakenness. And Jesus, God’s only Son, uttered these same prophetic words as He hung between heaven and hell crying out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” No more painful words have ever been spoken. Has God forgotten His promise or even worse has He been found unfaithful? God forbid. God is faithful. His promise to never to leave us nor forsake us was made to His redeemed children and not to Christ. Jesus was forsaken that we would never be. There will be times in our Christian pilgrimage that we may feel forsaken, but our Heavenly Father is always there. He may even lead us to these deserts of trial. These are times of testing. These dark times are not for us to test God’s faithfulness but for Him to test our faithfulness. Will we still trust Him even when we cannot see Him? Will we say as the psalmist in these tough times, “Yet, You are holy” which confirmed in his spirit “My God can do no wrong.”
Being forsaken is one of the deepest pains to cut the human soul. The agony of rejection and aloneness pierces deep within the inner being. Our God has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us, yet the psalmist David, who was a man after God’s own heart, cried out in his feelings of forsakenness. And Jesus, God’s only Son, uttered these same prophetic words as He hung between heaven and hell crying out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” No more painful words have ever been spoken. Has God forgotten His promise or even worse has He been found unfaithful? God forbid. God is faithful. His promise to never to leave us nor forsake us was made to His redeemed children and not to Christ. Jesus was forsaken that we would never be. There will be times in our Christian pilgrimage that we may feel forsaken, but our Heavenly Father is always there. He may even lead us to these deserts of trial. These are times of testing. These dark times are not for us to test God’s faithfulness but for Him to test our faithfulness. Will we still trust Him even when we cannot see Him? Will we say as the psalmist in these tough times, “Yet, You are holy” which confirmed in his spirit “My God can do no wrong.”
All Things Are In His Hands
Daniel 8:15,17 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.... 17 … But he said to me, "Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end."
God is God of the past, the present and the future. He knows all things and controls all things. He is the Sovereign Lord of all. Even before the onset of time and creation He decreed a plan for His creation; and He has the wisdom and the power to fulfill that plan. If He is not able, then He cannot be God; but He IS able. He allowed Daniel a glimpse of the future through visions to assure Daniel that He is in control even to the end of the world. This gave Daniel great peace and assurance knowing that He served the Sovereign Lord of all things, even the sitting up and the tearing down of kings were in His hands. Daniel did not need to understand all things. He only needed to understand that God understood and controlled all things. This should also give us great peace and comfort. God is in complete control of all things. He knows our beginning and He already knows our end. Therefore, why should we fret? Time and even the events of time are in His hands and His perfect plans will not falter.
God is God of the past, the present and the future. He knows all things and controls all things. He is the Sovereign Lord of all. Even before the onset of time and creation He decreed a plan for His creation; and He has the wisdom and the power to fulfill that plan. If He is not able, then He cannot be God; but He IS able. He allowed Daniel a glimpse of the future through visions to assure Daniel that He is in control even to the end of the world. This gave Daniel great peace and assurance knowing that He served the Sovereign Lord of all things, even the sitting up and the tearing down of kings were in His hands. Daniel did not need to understand all things. He only needed to understand that God understood and controlled all things. This should also give us great peace and comfort. God is in complete control of all things. He knows our beginning and He already knows our end. Therefore, why should we fret? Time and even the events of time are in His hands and His perfect plans will not falter.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Preparing for the Tough Times
Lamentations 3:26-27
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Life is full of trials, heartache and affliction. Some are a result of our own doing, some a result of another’s actions and some are of God’s design with reasons known only to Him (e.g. Job). Growing in age does not lessen the afflictions, and in some cases trials only intensify as with Jeremiah. The question is not “Will I encounter trials and afflictions?” for such is life in a sin corrupted world. The correct questions are “How will I handle trials and afflictions when they call?” “Will I react to difficult times with anxiety, doubt and emotional turmoil?” Or, “Will I respond with patient endurance strengthened by a quiet hope?” The answers to these questions will be closely related to one’s prior conditioning and preparation. Thus the old prophet weeps and muses as he looks over his beloved Jerusalem with a broken heart. Jerusalem, the once proud jewel of Israel with her impenetrable walls and magnificent temple which now laid in shambles, devastated by the judgment of God by the hands of the hated Babylonians. As he looks over such a pitiful carnage the old prophet explains, “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bears the yoke in his youth.” As Jeremiah experiences the deep pain of affliction he realizes that it is good for a man to experience the yoke of affliction while he is yet young to prepare him for the afflictions of tomorrow. This will teach him where to place his hope and how to wait quietly on the Lord. These are lessons learned only by experience, but lessons which need to learned so that one can navigate and endure the hardships which life brings. Therefore, let us not run away from pain. The brush fires of today will prepare us for the raging forest fires of tomorrow.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Life is full of trials, heartache and affliction. Some are a result of our own doing, some a result of another’s actions and some are of God’s design with reasons known only to Him (e.g. Job). Growing in age does not lessen the afflictions, and in some cases trials only intensify as with Jeremiah. The question is not “Will I encounter trials and afflictions?” for such is life in a sin corrupted world. The correct questions are “How will I handle trials and afflictions when they call?” “Will I react to difficult times with anxiety, doubt and emotional turmoil?” Or, “Will I respond with patient endurance strengthened by a quiet hope?” The answers to these questions will be closely related to one’s prior conditioning and preparation. Thus the old prophet weeps and muses as he looks over his beloved Jerusalem with a broken heart. Jerusalem, the once proud jewel of Israel with her impenetrable walls and magnificent temple which now laid in shambles, devastated by the judgment of God by the hands of the hated Babylonians. As he looks over such a pitiful carnage the old prophet explains, “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bears the yoke in his youth.” As Jeremiah experiences the deep pain of affliction he realizes that it is good for a man to experience the yoke of affliction while he is yet young to prepare him for the afflictions of tomorrow. This will teach him where to place his hope and how to wait quietly on the Lord. These are lessons learned only by experience, but lessons which need to learned so that one can navigate and endure the hardships which life brings. Therefore, let us not run away from pain. The brush fires of today will prepare us for the raging forest fires of tomorrow.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Persistent Requests
Luke 11:8-9 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. 9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. NKJV
God is not required to meet our every personal desire anytime we ask. He is not a God on a string waiting to be pulled at our request. Sadly, many view our Lord in this way, yet in this manner we only wish to use God for our purposes. But God is concerned for our personal needs and does respond to those requests. Many times God chooses to wait in the midst of our petitions to test our sincerity. If our request is only for a personal desire of our flesh then soon the desire will change and thus our request. But if our request is for a valid need, then we will persistently make our request known to God as the need continues. This is the type of petition the Lord honors. He desires to meet our needs and the longing of our hearts (not of our flesh). We should present all of our true needs to the Father and be assured that He will hear us.
God is not required to meet our every personal desire anytime we ask. He is not a God on a string waiting to be pulled at our request. Sadly, many view our Lord in this way, yet in this manner we only wish to use God for our purposes. But God is concerned for our personal needs and does respond to those requests. Many times God chooses to wait in the midst of our petitions to test our sincerity. If our request is only for a personal desire of our flesh then soon the desire will change and thus our request. But if our request is for a valid need, then we will persistently make our request known to God as the need continues. This is the type of petition the Lord honors. He desires to meet our needs and the longing of our hearts (not of our flesh). We should present all of our true needs to the Father and be assured that He will hear us.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
God Stories
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20
The religious leaders of the day were confounded. Standing before them were two men whom they considered unlearned and ignorant, yet they had begun to turn Jerusalem upside down for Jesus Christ. These men wondered openly where these two fishermen from Galilee had obtained such power which Peter explained the power was in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter and John never spoke with eloquent words and polished speech as the respected teachers of their day, but they spoke in power of the things they had seen and heard. God had moved mightily in their lives and they were telling the “God Stories” which they had experienced and witnessed for themselves. These personal God stories brought flesh to message of Jesus Christ and resonated deep within the souls of those who heard. The message of Christ was no longer just another legend but through the passionate testimony of these messengers the story became real and believable. Again, it was not through eloquent speech, but simply through faithfully telling the story of what they had seen and heard. Peter and John should be an example for us all. They simply used the God stories of their own lives to proclaim the beautiful message of Jesus Christ. If you are truly born again, then you also have a God story you can tell. You do not have to wait until you become well versed in Scripture and evangelism techniques. Just tell your story with passion and you will be amazed at the power in your words. Tell your God stories to your children. They need to hear them and they want to know. Tell your God stories to your friends and co-workers. This makes God real and personal to them. You, too, can turn your personal world upside down by faithfully telling your God stories. People want to know what is making the difference in your life. Tell them! Oh yes, remember the blind man healed by Jesus? He didn’t know much but he had a God story. He simply proclaimed, “I was blind but now I see.”
The religious leaders of the day were confounded. Standing before them were two men whom they considered unlearned and ignorant, yet they had begun to turn Jerusalem upside down for Jesus Christ. These men wondered openly where these two fishermen from Galilee had obtained such power which Peter explained the power was in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter and John never spoke with eloquent words and polished speech as the respected teachers of their day, but they spoke in power of the things they had seen and heard. God had moved mightily in their lives and they were telling the “God Stories” which they had experienced and witnessed for themselves. These personal God stories brought flesh to message of Jesus Christ and resonated deep within the souls of those who heard. The message of Christ was no longer just another legend but through the passionate testimony of these messengers the story became real and believable. Again, it was not through eloquent speech, but simply through faithfully telling the story of what they had seen and heard. Peter and John should be an example for us all. They simply used the God stories of their own lives to proclaim the beautiful message of Jesus Christ. If you are truly born again, then you also have a God story you can tell. You do not have to wait until you become well versed in Scripture and evangelism techniques. Just tell your story with passion and you will be amazed at the power in your words. Tell your God stories to your children. They need to hear them and they want to know. Tell your God stories to your friends and co-workers. This makes God real and personal to them. You, too, can turn your personal world upside down by faithfully telling your God stories. People want to know what is making the difference in your life. Tell them! Oh yes, remember the blind man healed by Jesus? He didn’t know much but he had a God story. He simply proclaimed, “I was blind but now I see.”
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Chasing the Ghost
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
There is a phrase in the drug culture called “Chasing the ghost.” This expression alludes to the process that drives casual drug users into the dark world of abuse. The first time experience or “high” of some drugs delivers a pinnacle of ecstasy which will never be experienced again. Yet, this first time encounter is so powerful that it drives a person into more usage seeking to regain that elusive initial ecstasy (the ghost) all over again. The pursuit of this ghost drives him/her deeper and deeper into drug abuse. Sadly, many Christians live their lives in the same manner. They spend much of their productive lives chasing a past experience which they desire to be duplicated or an illusive idol which falsely promises to deliver spiritual and/or material ecstasy. Solomon, the preacher of Ecclesiastes chased the ghosts of materialism, works and pleasure only to find emptiness. “All is vanity” cried the exasperated ghost seeker and as a result of honest observation he made the astute conclusion that chasing the ghost is foolishness. He finally realized that a fulfilled life can be obtained and experienced day after day not by chasing a ghost but by simply, “Fearing God and keeping His commandments.”
There is a phrase in the drug culture called “Chasing the ghost.” This expression alludes to the process that drives casual drug users into the dark world of abuse. The first time experience or “high” of some drugs delivers a pinnacle of ecstasy which will never be experienced again. Yet, this first time encounter is so powerful that it drives a person into more usage seeking to regain that elusive initial ecstasy (the ghost) all over again. The pursuit of this ghost drives him/her deeper and deeper into drug abuse. Sadly, many Christians live their lives in the same manner. They spend much of their productive lives chasing a past experience which they desire to be duplicated or an illusive idol which falsely promises to deliver spiritual and/or material ecstasy. Solomon, the preacher of Ecclesiastes chased the ghosts of materialism, works and pleasure only to find emptiness. “All is vanity” cried the exasperated ghost seeker and as a result of honest observation he made the astute conclusion that chasing the ghost is foolishness. He finally realized that a fulfilled life can be obtained and experienced day after day not by chasing a ghost but by simply, “Fearing God and keeping His commandments.”
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Casting Our Care Upon Him
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7)
We are called to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, both great and small. Now who of us does not have cares, troubles, problems, concerns, or whatever you want to call them? We all have issues. That is just a part of life in a sin-cursed world, but God does not want us to carry them alone. When I was a child my older brother and I had the chore of feeding the horses and the cows. I remember trying to carry that hundred pound sack of feed under my wobbly legs. It was pure joy to get that sack of burden to its place of destination and drop it off my shoulder. I am sure there were times my brother or dad would see me struggle and help me with the weight. How many of us struggle through life carrying the burdens of the world when the God of creation is crying out, "I want to carry your burdens if you will only allow Me?" When we place our cares upon Him it removes the strain of worry and struggle. We leave that for Him. Also, it forces us to place total trust in His faithfulness and abilities to handle our problem. Placing our care upon the Lord also allows Him to handle the solution in His perfect way rather than in our imperfect ways. Wow, how we can really make a mess trying to handle problems ourselves. It is amazing how He can make something beautiful out of a problem so ugly. Yes, God never ceases to amaze me how He can work through my problems in a way that brings me abundant joy and brings Him the glory and honor He is due.
We are called to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, both great and small. Now who of us does not have cares, troubles, problems, concerns, or whatever you want to call them? We all have issues. That is just a part of life in a sin-cursed world, but God does not want us to carry them alone. When I was a child my older brother and I had the chore of feeding the horses and the cows. I remember trying to carry that hundred pound sack of feed under my wobbly legs. It was pure joy to get that sack of burden to its place of destination and drop it off my shoulder. I am sure there were times my brother or dad would see me struggle and help me with the weight. How many of us struggle through life carrying the burdens of the world when the God of creation is crying out, "I want to carry your burdens if you will only allow Me?" When we place our cares upon Him it removes the strain of worry and struggle. We leave that for Him. Also, it forces us to place total trust in His faithfulness and abilities to handle our problem. Placing our care upon the Lord also allows Him to handle the solution in His perfect way rather than in our imperfect ways. Wow, how we can really make a mess trying to handle problems ourselves. It is amazing how He can make something beautiful out of a problem so ugly. Yes, God never ceases to amaze me how He can work through my problems in a way that brings me abundant joy and brings Him the glory and honor He is due.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Faith in the Storm
But to You I have cried out, O Lord,
And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul?
Why do You hide Your face from me?
Ps 88:13-14 NKJV
There will be times in the life of every believer when God appears to have deserted him/her. These are times of darkness and despair. Our prayers seem to fall limply from our lips never reaching their desired destination while never being heard. The circumstances which engulf us keep us from feeling God’s embrace, seeing His majesty, or hearing His voice. Our flesh cries out, “God are You even out there?” and “If You are, do You really care?” These are the times when our faith is severely tested and proven to be real or counterfeit. True faith needs nothing to support it other than a heart felt belief that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He will do even when the circumstances of life shout otherwise. These are the times when we grab hold of God and say, “Although I can’t see You, or hear You, or even feel You, I am not letting go.” Our faith is purest when everything is stripped away and we have nothing to hold onto but God. As the storm passes, and it will, we then begin to see that He was present all the time sheltering us. He had been there all the time. Faith is believing He will never forsake you or leave you regardless what the circumstances might seem.
And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul?
Why do You hide Your face from me?
Ps 88:13-14 NKJV
There will be times in the life of every believer when God appears to have deserted him/her. These are times of darkness and despair. Our prayers seem to fall limply from our lips never reaching their desired destination while never being heard. The circumstances which engulf us keep us from feeling God’s embrace, seeing His majesty, or hearing His voice. Our flesh cries out, “God are You even out there?” and “If You are, do You really care?” These are the times when our faith is severely tested and proven to be real or counterfeit. True faith needs nothing to support it other than a heart felt belief that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He will do even when the circumstances of life shout otherwise. These are the times when we grab hold of God and say, “Although I can’t see You, or hear You, or even feel You, I am not letting go.” Our faith is purest when everything is stripped away and we have nothing to hold onto but God. As the storm passes, and it will, we then begin to see that He was present all the time sheltering us. He had been there all the time. Faith is believing He will never forsake you or leave you regardless what the circumstances might seem.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Fulfilling God's Purpose
Esther 4:13-14 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" ESV
By the providential hand of God, Esther, the orphan Jewish girl, had been made queen of Persia but now was wavering in fear to be used to deliver her people. God had placed her there for a purpose, a time such as this. Now, Mordecai, the wise man who reared her, reminded her that it was not God who needed her but she that needed Him. Let none of us be so full of ourselves to believe that the fulfillment of God’s plan and purposes depend on us. How arrogant to think that God anxiously awaits, wondering if we will be faithful to our task. God is sovereign and complete within Himself. He nor His plans are dependant upon man. He can work through us, around us, or in spite of us. Yet, God chooses and desires to work through man to accomplish His plan. This gives Him opportunity to reveal His glory through us and also to bless us. Fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for our lives not only brings glory to God, but also brings us great peace and joy as only through faithful obedience can we truly experience the abundance that God desire for us.
By the providential hand of God, Esther, the orphan Jewish girl, had been made queen of Persia but now was wavering in fear to be used to deliver her people. God had placed her there for a purpose, a time such as this. Now, Mordecai, the wise man who reared her, reminded her that it was not God who needed her but she that needed Him. Let none of us be so full of ourselves to believe that the fulfillment of God’s plan and purposes depend on us. How arrogant to think that God anxiously awaits, wondering if we will be faithful to our task. God is sovereign and complete within Himself. He nor His plans are dependant upon man. He can work through us, around us, or in spite of us. Yet, God chooses and desires to work through man to accomplish His plan. This gives Him opportunity to reveal His glory through us and also to bless us. Fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for our lives not only brings glory to God, but also brings us great peace and joy as only through faithful obedience can we truly experience the abundance that God desire for us.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Heart’s Aflame
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
When is the last time your heart burned within you concerning the things of Christ? I speak of that feeling deep within your soul that you know that you are hearing from your Creator and Redeemer. This fire alerts you to take notice. Christ is in your midst. I speak of that flame within your heart that in the same moment warms you with comfort while simultaneously it is burning unnecessary chaff from your life. Sadly, many who call themselves Christians have not sensed the heart burning of Christ’s words for years. Their faith has become mechanical and mundane. Christianity has been reduced down to a series of disciplines and a cultural identity. It has become mere religion, yet this fire from the soul is rooted in relationship with the Almighty God and the Blessed Savior: a relationship whereby you can hear His voice and experience His presence. Although the disciples of Emmaus did not recognize His face they heard His voice and His word. One’s appearance is external, but relationship is internal. The words from the internal soul of Christ reached deep within the internal soul of the disciples and burned deeply. They knew something was different. Yes, Christ was in their presence. We should all long to be in such a relationship with Christ that we can hear His words and they burn within our hearts. Nothing is sweeter and nothing is more life changing. Religion speaks to the mind. Relationship speaks to the heart, the seat of our passion. Let us all yearn for hearts aflame from the presence of our Jesus.
When is the last time your heart burned within you concerning the things of Christ? I speak of that feeling deep within your soul that you know that you are hearing from your Creator and Redeemer. This fire alerts you to take notice. Christ is in your midst. I speak of that flame within your heart that in the same moment warms you with comfort while simultaneously it is burning unnecessary chaff from your life. Sadly, many who call themselves Christians have not sensed the heart burning of Christ’s words for years. Their faith has become mechanical and mundane. Christianity has been reduced down to a series of disciplines and a cultural identity. It has become mere religion, yet this fire from the soul is rooted in relationship with the Almighty God and the Blessed Savior: a relationship whereby you can hear His voice and experience His presence. Although the disciples of Emmaus did not recognize His face they heard His voice and His word. One’s appearance is external, but relationship is internal. The words from the internal soul of Christ reached deep within the internal soul of the disciples and burned deeply. They knew something was different. Yes, Christ was in their presence. We should all long to be in such a relationship with Christ that we can hear His words and they burn within our hearts. Nothing is sweeter and nothing is more life changing. Religion speaks to the mind. Relationship speaks to the heart, the seat of our passion. Let us all yearn for hearts aflame from the presence of our Jesus.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Our Sufficiency in Christ
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee… 2Corinthians 12:9
…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Php 4:11
The Christian life is a paradox to the lost world. The more a Christian loses, the more he gains. This is in reference to the “losing of self” and the “gaining of joy” from the Lord. As Christians, we are not to receive our pleasure from the world, but from the person of Christ. We must remember His promise made to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” We need nothing more than Jesus Christ Himself to live the abundant life. Does this mean that we do not need material possessions to live abundantly? Yes! Millions live daily in abject poverty with the joy of Christ abundantly overflowing from their soul. Does this mean that we do not need good health to live the abundant life? Yes! Some of the most joy-filled individuals are terminally ill. They have not their health but they do have Jesus. Does this mean that we do not have to surrounded by a multitude of friends. Yes! Abundance is experienced when one can truly say, “I have a friend in Jesus.” We must understand, “Our sufficiency is in Christ and Christ alone.” If we place our sufficiency in anything other than Christ then we position ourselves to be disappointed or discontented if that is removed from our lives. What joy, what contentment, and what abundance is the realization that all we need is Jesus and His grace is sufficient to meet any need. The world has nothing to compare.
…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Php 4:11
The Christian life is a paradox to the lost world. The more a Christian loses, the more he gains. This is in reference to the “losing of self” and the “gaining of joy” from the Lord. As Christians, we are not to receive our pleasure from the world, but from the person of Christ. We must remember His promise made to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” We need nothing more than Jesus Christ Himself to live the abundant life. Does this mean that we do not need material possessions to live abundantly? Yes! Millions live daily in abject poverty with the joy of Christ abundantly overflowing from their soul. Does this mean that we do not need good health to live the abundant life? Yes! Some of the most joy-filled individuals are terminally ill. They have not their health but they do have Jesus. Does this mean that we do not have to surrounded by a multitude of friends. Yes! Abundance is experienced when one can truly say, “I have a friend in Jesus.” We must understand, “Our sufficiency is in Christ and Christ alone.” If we place our sufficiency in anything other than Christ then we position ourselves to be disappointed or discontented if that is removed from our lives. What joy, what contentment, and what abundance is the realization that all we need is Jesus and His grace is sufficient to meet any need. The world has nothing to compare.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wait on the Lord
So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. 8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless? 10 David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. --------1Samuel 26:7-11
Twice David had the opportunity to destroy his adversary and rid himself of the problem at hand, but twice he restrained himself. Certainly, his flesh was tired of constantly running from Saul, the jealous king, and his spirit was frustrated because he had done nothing wrong to deserve this exile. In addition to his inner feelings, his friends were encouraging him to take advantage of this opportunity to remove his persistent foe from his life. Yet, David resisted his fleshly desires to handle his problem by the way of the world. He was a man of resolve. He was not about to take the matter into his own hand, but leave it in God’s hand. Saul was God’s anointed and if anyone would deal with Saul, then it would have to be God Himself. David waited upon the Lord and was honored for this patient resolve. How many times have we made the mistake of not waiting upon the Lord by taking matters into our own hands? Not only do we miss God’s blessings but also cause even more problems for ourselves. God was keeping a close watch over David, protecting Him in his trials and also testing him to examine how he would respond in the midst of life’s fires. David passed the test and let us do the same. Wait on the Lord!
Twice David had the opportunity to destroy his adversary and rid himself of the problem at hand, but twice he restrained himself. Certainly, his flesh was tired of constantly running from Saul, the jealous king, and his spirit was frustrated because he had done nothing wrong to deserve this exile. In addition to his inner feelings, his friends were encouraging him to take advantage of this opportunity to remove his persistent foe from his life. Yet, David resisted his fleshly desires to handle his problem by the way of the world. He was a man of resolve. He was not about to take the matter into his own hand, but leave it in God’s hand. Saul was God’s anointed and if anyone would deal with Saul, then it would have to be God Himself. David waited upon the Lord and was honored for this patient resolve. How many times have we made the mistake of not waiting upon the Lord by taking matters into our own hands? Not only do we miss God’s blessings but also cause even more problems for ourselves. God was keeping a close watch over David, protecting Him in his trials and also testing him to examine how he would respond in the midst of life’s fires. David passed the test and let us do the same. Wait on the Lord!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Preparing Us for the Journey
Psalm 66:10-12
Our God, you tested us, just as silver is tested. 11 You trapped us in a net and gave us heavy burdens. 12 You sent war chariots to crush our skulls. We traveled through fire and through floods, but you brought us to a land of plenty.
As the teacher prepares his students, as a coach prepares his players, and as a military officer prepares his soldiers, God prepares His people. Preparation includes trial, struggle, frustration, fatigue, but all in a controlled manner. Without proper preparation victory will never come and the goal never met. Without proper preparation the student will become discouraged at the next level of studies, the player will wilt in the heart of a hard fought game, the soldier will give up in the intensity of the battle, and God’s man will surely fail in the struggle of life. But God is in control and He is carefully navigating us through test runs of life. He is the teacher, the coach, the officer and the lover of our souls. He will not test us more than we can bear. He always has our best interest in mind as He desires to lead us into the land of abundance. Yet, before we reach our destination and enjoy the blessings of abundance, we must first prepare for the journey.
Our God, you tested us, just as silver is tested. 11 You trapped us in a net and gave us heavy burdens. 12 You sent war chariots to crush our skulls. We traveled through fire and through floods, but you brought us to a land of plenty.
As the teacher prepares his students, as a coach prepares his players, and as a military officer prepares his soldiers, God prepares His people. Preparation includes trial, struggle, frustration, fatigue, but all in a controlled manner. Without proper preparation victory will never come and the goal never met. Without proper preparation the student will become discouraged at the next level of studies, the player will wilt in the heart of a hard fought game, the soldier will give up in the intensity of the battle, and God’s man will surely fail in the struggle of life. But God is in control and He is carefully navigating us through test runs of life. He is the teacher, the coach, the officer and the lover of our souls. He will not test us more than we can bear. He always has our best interest in mind as He desires to lead us into the land of abundance. Yet, before we reach our destination and enjoy the blessings of abundance, we must first prepare for the journey.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Is There Not a Cause?
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
---1Samuel 17:29
Someone once said, “Until a person has something he is willing to die for, then that person has not yet began to live.” David had a cause and this cause was greater than himself; a cause he was willing to die for. The thing young David cherished even more than his own life was the honor of the name of the Lord his God. When reproach was made against his God’s name David considered it his duty and responsibility to defend it even to the grave. It mattered not that David was a mere lad compared to this great warrior of the Philistines and a giant of a man who was mocking the God of Israel. His cause was much bigger than himself.
The army of Israel had no such cause. Instead, they placed their personal lives and well-being in higher regard than the name of the Lord God. Therefore, they shook in fear not willing to risk their lives even though the adversary was daily railing against their God. They lived for nothing larger than themselves and as a result could not see beyond their own selfish desires. This is not living, but only existing.
How small and shallow is life if it is no greater than ourselves? David lived with a cause and thus he lived. Let us do the same. There is simply no greater cause than to live our lives honoring the name of Jesus, our God and Creator and the Blessed Redeemer. Our Lord’s cause, the redemption of mankind, was bigger than himself and not even the cross and the grave could deter Him. He died for you and me, therefore, when we hear His name being mocked, see His morals being trampled upon, and His honor being ridiculed, should we not like David say, “Is there not a cause?” Stand up for Christ and begin to taste the blessing of living.
---1Samuel 17:29
Someone once said, “Until a person has something he is willing to die for, then that person has not yet began to live.” David had a cause and this cause was greater than himself; a cause he was willing to die for. The thing young David cherished even more than his own life was the honor of the name of the Lord his God. When reproach was made against his God’s name David considered it his duty and responsibility to defend it even to the grave. It mattered not that David was a mere lad compared to this great warrior of the Philistines and a giant of a man who was mocking the God of Israel. His cause was much bigger than himself.
The army of Israel had no such cause. Instead, they placed their personal lives and well-being in higher regard than the name of the Lord God. Therefore, they shook in fear not willing to risk their lives even though the adversary was daily railing against their God. They lived for nothing larger than themselves and as a result could not see beyond their own selfish desires. This is not living, but only existing.
How small and shallow is life if it is no greater than ourselves? David lived with a cause and thus he lived. Let us do the same. There is simply no greater cause than to live our lives honoring the name of Jesus, our God and Creator and the Blessed Redeemer. Our Lord’s cause, the redemption of mankind, was bigger than himself and not even the cross and the grave could deter Him. He died for you and me, therefore, when we hear His name being mocked, see His morals being trampled upon, and His honor being ridiculed, should we not like David say, “Is there not a cause?” Stand up for Christ and begin to taste the blessing of living.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Matthew 19:13-14 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." ESV
Jesus loves the little children. They were precious to Him and He loved to be surrounded by them. Little children were not a nuisance, a burden or in the way to our Lord, but were like a spring of fresh water in a parched, arid land. In the actions and attitudes of the children, Jesus could see a glimpse of the kingdom of God. They were full of love, joy and peace. They were dependent upon their parents and full of trust. And it takes little to make a child happy. Little children simply enjoy life and love nothing more than being in the company of their parents. As Jesus observed little children in their innocent and carefree joy, He must to have thought to Himself, “There is a picture My Father’s kingdom. This is how He purposed for all His children, young and old, to live.” Yet, as adults we begin to take ourselves too seriously, become to independent upon ourselves, and become bound by the cares of this world and in so doing lose our joy and love for life. Therefore, we compromise and forfeit our witness for God’s kingdom. Lord, make us as little children.
Jesus loves the little children. They were precious to Him and He loved to be surrounded by them. Little children were not a nuisance, a burden or in the way to our Lord, but were like a spring of fresh water in a parched, arid land. In the actions and attitudes of the children, Jesus could see a glimpse of the kingdom of God. They were full of love, joy and peace. They were dependent upon their parents and full of trust. And it takes little to make a child happy. Little children simply enjoy life and love nothing more than being in the company of their parents. As Jesus observed little children in their innocent and carefree joy, He must to have thought to Himself, “There is a picture My Father’s kingdom. This is how He purposed for all His children, young and old, to live.” Yet, as adults we begin to take ourselves too seriously, become to independent upon ourselves, and become bound by the cares of this world and in so doing lose our joy and love for life. Therefore, we compromise and forfeit our witness for God’s kingdom. Lord, make us as little children.
Let Your Light Shine
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Man was created to reveal the glory of God and as a result to bring Him pleasure. Of all God's glorious creation men alone was created in His image. All creation in its beauty and majesty reflects the glory of God, but only man was created to reveal the glory and the person of God. God created man to be an image bearer. He fashioned man that all creation might witness God's love, compassion, kindness, mercy, longsuffering, goodness, meekness and righteousness. None of these are physical attributes, but attributes of His character. None of these are external in nature but internal. Each person must ask, "Does my character reflect the character and glory of God?" If not, then darkness occupies the recesses of my heart rather than the glorious light of Jesus Christ. This darkness is the result of sin and selfish living apart from Christ. Remember, light cannot shine without a source and Jesus is the source of light. He is the light of the world and His light alone reflects the glory of God as He is God. Before the light of Jesus Christ can shine through you, it must be in you. Be a light bearer for Jesus Christ today so that you can reveal the glory of God. Ask Him now to shine His light upon you and in you.
Man was created to reveal the glory of God and as a result to bring Him pleasure. Of all God's glorious creation men alone was created in His image. All creation in its beauty and majesty reflects the glory of God, but only man was created to reveal the glory and the person of God. God created man to be an image bearer. He fashioned man that all creation might witness God's love, compassion, kindness, mercy, longsuffering, goodness, meekness and righteousness. None of these are physical attributes, but attributes of His character. None of these are external in nature but internal. Each person must ask, "Does my character reflect the character and glory of God?" If not, then darkness occupies the recesses of my heart rather than the glorious light of Jesus Christ. This darkness is the result of sin and selfish living apart from Christ. Remember, light cannot shine without a source and Jesus is the source of light. He is the light of the world and His light alone reflects the glory of God as He is God. Before the light of Jesus Christ can shine through you, it must be in you. Be a light bearer for Jesus Christ today so that you can reveal the glory of God. Ask Him now to shine His light upon you and in you.
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