Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Galatians 6:1
​Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

The word of God tells us that if a man is overtaken in a fault, or sin, then those which are spiritual go and restore him. The scripture is not speaking of being spiritual in attitude, there are way too many of those. It is speaking of those that are walking in a spiritual relationship with Christ. God doesn't use those who are prideful and full of their own selves more than they are full of the Spirit. There is no possible way that we can restore someone back into Christ when we ourselves need restoration. When we spend more time on our relationship with Christ and keeping ourselves filled with the Spirit, then we can help others in restoring their relationship with Jesus.

Look at how God tells us that it must be done. He says first of all, it must be done in the spirit of meekness. Being meek does not mean to be weak or passive about sin. It means that we must be humble. Humble enough to realize that it could be us in that situation. Which is the second thing He tells us. We must consider ourselves! We should look at them as though it were ourselves. We should treat what they have fallen to as if we ourselves have fallen to it. God is telling us that if we are to help in the restoration process that we can not do it with pride!

Last of all He says that we also could be tempted in this same area. Why should we be meek and consider ourselves?...lest we also be tempted. The word of God says that pride cometh before destruction. That when we think ourselves to be something or above something to beware because our fall is on its way.

So I ask you this today. Are you a restorer or a destroyer? Are you a helper or a hinderer?

A Forgotten Gift

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Remember in the Christmas Story movie, the gift forgotten? Ralphie's dad said, "What is that over there behind the desk?" What about the Christmas Vacation movie? Remember when Clark is in the attic trying to hide those special gifts and finds one for Mother's Day? What if those gifts were left missing? Never to be opened by anyone. Just like this morning, all the presents that were under the tree are all opened. There was not a kid or adult that left one. When we see a gift with our name on it, it must be opened.

In John 3:16, the Bible tells us that God has wrapped a beautiful gift for you. Actually for everyone who will believe. The scripture says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever...THAT'S YOU... believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."  The gift is right there with your name on it. Why would you not open it?

Some have tried to hide this special gift. We should not hide this gift like Clark or Ralpie's dad, we should share it with everyone. Remember it's not just to us, but to everyone...to the whosoever.

Thank you Lord for your unspeakable gift. Thank you that you included my name on the wrapping. Thank you that Jesus was born, was crucified, and is forever alive. Thank you for your unspeakable gift. Sometimes I don't have the words to speak my gratitude. I love you Jesus.

The Negativity Scene

1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.

As I think of the scene of the Nativity, my first word to describe it would be grace. Now I'm almost sure the scene wasn't that of peace and quietness in the beginning. But I'm certain it ended up that way. Let's look at it this morning.

Joseph is searching and searching for a place to stay for the night. Mary is about to deliver the baby Jesus from the sitting position on a donkey. The town is full of people grumbling and complaining about tax season. Yes, there are people everywhere with their negative attitudes. "Why must we travel all the way back to Bethlehem?" You can hear them say. "We could have just mailed ours in..." All the time never fully realizing why they were there and why it had to be done this way.

Now we arrive at the scene of the birth, the Nativity. Maybe it was just like our scenes in the yard, or possibly like the ones on our coffee table. Either way it really doesn't matter because one thing we know for certain. It was not called the Negativity Scene. When I read of the scene I think of contentment. Joseph was content with being his earthly father. Mary was content while she pondered His birth in her heart. The shepherds were content to bow down and worship this child as their Savior and Lord.

You may be tempted to say, "Those tax payers were the negative ones."  But you would be wrong to say it was all the tax payers. See, Joseph was there for the same reason. He journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem to pay his taxes. But because of his contentment in God he was blessed.

Think about it, if anyone could have chosen for this place to be called the Negativity Scene it could have been Joseph. But His servant heart, and contentment with whatever God wanted to do with him, was greater. So many people will allow this time of year to become negative and bitter. Even scholars and Christians will spend these days debating and arguing over His birth instead of praising God for it. There will be some children and adults that will complain and whine about the gifts they received. There will be crying over what they didn't get. They will turn it into a Negativity Scene. Well not you! Today, and everyday after, be content. There is so much to be found in contentment and God.

The Day Before

Luke 1:26-28
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Have you ever thought of what was happening with Mary the day before the angel visited her? I wonder what she was doing in her life? Maybe she was preparing for her wedding. She could have been out drawing water and probably doing the everyday routine of her life. Hanging out with her friends and talking about the events for the next day. Preparing for bed, she could have talked with the Lord and told Him that she was willing to be His servant. Then she closed her eyes to await for the next day.

Then it came! The Lord had graced her with another day. I wonder what it was like that morning? Sunny? Rain? I wonder what was on her agenda for that day? What was Mary doing when the news came? Because all of the sudden the angel of the Lord appeared unto her and told her the news. News that changed her life and ours forever. He told her that she was highly favored among women and was chosen by God to bring His Son into the world. His Son that would save the world from their sin.

Just the day before Mary was a follower and today she is vessel. Yesterday she was a willing vessel and today she is a conceiving vessel. She was known by her family as being faithful to God yesterday but today she is known as birthing the Son of God.

Today could be a normal day with normal plans, but it could also be the day before the greatest day ever. The Bible teaches us that we don't know what a day could bring to pass. Maybe today, or maybe tomorrow, He could have great plans for you. Today you must be a willing vessel in order to be a filled vessel tomorrow.

What Are You Crying For?

Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Did you know that Jesus has won? He has prevailed! Look at what one of the elders in Heaven tells John when he begins to cry. He tells him to "weep not". In other words, "Don't cry". Does this mean we will never cry or never should cry? No. It means we shouldn't cry in defeat.

We all cry at times in our lives. When someone hurts us, or someone dies, or even when pain is inflicted upon our bodies. We cry and it is okay to cry at times. What God is tell us is that we shouldn't cry as someone that has no way out or that has been defeated. Our weeping, as scripture says, may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.

We may look at the condition of this world and it bring tears to our eyes, as it should. We may look at the lost condition of our family and friends and become broken to the point we weep about their souls. As a matter of fact, we need more weeping and brokenness over lost souls today. But John's weeping was different. He was weeping with no hope. He thought it was over and no one could open the book that had been sealed. That's when an elder saint said, "Jesus can do it because He has prevailed".

What made Jesus able to open the book? What did He prevail over? He conquered death and the grave. He defeated sin on the cross and death in the grave. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow and the next day, and the next day, and the next day. So don't cry as one that is defeated because He hath prevailed! What are you crying for?

Don't Get The Cart Before The Horse

Mark 10:32-37
And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

While reading the scriptures this morning I hope that you are reminded of that old phrase... "Don't put the cart before the horse." I can't tell you how many times I have heard this statement. Now I know that it is mostly stated by those with silver hair (or maybe no hair), but it will apply really well today.

By looking at what Jesus was saying in the beginning verses we understand that He was about to fulfill His Father's plan. Jesus told them what was going to happen. He told them very detailed instructions of what would take place in Jerusalem. Then a question came from His disciples. A question that you would have thought was inappropriate and untimely. "Master, we want you to do something for us before you die." said the mother through her sons. (In Matthew, the mother asked) Jesus answered, "What would ye that I should do for you?" "Give us a position in glory", they said.

Now hold up! Jesus had not yet went to the cross for sins and people are already begging for the glory. This is such a selfish attitude, and one that is very familiar with today's Christians. We want pleasure with no pain. We want sunshine with no rain. We want glory with no suffering. We want healing with no healthy living. Well don't put the cart before the horse.

In this world, we will suffer and there will be rain. But it cannot be compared to what our Lord has waiting for us. But don't get in a hurry. This trial today maybe the shouting material that you will need for tomorrows victory. One preacher told me, "Don't throw in the towel during your suffering, cause you're gonna need something to wave when you finally get the victory!" Now that's putting the horse out front!

I'll Just Read THE Book

Psalms 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Some of the greatest things I have ever heard have come from my children.  Many times it's just in the simple mindset that they have said it. Their words have brought joy to my broken heart at times and laughter to my troubled soul.  Here is one of those moments...

One day we were riding down the road having a normal child/parent conversation.  Our oldest, about 4 or 5 years old at the time, was really getting that far away look in his eyes.  We were discussing children who wonder off and get lost.  My wife looked at him and asked, "Andrew, what would you do if you were lost somewhere?"  He thought hard and kept the deep thought look on his face.  She said, "What if you wondered off into the woods and you were lost, what would you do? Would you scream for help? Would you scream for the police?"  Then it came... Andrew, without looking at her, said, "I would sit down and read a book".

I almost ran the car off the road laughing so hard.  But no laughter came from him.  He was serious. You see, in his mind, he knew that if he would sit and read that Dad or Mom would be there to find him.  He knew that everything would be okay and he could enjoy a book, even though I'm quite sure it would have been picture reading at his age.

God has taught me a great lessons through the faith of my children.  This world will get tough.  It's not a matter of if it will, God's word has told us it will get difficult.  Sometimes, even as a child of God, I feel like I'm in the woods and don't really know which way to go.  I want to scream for help and call upon friends to find me but through the Spirit I know I should just be still, sit down and read THE book.

How many times have you tried to figure your way out of the lostness this world can shadow over you?  You've ran for help from friends, pastors and counselors.  When God is wanting you to be still and read His book.  Isn't He your Father? Then be patient, He knows where you are and He is own the way.  Believe me when I say this, He is always on time too.  God says in His word to us this morning... Your Word has quickened me (made me alive, saved me) it is my comfort in my affliction. How awesome and precious is the WORD of God! It is comfort in my troubled times.  

Out of the mouth of babes huh?  Thank you Jesus!

Scuba Diving

Micah 7:18-19

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity,

and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?

he retaineth not his anger for ever,

because he delighteth in mercy. 

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us;

he will subdue our iniquities;

and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

One thing I've always wanted to do is to scuba dive. What an awesome adventure it would be. To be able and see those things that are hidden from view at the surface would be amazing. Fish, plants, etc... Seeing things that some have never seen before. I just think it would be an opportunity of a lifetime. 

You know I have often thought about my sins being forgiven and cast into the sea. I've heard people speak about this sea of forgetfulness that scripture refers to. Our God is so gracious to do this. Sometimes Satan puts his scuba gear on and attempts to dive into our past and see what he can discover. He searches through areas of our lives that no one could normally see with the natural eyes. He tries his best to explore our closets, so to say. One of his greatest joys is brining something up to the surface to reveal. 

Our scripture speaks of God forgiving the sins of Israel and casting them into the see. Every year something had to be done about their sins. There had to be a continual sacrifice for their sins. The sacrificing of certain animals shows the love of God covering the sins of those who confess them. How these people must have rejoiced in having their sins confessed and covered. Can't you see the joy and relief on their faces as they walked away from the tabernacle after offing their sacrifice and confessing their sins to God? 

Hebrews 10:4

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

John 1:29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

I thank Him for the covering of sins. I'm even more thankful that through Jesus our sins are removed from us. He takes them away! What the blood of bulls and goats couldn't remove, but only cover, the blood of Jesus cleanses and removes our sins. Thank you Jesus for removing my sins! 

Satan will surely run out of air before he finds the sins that Jesus has removed. I'm sure that some of you could point out some of my past sins and failures, but then you would be scuba diving with Satan wouldn't you?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Psalms 81:11-16

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

One of the running commercials a few years ago was from Verizon Wireless.  Remember the man in the Verizon work uniform going from place to place saying, "Can you hear me now? Good." This was played so much on the television that people started saying it. Every time someone would have bad reception on their cell phone they would say, "Can you hear me now?"

This morning, as we read our scripture, did you think of that same line?  I imagine God asking us, "Can you hear me now?"  When I was young my parents would ask me if I was listening to them or not.  They knew the answer to the question but wanted to hear me say it.  I would hear them, but I really wasn't listening to them.  Seems like God is saying the exact same thing about Israel in this scripture.

His people just wouldn't hearken, or listen, to what He was trying to tell them.  It's almost like the reception was bad.  Reception problems don't come from the tower, especially the one God has. Reception problems come from the things that block us from the signal.  Things that block us from the view of the tower. God's signal is the strongest. His call is the loudest. It's us who have things in our lives that block the reception.

Read again our scripture.  If only they had listened!  Look at what they could have enjoyed.  If I had only listened to the wisdom of my parents, look at the misery I could have bypassed in my life. If I would listen to Christ and His guidance imagine the pain I could avoid. God is trying to speak to you today through His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Don't hear Him, listen to Him.  Can you hear Him now?

The Way of Peace

Romans 3:17

And the way of peace have they not known:

Peace means, "Freedom from disturbance". Freedom, freedom from a disturbance or interruption. Satan loves to interrupt and destroy the peace we have. He tries everyday in every way to cause us pain and heartache right?  So he comes in and pounces on us immediately with fangs out and claws digging in, right? No, really he comes at us in ways that are sneaky and subtle in order to destroy our walk with the Lord and steal our peace. He wants nothing more than for a child of God to be off his/her walk with the Lord. He loves for people to feel alone and isolated, without peace. He disrupts our walk. 

Peace also means, "Freedom from war". There is a battle today for your very soul. Satan and the demons of Hell are fighting against the grace of God. Trying daily to overcome you and steal your soul from God. But also there is a battle for the walk of the Christian. Remember he wants to disrupt your walk with sin. He also wants to destroy you through the results of sin. It's war to him. There are no rules, boundaries, limits. He comes full force!  But thanks be unto the Lord Jesus for His peace He gives. 

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Peace also means, "Unity between one another". You may love people very, very dearly, but only God can give the unity of peace between you both. God sees the disputes between one another. He sees the war between one another. But through His life, He can give peace that passes all understanding. Remember what He said?  It's not a worldly peace, but His peace. 

Lord please give unto me the peace I so desperately need today. 

Loaded Questions

Loaded Questions

Matthew 22:23-29

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Do you find it strange that the atheist activist spend much of their lives fighting against a God they don't believe exists?  What about these Sadducees, who didn't believe in the resurrection, asking questions concerning the resurrection. Now I hope the atheist ask a question about God, just as much as I want the Sadducee to asks a question concerning the resurrection. But the problem with this question today is that it was loaded. 

You may wonder what a loaded question is. It is a question asked by someone who has their own preconceived idea. It could also be a question that is set with traps. So what is the best way to handle these questions?  Look at how Jesus answered. He tells them that they don't understand the scriptures. 

So many today, even in our churches, have a lack of knowledge when it comes to scripture. We get more concerned with an emotional service than a spiritually challenging service. Many want to feel good about themselves when they leave instead of being changed by the powerful Word of God. The problem with this is that we will fall into sin because of our lack of knowledge in God's Word. Jesus said, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures..." They change them to fit their lives, like clipping the edges of a puzzle piece in order to finish the puzzle. But the puzzle done this way, or life, will never be right. It will always be wrong. 

God, help us today to preach your Word! Help us to live your Word! Lord help us to share your Word! Keep us in the Word, so we won't be of the world. Oh, and the loaded questions.... If you're not in the Word, avoid them or the could blow up on you. 

Not Anymore!

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

I heard a man preaching in our church this past Sunday evening. He was talking about how he used to see me around town. He was sharing how I had seen him in the local grocery store. He was on the alcohol aisle and I was getting some milk. He took off running from me, but I made it a point to holler a hearty hello. His face turned red and he kinda ignored me. He took off toward the register and paid for his beer. He then took it out to the vehicle and came back inside. He found me down another aisle and shook my hand like he had not seen me before. 

It wasn't much after this that he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Wow what a difference Jesus has made in his life. It excites me because I see what Christ did for me years ago through him. I was exactly like this man. I was good, a good friend, a good person, and a real good sinner. (This was the way I viewed myself) But just like our scripture this morning, I would not have entered Heaven on my good thoughts or deeds. I was a drunkard, reviler, just a sinner. But look closely at the scripture and you will see some of the greatest words ever written. "...and such WERE some of you..." 

I used to run from the Christians. I didn't want to hear them. I especially ran from God because I didn't want to hear Him either. I was so lost in sin!  I love that I WAS lost. I am no longer lost. 

Just like when I hear this man speak, or many of the others that were lost speak, I get excited. I hear them talk about what they used to be. I hear them tell of things that they used to do. Not bragging about it but humble about it. And I want to shout, "NOT ANYMORE, NOT ANYMORE!"  

And such WERE some of you: BUT ye are washed, BUT ye are sanctified, BUT ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. See it? Say this morning, "NOT ANYMORE!"

I'm A Jesus Fan

John 6:66-68

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

With football season underway everyone has washed the old flag of their favorite football team and hung them from the front porch. Friday after Friday they go to the local grocery store and stock up on the favorite tailgating foods. Some purchase tickets at a great expense, load up the RV and head out to the campus of their team. For weeks, some even months, have studied over the new recruits and who will be starting. To some I know, it's a passion and even sometimes a religion. 

The excitement begins to fill the air. People make preparations for the opening game parties. The band begins to play that old fight song. The cheerleaders are flipping across the field and yelling for their team. The team comes out on the field for warmup drills. People in the stands, and at home, point out to everyone who are the all-star players. They give statistics of the quarterbacks throwing arm, the running backs yardage per carry from their high school days and the defensive line and their bench press weight. People know it like the back of their hands. They passionately talk of how their team is going all the way this year. "We are gonna run-n-gun this year", they say. 

Then the kick is off...and the first play of scrimmage is about to take place. The huddle is broken and everyone is to the line. The quarterback snaps the ball and takes three steps back and fires one over the middle! The ball is perfect and tightly spiraled. The receiver comes across the center of the field...reaches for the ball...BOOM! He's hammered! The pass is incomplete. The crowd and fans everywhere begin to yell, "That's ok, that's ok, come on guys, you can do it!"  

Huddle is broken, line is set, ball is snapped and the quarterback hands it to the beast of a running back that we have this year...BOOM! He's dropped for a three yard loss. "What? Come on line...BLOCK SOMEBODY!" are the screams from the crowd now. After an hour or two of this the stadium begins to empty. On the way home from the campus the newly washed flag is now being torn to shreds or even burned. The team jerseys and team apparel that was pressed is by now hanging back in the closet. 

Some people love when the team is exciting and passing the ball and touchdown after touchdown is scored. But then when it gets tough in the trenches people want to walk away. Some want their team to always throw the ball and be fast paced, while others like the bulldozing of a running attack. If the team doesn't perform like they think they should, well they just walk away. If it gets too difficult, like it will sometimes, they just leave and hang the shirt back in the closet until the next season that rolls around. 

If Jesus were to ask you this morning, "Will you also go away?"  What would be your answer?  What would be your reason for staying?  Will you only serve and love Him while it's easy? Or will you stay with Him in the trenches?  My answer would be... Lord Jesus, I have nowhere else to go. You are my Savior! I'm on your team! 

Just An Old Washer

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

My prayer this morning is that you could endure one more devotion about running and finding things on the ground. Hahaha

Remember the last devotion about finding the three pennies and a dime?  Well while I was running that morning I also saw something huge and shiny. It was about as big as a half-dollar. Man I was so pumped up!  I could see this thing shining bright. I have never found something this big before. Closer and closer I got. When it finally came into my vision I was disheartened. "It's just a washer!" I said. It's an old scratched up washer. 

I was so excited about picking the half-dollar, only to find out it was a washer. So I laughed and ran past it. I kept thinking about it though. I thought, "A washer, who loses a washer in the middle of a parking lot?"  It was just an old stinking washer. Then God smote my heart! "The reason you think it is just an old washer is because you don't see it's service", He said to me. 

Washer - a thin, flat ring that is made of metal, plastic, or rubber and that is used to make something (such as a bolt) fit tightly, distribute pressure evenly or to prevent rubbing and corrosion by separating the materials. 

I went back and picked up that old washer and held it as I ran. I kept saying, "Just an old washer, just an old washer". You know what?  That old washer reminded me of Jesus. First of all He washed away my sins. But look deeper. I am tightly secure through Him. He distributes the pressures that I may endure evenly. Lastly, He separates me from the elements and things of this world. He doesn't want me to be corrupted by the things of this world, so He separates me from it. It is the washer in between. 

Some of you may think that Jesus is just an old story, or just an old washer. Can I tell you He is more than just an old washer. He is more than just an old story or Savior. He has the ability and capability to be so much more to you. I hope that you will look at old washers differently after this morning.  But more than that, my prayer is that you will see Jesus as so much more. 

There's Another One

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

and he that winneth souls is wise.

If you have read any of the DaybreakDiscoveries before you would know how I feel about pennies. God has really shown me a great life lesson in the value of pennies. Well, here is something else that He's shown me recently. 

It was about 4:45am and I'm stretching to do my morning run. Got my headphones in and listening to some of my favorite gospel songs. Off I go!  Understand that when I run I try my best to not focus on the pain or heavy breathing. So I pray and talk to The Lord. Mostly asking Him to help me reach my daily goal. 

I'm constantly scanning the area for things. Well this morning something shiny caught my eye. It was a dime!  Praise The Lord! I pointed at it and said to myself, "I'll be back for you". (I do this every time). So when I finish my run I always try and do a walk down. During my walk down, I go back and pick up those things I have seen during my run. 

While walking back toward the area where the dime was I played a mental picture in my head. I remember exactly where it was. It was in the beginning curve of my run. I started getting excited because I knew it was a dime and I knew where it was, remember I pointed at it. I knew when I left that it would be in my pocket and then eventually in my money jug at home. I finally made it to the spot where I knew it was... I could not find it! I was saying, "I know it's here! It was right here!"

Then something shiny caught my eye. I walked over. It was a penny. One that I didn't see while running. Then my mind started telling me that maybe I was mistaken and it was a penny and not a dime. But just then, another shiny penny. Then another one! I was so pumped. And then while walking back, there it was. Shining just like I saw it while running. The dime. My dime. 

That is just like my Lord?  How many times do we go looking with our minds wrapped around a pre-concept or a specific person? We look for those we think will come to Jesus. Some even look for those who they think would make a "good" Christian. 

This morning, today, and everyday from now on. While you're out looking for the dimes, don't overlook the pennies. When your out seeking the lost, look everywhere in every place. Maybe you will be like I was this morning... There's another one, there's another one, there's another one! Praise The Lord, just keep looking.  There's another one!

You Reckon?

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

I don't know how you feel, but I absolutely love where I live. As I was growing up I heard many people say, "I can't wait until I get out of this hick town". Well I can't say that I have ever wanted to do that. I'm sure there where times I wanted to leave cause everyone was in my business, but I have come to find out that if my business is about the Gospel of Jesus and preaching the Word, then I'm fine. 

In my wonderful home of Kimberly, Alabama we use many words. People say things like... backards, fixin' and aight... Well aren't you glad that God is a southerner also?  Look at our scripture. Paul is telling us about the hardships in the Christian walk. He is sharing with us some of the things that many of our modern ministers will not share. He tells us that we will suffer in this life, and if we are heirs with Jesus Christ that we will suffer as He suffered. 

We will go through times in our lives that hardships will come. Sufferings will be a part of our lives. Times of great peril will happen. Just because we are children of God that doesn't mean all things will be easy. It doesn't mean that our lives will never have difficulties. What is great is the fact that He will be with us. He will see us through. He will help us!  And the sufferings will not be in any comparison to the glory of God. 

I love how it says, "I reckon". Think of the old Christian farmer. He's suffered throughout this year because a lack of rain. His crops are withered and pocketbook dusty. He looks out at the garden, looks at his wife, glances at his children and says through faith... "I reckon God will take care of us". 

The one in the altar who is weeping and praying about the brokenness of their heart suddenly looks up at you with a peace and contentment. You look at them as ask, "Are you gonna be alright?"  And they answer, "I reckon". You may think they have second guessed God but you are wrong. We "reckon" the sufferings of this present time can't be compared to the glory which shall be revealed. 

I reckon, do you?

Grace, Grace, God's Grace

Matthew 23:4

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

In our churches of today we need a full and Spirit-filled understanding concerning differences between the law and Grace of God. The law teaches us that we are all sinners before a holy and just God. The law reveals to us our lost and sinful condition. It states the works and actions of sinners. The law is our school system, helping us to understand where we stand before God. The Grace of God reveals the love and mercy of God toward us. It extends, or reaches out to us even while we are yet in our sins. 

Somehow we have taken that to the next level. We have added and subtracted to the laws of God. On one end of the scales we have those who put their thumb on the scale. They add heavy burdens that are difficult to be borne. Tightening the noose pull after pull. Like our scripture says, they themselves will not even abide by the laws they impose upon people. They build book after book with law after law written inside. Too much emphasis is placed upon the law. Now listen to me... We need the law!  The law shows our condition. The law is still a great guide for Christian living even after salvation. But the difference is that it is a law fulfilled now by Christ Jesus and not us. 

Then on the other end of the scale is the Amazing Grace of God. Through His grace we are saved, not the through the law. The law reveals, but the Grace of God reaches. The law binds, but the Grace of God frees us into His liberty. It's the wonderful Grace of Jesus that has set my soul free. 

So the conclusion is this... To preach Grace and practice law is wrong. We must find the understanding of scripture. The law brings us Christ, but the Grace of God TO Christ!  The law brings us death. The law says, "For the wages of sin is death..."  The Grace of God brings us life. The Grace of God says, "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord". 

#daybreakdiscoveries

A Record Low

Psalms 136:23

Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Wow!  It is July 29, 2014 and we could be waking in the morning to a record low. It is forecasted to be 58-60 degrees in the morning. And just two days ago it was a heat index of 103 in Birmingham, Alabama. Isn't it funny how things can change so quickly? We always say if you don't like the weather, stick around it will change. 

Our lives can be much the same. Some days it seems like we are in a furnace. We are in the heat of a trial being tried and tested. The pressure is applied and we don't know if we can make it. Or some days it's blue bird skies. The birds are singing. The frogs are croaking. The cats and dogs are just laying around in the shade and enjoying the day. We spend all day with the family laughing and playing. Tired and weary from fun, we go to bed. Then on the next morning we wake up to an all-time record low. 

It happens so quickly. Even when it's foretold by God's word that these things would happen, it seems to hit us by surprise. Think of those disciples... One day they are enjoying the fellowship with Jesus in Bethany and a supper that evening. But before night could fall completely, the disciples hit a record low. Within a few hours, Jesus has been taken by soldiers and they find themselves scattered in fear and confusion. Jesus had told them these things would come to pass, but yet it still caught them by surprise. He was beaten, crucified and buried. We find the disciples are discouraged and at a record low. 

But remember our scripture today... "Who remembered us in our low estate". Thank you Jesus for not leaving us there! It's in the record lows of our lives that God can be the greatest comfort. Some people will breakout the sweats tomorrow in order to fight off the chill. Well in that same manner, Jesus will comfort you in your record low. He will walk with you in your low estate. But one thing is key... You must call upon The Lord. Ask Him right now for His presence and comfort when you've hit an all-time low. 

That's When You Have It All

John 6:68

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Jesus had just asked the disciples if they would leave also like the others. Peter answers with, "Where can we go?"  It wasn't that Peter couldn't have found something to do or didn't have a place to call home. We know that he was a fisherman by trade and that he had family. He could have resorted back to the lifestyle he knew before Jesus (which is what he did after the crucifixion when he thought Jesus was gone)

Something had happened to Peter to change his views. He had been with Jesus. He witnessed the love and affection of the Savior. He saw the miracles take place in the lives of his family and friends. He saw a man that could deal with, and heal his mother-in-law. Jesus had become everything to Peter. He knew that there couldn't be anything, or anyone greater than Him. 

When Jesus asked Peter if he would go away also, it hit him. I imagine Peter thought, "I have nothing greater than you".  Peter realized that although he had possessions and even a home to return to, what would that be without Jesus? Right there in that moment, Peter saw his need for Jesus. Although Peter at times stuck his big foot in his mouth, every since the day that Jesus stepped into his life he never wanted Him to leave. 

You know what?  When you have realized that Jesus is the only thing you have. When He is the only one who has the words of life. When Satan tells you that all you have is Jesus... That's when you come to realize... YOU'VE GOT IT ALL!  I'm a poor rich man in Jesus! 

What would be your answer if Jesus asked if you would go away also?

Don't Change You Ways, Change Your Walk

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Many times I've said the statement, "Turn over the leaf and you just have the backside of the same leaf". I hear so many people that talk of "doing better", "changing my ways", "getting my life right". The problem with us doing this is not fully surrendering to Jesus. See, when we think we should "change our ways", then we fall short of what the Gospel says to us. When we "do better", we set ourselves up for failure. Because we can't do better apart from Jesus doing a great work of salvation in our lives. 

God's word tells us this morning to walk by faith. The only way for a Christian to walk is to walk by faith. Look at what the definition of faith is...

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The scriptures even tell us that without faith, it is impossible to please God...

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

So to change our ways, or get things right, isn't the way we should think. We need to change our paths, the way we think. Walk in faith toward Christ and not our sight. If we continue to walk in our sight then when things don't look good, they will not be good!  But if we walk in faith, then when things look bad, through faith, we hold on to the only ONE who is good. 

Don't change your ways, change your walk. 

Yield to the Right of His Way

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

How many of you actually yield at the yield signs?  Tell the truth...no one is going to give you a ticket of confession. How many times do we come to those signs and zoom right through? How many times have you seen people do this?  The proper action to take at a yield sign is to prepare for traffic, prepare for a possible stop, and yield to the oncoming traffic.

As we walk the life of a Christian, things and situations can become difficult at times. Answers may not come for days, months or even years. It can cause questions to arise in your mind... During these times God has called us to just be still and be faithful. Walking by faith is yielding to the will of God.  It's not always seeing what He is doing in our lives but it's yielding to Him. We must yield to His right way. We must even be prepared to stop set times. When we yield to God we find ourselves not relaxing in Christ but relying on Christ. 

When we walk by faith we are saying... God I yield myself to faith. I yield myself to You and Your will for my life. It's saying... I don't have to understand it all in order to trust in you!  I will walk by total faith! Help me to fix my eyes upon You Lord. 

Have you told Him that this morning?  Are you relying on your strength and wisdom?  Let Him take control. Place your faith in Him!  Walk by faith, and not how it looks or seems. All the signs are there...have you yielded?

Looking for Something to Do?

Maybe today you're thinking about what needs to be done. If you are anything like me, the list is multiple items long. It could be anything from washing the car to planning a funeral. The truth is we are all searching for something to do. Many have already made specific plans months or weeks ago to get a few things done. 

Well this morning I want to challenge you to add something to your checklist. It shouldn't add weight to your list, but help you get the things done that are already on your list. Please try and do ALL of them today. 

#1 - Be Kind...Tenderhearted...Forgiving

           Ephesians 4:32

              And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,   

              even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

#2 - Be Compassionate...

          1 Peter 3:8

              Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love     

              as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

#3 - Be Still...

          Psalms 46:10

              Be still, and know that I am God:

              I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

#4 - Be Strong...

          Ephesians 6:10

             Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his     

             might.

#5 - Be Quiet...

          1 Thessalonians 4:11

             And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to 

             work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

In doing this list, it needs to be put into action and not a certain order. 

My Best Friend

Matthew 26:50

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

As I think on this scripture this morning it makes me humble. So many times I have looked at Judas as a horrible Benedict Arnold. He betrayed Jesus!  Not only did he betray Jesus, but he did it with a kiss. He actually kissed the face of God with evil in his heart. We know what happened with Judas also. He hanged himself. 

But what makes me humble and broken about this message is the fact of how Jesus greeted him. Jesus knew why Judas had come!  He knew who it was that would betray him. He told them in great detail at the supper so that Judas was revealed. Jesus knew when he was walking toward him with his lips drawn together and before they touched his face why Judas was there. But look at what He said to him..."Friend, wherefore art thou come?"  Oh, the message in this today!

Jesus knowing who Judas was, greeted him with the term friend. How can this be? God hates sin! But God LOVES the sinner much more!  Even though Judas never repented of his sins and took his own life, because scripture says he repented of himself and not to God, that doesn't mean he didn't have an opportunity. He had a friend, His name is Jesus.

Through all my failures and sin, Jesus has remained my friend. Although I've not been the greatest friend to Him, He's always been my best friend.  No matter what you've done, you can have a friendship with Jesus. Is He your best friend?

The Legend of Faith

Luke 17:5

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

In the 1980's a video game system came out called Nintendo. I remember when my buddy up the road got the first system. There was such hype about it. We would stay up all night long playing games like Super Mario Brothers, Excitebike, and others. But I remember one game very well. It was called, "The Legend of Zelda". It was a fantasy game where you had to rescue the princess. This was, and still is, my favorite game of all. 

In this game you could build your weaponry and strength. You had to fight different levels with different bosses at the end of each level. At some levels you couldn't even open the doors to get to the bosses unless you had reached a certain status in your arsenal. I can remember having to buy arrows, potions, and food. I remember mostly having to build your shield strength by purchasing a greater shield. But if you fought a certain enemy it could actually eat your shield and you would have to save more money to purchase the bigger one again. I had to do this so many times!  Grrrrr!

Well as I read today's scripture it takes me back to that little television, playing that crazy game. So many times I allow the enemy to attack my faith. At times even trying to swallow it up. But I'm so glad I don't have to save up for a greater shield. The payment for my faith has already been paid!  I don't pay up, but I pray up!  

Dear Jesus, please increase my shield of faith. When the enemy tries to devour me, remind me that he must go through you. When he tries to steal my faith, remind me that it's your blood that paid for it. I know perfectly that it's not a game when dealing with faith, but thank you Lord for teaching me lessons in the smallest things. I love you!

Oh, I See

Luke 24:24-25

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

"I'll believe it when I see it..."  Have you ever heard that?  How many times do we need to see something in order to believe?  If I said I had a good coin in my pocket, how quick would you ask to see it?  

The Bible teaches that seeing it isn't faith. 

Romans 8:24

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

WE SHOULD BELIEVE...

  - That He is Christ

  - That He was Dead

  - That He is Alive!

These men that saw Jesus couldn't believe their eyes. They had just seen Jesus crucified and buried. They had lingered around for days after and heard the women say that he had risen. They listened to the stories about the angels they saw at the grave. But yet they believed not. They needed more for some reason. 

Then Jesus appeared unto them and finally revealed himself and they believed. But as they told others...the people they told didn't believe. Jesus then appeared unto them. He said, "Touch me and see". Then they believed. 

You may say I'll trust Jesus and believe in Him when I can see Him. Well look at me!  (No I'm not Jesus). I am saying look at what happened in my life. Look at how I was dead in my sins, but am now very much alive through Jesus. I was a drunken teenager without hope in my lost condition and now a child of The King!  I was broken and now I'm fixed. All because I believe He is the Son of God. I believe He was crucified and died on the cross for my sins. I believe He is now alive forevermore and I will live because of His resurrection. 

I never saw Him like the apostles. I never touched Him like those men that day. But I believe! 

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I'm found,

Was blind but now I see.

Playing in Tune

Psalms 37:4

Delight thyself also in the Lord;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I love playing musical instruments. There is great peace in just strumming a guitar or sitting down at a piano and playing. It's just relaxing. Even listening to music is soothing and takes you away. But something can happen at times. We could be playing and then all of the sudden a wrong note is struck and it makes it sound so bad. Or you could be driving down the road, listening to the radio, and the service just turns into static. Nothing is worse than this!  Your favorite song is playing on satellite radio, the windows are down, everything is going your way, and then it happens...boom, nothing. 

You see, God's word tells us that our relationship with Him is like sweet music to our soul. Our hearts beat to the same rhythm. Our desires are His desires for us. Our delight is actually His delight for us. We become so tuned into the will of God that it's like music to us. There is peace, joy, love and contentment in this sweet music.

But then it happens, a distraction for selfish desires or a demand of something you think you should have, and the music stops. The wrong note has been struck. The satellite feed becomes blocked. All because of our hearts desire. 

That seems to be an attitude among people (Christians) today. We have this sense of demand toward our Heavenly Father. Too many are wrapped up into what they want. Selfish desires of the heart seem to be priority. 

Pray today that we will be in tune with Jesus. Pray that nothing you desire gets in the way of what God desires for you. Stay in tune! 

Come Back Around Rejoicing

Luke 15:9

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

I was running this morning, and at a mile in and I saw a penny on the ground. I told myself I would pick it up on the return (even though it was not on the return). But when I came back through that way I couldn't find it. My eyes were scanning every area I thought I was at when I saw it. But I had to keep running, I couldn't stop. So in my mind I was thinking, "I should have picked it up when I first saw it, I will probably never find it now". 

By this time, my heart rate was up even greater because God started teaching me a lesson. I found myself thinking about that penny the whole time I was trying to finish my run. I was second guessing myself if I had actually seen it there in that particular spot or not.  It was almost a worry if I would find it or not. (I know that you must think that I'm crazy)  

Scanning, scanning and more scanning. I would look at my watch and think, "I can run pass there one more time before I finish". So I told myself that I would look harder this time. So as I approached the area where I thought it was the search began again. My heart pounding because of the run and anxiety of the search. Then it caught my eye... I FOUND IT!  Immediately I looked at my running watch. As I approached the penny, my watch turned over and the run was now completed. I stooped down an picked it up, relieved that I found it and excited that my run was finished. 

What if the penny had no value? In a previous devotion, God dealt with me about the value of a penny.  (Many people think they don't have any value)  But in this devotion God dealt with me about the search and rejoicing. What if I had decided not to come searching again? How many times do we pass a life everyday and not see its value? Are you willing to come back around?  

  - Pray today that God first moves on your heart and causes you to be 

    concerned and broken about the value of a soul. 

  - Pray that God gives you the eyes to see them in their condition. 

  - Pray that as you run your race in life, you don't forget to pick up that soul 

    and bring them to Jesus. 

If you live this way, will you rejoice with me today?  Hallelujah!

Clearly Visible

Romans 12:9

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

There are three clear and visible things found in this scripture...

First of all it tells us that love should be without concealment. It should be visible and evident in the life of a Christian. Love is how we are known for being a follower of Jesus. He told us that they would know you by the love you have for one another. We should show the Love of God to all we come in contact with. 

Second, we should abhor that which is evil. The word abhor means, to regard with disgust and hatred. A child of God should hate sin and it's destruction it could do in our lives. Too many Christians today are playing with sin as someone who plays with a snake. Any snake handler (which to me must be crazy) will tell you that when you lose the fear and awareness of what the snake is capable of doing, then you shouldn't be around them anymore. Christians have lost sight of the damaging effects of sin and its destruction it can do. We are told to stay away from evil, to abhor it!

Third, we should cleave to that which is good. Good in this scripture means that which is holy and right in God's sight. We should hold onto that which is good, knowing it is from God.  Knowing that it is for our benefit and growth. 

God tells us these simple truths and maybe we should write them down today on a small piece of paper. Place it in our pockets and study it throughout the day. 

  - Show the Love of God Clearly

  - Hate Sin (not sinner) and its Destructing Power

  - Hold on to the Good Things that God Sends Our Way

Pep Rally

Mark 9:38-39

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

At the microphone our beloved student leader would stand and point to the seventh graders and make his way across the whole assembly doing the Roll, Jordan, Roll wave. The band would be playing and the cheerleaders would be chanting their cheers. "2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits, a dollar, all for Jordan, stand up and holler..."  Then as the band played we would sing Roll Jordan Roll... 

Then the greatest time of the pep rally came when we would compete with the the "other side". As a seventh grader it was us junior high students against the varsity students. We would scream at the top of our lungs... "We've got spirit yes we do, we've got spirit how bout' you?"  The scene didn't change as we grew older. I can still remember being in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade scream at the junior high students. 

You know many people do that today in Christianity. They stand on their side of the guitar and shout that their worship is the best. While the others stand on their side of the piano and declare theirs is the way. We are so quick to pick and choose. So quick to forbid people, when Jesus says let them alone. Let every man's work be tried by Christ. 

So stop trying to keep tabs. Stop trying to compete or forbid. Follow Jesus. Serve Jesus. Preach Jesus. And realize that if someone else has Jesus there is no possible way you could have more of Him. He's the same forever and for every one.  

God Fixed Him

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart,

and bindeth up their wounds.

Remember this?... 

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the kings horses and all the kings men, 

couldn't put Humpty together again.

My Dad said, "If we could have gotten Humpty to Jesus, he could have fixed him. This has to be the most profound and simplest statement of who Christ is and his power he has. Of all the wisdom I have searched for in the last twenty years if my Christian life, I have not heard a statement so true. I have not heard a summation of who Jesus is than this one. If only the kings horsemen and the kings men could have brought him to Jesus he could have been healed like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years. He could have been saved just like the young boy we he raised from the dead and gave back to his widowed mother. He could have been fixed like Mary Magdalene's heart. 

Jesus, He is the only one who can heal the broken heart. 

I can't take a heart that's broken, make it over again

But I know a man who can

I can't take a soul that's sin sick, make it white as the snow

But I know a man who can

Some call him Savior the redeemer of all men,

I call him Jesus for He's my dearest friend 

If you feel that no one loves you and your life is out of hand

Well, I know a man who can

My "Good Thang"

Proverbs 18:22

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,

and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

When God created all f creation he said everyday that it was good. But when he created man, He said, "It is not good that man should be alone". So then God created woman out of man to be his helper. To be his "good thang". 

I ain't bragging, but praising God this morning. Praising Him for my marriage and my "good thang". I have been blessed by our God with a beautiful, talented, softball playing, Glory to God singing, making me fat cooking, absolute awesome woman of God. There is absolutely no way I could have found this on my own, believe me I tried! This is a blessing from God. 

How many times do we get bogged down in this life and let things, or people, take a back seat to our burdens?  We can be so distracted by the bad things in life that we lose sight of our good things. I only wish people could hear the testimonies of spouses who are hear on earth while their "good thing" is in Heaven awaiting their arrival. It's sorta like the old preacher always said, "We sometimes don't miss our water till our well has run dry". 

How do you treat your "good thang"?  How do you talk to your "good thang"? 

Disclaimer:  I am not in any doghouse or trouble with my wife. This is straight from our Lord and my heart. I have in no way been influenced to with the above words because of my failure as a husband. It is simply because I love my "good thang"!  Hahahaha

The I's Have It

Luke 18:10-12

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

When we were kids, other children would call the children with glasses "four eyes". They would say, "Here comes ol' four eyes". Children can sometimes be a little mean with their sayings. Well in looking at this scripture today, Here comes ol' five eyes...  

It says two men went to pray; and the one a "only can see himself" Pharisee. Look at what he says... "I" thank thee that "I" am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. "I" fast twice in the week, "I" give tithes of all that "I" possess. 

There is not much that gets to me more than that kind of attitude. It's the spirit of "ol' five eyes". We should never point to us in every sentence. You can see that this man never went home justified when he prayed because he bragged on every work he could think of. He was the type of man who would never let you speak and if you did something great, he would have done it twice. If you would have given $100 in the plate because God placed that on your heart to give, she would give $200 just in order to give more than you.  Our lives as Christians shouldn't point to the things we do. Let me say it like this... Many people often tell me things like, "I loved the message this morning, you are great". Although I know what they're intentions are, I always point up and say, "It's all Him". 

We should thank God that we are not as other men (because He has made us different). We should thank God that we aren't waking in sin (like we used too). We should thank God for His closeness when we fast (and not brag or blab about it). We should praise God that we have an opportunity to tithe of the blessings He has given us (because they are not our possessions but His)

Sometimes when ol' five eyes shows up I quietly lean over to my wife and say... "Well, the I's have it".   

The Proof is in the Pudding

John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

After researching this phrase I have found that the original is... "The proof of the pudding is in the eating". Which means if you desire the flavor of the pudding and it's deliciousness, then you must eat it to find the proof. 

Many are looking for truth today but come short in finding it. It is because of the source they are trying to find it in. Even in our churches many turn to books about the Bible instead of the Bible. Sacrificing our Bible reading time for commentaries, men's Bible studies, and lessons about the Bible. None of these things are bad or wrong, but they can become hindrances from your alone time with God's source (The Bible). We've reverted to watching the Christian television shows instead of reading God's Word. We've retreated to the books about Christian experiences rather than the Word of God. Please don't misunderstand me. I read commentaries, study lessons, and books of Christian topics often. But when I desire the truth of it all...the proof of the pudding...I don't want a theory, topic, or thought of what some man or woman has about Christ, I want the words of Christ. I want the proof in the pudding!

Are you searching for truth?  You can hear it through Steve, you can hear it through Christians, you can hear it through church, you can hear it through books, commentaries and such, but you CAN FIND IT in the proof of the pudding... His Precious Holy Word.

I know you may say that scripture is difficult to understand at times and hard to read.  That's because it is spiritually understood. This means apart from the revelation of God's Spirit we can't understand it. Before you open His Word ask the Holy Spirit of God to show you what is being said to your heart. Pray for guidance in the Word. I have no doubt that He will show you the proof in the pudding. Remember now..."It's in the eating".  He actually says, "Taste and see..." Psalms 34:8

Happy, Happy, Happy

Acts 26:2

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Think of brother Paul... He always wanted to preach the gospel in Rome so that all the world would know of God's salvation. He knew that "all roads lead to Rome" and that if he could carry the message there, it could spread to all the world. One thing Paul didn't account for was HOW he would go to Rome or who would be his audience. He was not on a cruise ship with room service, but was on a board after the ship was broken to pieces. He wasn't with his crew of preacher friends, but with guards and chains. He wasn't set up in the 4 or 5 star hotel, but was in the prison. But notice what Paul says when he stands before the King. They tell him, after much hardship and wait, that he has the freedom to speak for himself. Paul then shocks the world, as well as me, by saying these next words...

"I think myself happy" said Paul... Wow! How many of us would be happy about the situation he was in?  Too many think today that they deserve the best of things. Like a hotel, cruise ship, friends who wait on them hand and foot. The truth of it all is that people think this way because they don't have their eyes on Jesus and the full blessing of sharing the gospel. 

Paul was happy because he was finally at the place where God wanted him to be. He wanted to share his testimony and now he is about to share it to the King. All the trials of how he had gotten there faded into the background when he was finally able to the share the gospel. 

Why do you spend your time whining about what materialistic things you're missing out on when you could be sharing the gospel? Maybe the trial you've gone through to get to the place you are is for a greater reason. 

Are you happy? How happy?  Not the happiness that the world offers, but the joy that Jesus offers. You see Paul wasn't happy about the shipwrecks, inprisonments, beatings, or chains... He was happy about sharing the Gospel!

Hide and Go Seek

Isaiah 59:1-2
The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy, that it cannot hear, but your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear

Psalms 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me

I love that the Lord's arm isn't short and that His ear isn't heavy.  God can still save and hear.  He's not grown deaf or His hands and arms feeble. Our Lord is always ready!  God hasn't hid himself from anyone. There is no need of Him hiding.  But look at what our scriptures say this morning...

"Your iniquities have separated you from your God;"...  "Your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear"... "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me"...

The reason our prayers are hindered and even unheard is because of sin.  Sin separates us from God, it always has and always will.  God will not bless in sin.  God will not answer in sin, until the sin is dealt with.

The great news is that God has already done His part in dealing with sin.  He gave His Son, only Son, to die for sin on the cross of Calvary.  God has prepared the way.  He's done all the labor in wanting our reception to be great.  He's just waiting on the cry from you this morning.  Those words that are sometimes difficult to find, but must be found.  Words that are spoken with brokenness and not pride.  Words that are meaningful and not just crutches to lean upon (the old... "Get me out of this and I'll serve you prayers")

Like Adam in the garden... "And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." Genesis 3:9-10

Notice what Adam said... I heard your voice.  I was afraid, because I was naked (ashamed). I hid myself. Adam hid himself.  It wasn't God hiding from Adam.  God was seeking, Adam was hiding.  Where are you today?  Are you hiding?  Let me just go ahead and tell you that God... He's the best at hide and go seek. He knows right where you are, but He calls out so you will come to Him.

Can't you just hear Him this morning?  8, 9, 10... Ready or not, Here I Come!  He's looking for you.

What Do You Say?

Acts 21:40
And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts Chapter 22 (please take the time to go and read it)

Paul was given an opportunity to finally speak.  With this chance he chose to give his testimony.  Did you know that our testimonies are very powerful?  Not alone, but testimonies of what Jesus has done in our lives.  In one scripture it teaches we  overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies.  So this morning I want you to take the time to answer a few questions.  Maybe get a piece of paper and pencil, write these answers down.  After you have read Chapter 22 of Acts, then examine what your testimony would be.

Before I received Christ, I lived and thought this way: 
What did my life revolve around?
What issues or things were important to me?
What did I think of God? Of Jesus?
On what did I rely for security and happiness?

How I received Christ: Paint a "word picture" of the situation. 
Where were you? Alone? Driving in your car? At a church service?
What thoughts went through your mind?
What feelings did you struggle with just before your decision?
How did you yield your life to Christ? What did you say?

After I received Christ, these changes took place: 

How are you different than you were before?

How have the changes in your life influenced others around you?

Did you struggle with your faith?

How did God answer prayer, or strengthen you in difficult situations?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Philippians 3:13-14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Waking up everyday looking into the same mirror, I have seen the same image looking back at me for 37 years. My whole life (since fifth grade) I have been chubby, fat and then on to fatter. Since my high school days I had gotten up to 326lbs. Last year, on March 15th, I started working on fixing this. First of all I couldn't have done it without the help of my Savior. I lost down to 238lbs. My head was so big that I couldn't see a full view of my ears when looking straight in a mirror. I had to take the shoe shinning boys word for it... What was so funny was that everyone said things like... You carry it well and you're just big boned. They all meant well. I can't describe to you the burden lifted from me when I lost this weight. Seeing my ears and shoes again was a plus. But when the doctor took me off of diabetic and blood pressure medicine, well praise God!  

Every now and then something happens. I look into that mirror and still see the same person I always had been my whole life. From my eyes, I'll always be the "big guy". I'll still feel like the largest man in the crowd. It seems like I can't shake it off sometimes. Then someone takes a picture of me and shows it to me or puts a post it on social media, and I see something. I see someone that is unrecognizable at times. I don't even believe it. 

You know what?  We do that to ourselves. It's so hard to let go of who we used to be. We allow the devil, and ourselves, to bring us into this bondage style of living. We allow others to bring things up about who we used to be and allow it to bring us down. Shake off those chains!  Today, let's do as God's word tells us. 

  - Forget the things which are behind us

  - Reach forward to the things ahead of us

  - Press toward the prize in Jesus

I am not what I need to be, but thank God I'm not who I used to be!

Standing on the Privileges?

1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

God's servant tells us that he realized that he wants to be "all things to all men in order to win some". This scripture speaks about Paul and his understanding of the privileges we have in Jesus Christ. Many scriptures teach us of the bondage Jesus has freed us from. The sacrificial law still applies for us today, but not the offering of lambs or bullocks, but Jesus freed us from this law by offering himself as the one and only sacrifice we will ever need. Also we read how Christ freed us from the eating of certain things and the keeping of things that are not lawful to us. But Paul says, "he has become all things to all men that he might win some". 

He described them as being weak, not as a punch to them, but the keeping of certain things being weak themselves. Notice what Paul did though... He became weak to gain the weak. He didn't sit with the drunkard and get wasted with him in order to win him or stay home from church on Sunday's in order to win others. He didn't do anything contrary to what he had in Jesus, but if eating meat offended his brethren...he wouldn't eat it. You see Paul would rather stand on the promises of God and win some than to stand in his privileges and win none!  

If you look at Christianity as "Your" life, you need new glasses. It is "HIS" life in and through you. Don't use your gracious privileges as a stumbling block to the weak. 

Last thing, look at how important it is to win... "SOME". May we all live the Christ-filled life to win at least some.  I love you all, keep reaching and keep standing on His promises. 

You Can't Do That!

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Have you ever had someone tell you that you couldn't do something!  Or someone say, "That can't be done"?  Well I was the one that always hated those phrases. I joke about this now, but I was raised by my dad's philosophy. - If man built it, I can fix it - This at times has caused me much pain and heartache. I have lost much sleep thinking of how I could fix things. When I get them on my mind, I can't seem to let them go until I figure out a way to fix it. (I am still this way about earthly things)

But I have learned a lesson. It took much time and pain, but I have learned that there are things I can't fix or even handle without Him. Jesus said, "For without me, ye can do nothing". From our relationships, jobs, family, medical or financial problems, we can't do it without Him. We can do nothing without Him!  

Right now! Realize that you can't do it without Him. Take the time to tell Jesus that you can't do it without Him. Do it now. Tell Him, "Lord Jesus, I've been trying to handle this on my own. I've been trying to come up with an answer or solution. But I have realized this morning that I CANNOT do this without You!  Will You please help me? Please be my source of strength. Please be my upholder. I love you Jesus and thank you". 

The words don't have to be those same ones, but could be along those lines. I want you to know something. I can pray with you this morning, and I have. But I can never pray for you. You must talk to Him. Tell Him, He will listen. 

I can't believe I would have ever made this statement but here it goes...

You can't do it, I can't do it... I don't know how to fix it... But I know one who can! 

My Wife and the Cereal Bowl

Matthew 12:33

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

I want you to stop and think about something for a moment. It won't take you long to do this. But I want you to think of some things that I will list and picture the first thing that comes to mind. (No, I'm not giving a psyche exam cause we would probably fail, haha)

Lucky Charms, HoneyCombs, Count Chocula, CocoPuffs, Raisin Bran, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruit Loops.  

When you read Lucky Charms you probably sang, "They're magically delicious". But think deeper... Blue diamonds, purple horseshoes, pink hearts, green clovers, etc... What about HoneyCombs?  You thought of their particular shape. And FruitLoops? They are like disco colored Cheerios.  The only reason I know these things is because of my wife, Patti Abney. She has been a practicing cereal killer her whole life. She brings home different ones every week, but she always has her favorite. I love to watch her around bedtime. She begins to get this glazed look into her eyes. Her mind begins to think of which one it will be tonight. What sugar-coated bowl of cereal will be taken down? 

Well what would happen if she wanted that big bowl of FruitLoops and I poured her a bowl of Frosted Flakes?  Do you think she would know the difference?  ABSOLUTLEY!  Because she has been putting cereal away for years. I could sit her in a chair blindfolded, place bowl after bowl in front of her to sample, and I promise you she would get everyone of them correct. How? Because she knows how they smell, feel and taste. 

What would happen if Jesus was to line us up today, blindfold himself, and taste our fruit? Or better yet, what if the world were to do this to us?  He would know wouldn't He?  He would know exactly what or who you are. In the same manner, everyone in this world would know as well. Because people smell us out. They feel us out. And taste of who and what we say we are. People are looking for something good to eat. 

If we were to pour you in a bowl today... What would come out? Myself? I would be like a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Fruity because of my crazy mind and illustrations, and Pebbles because I want to be a rock for Jesus, like Peter. (Notice only a pebble because He is the Rock). Search your bowl today. Ask if God is pleased with your fruit. Remember, He said a tree is known by his fruit. So a Christian is known by their fruit also and not by the prettied-up outside of the box.

I want to thank my wife Patti for her love for Jesus. She is poured out in front of me often and there has never been anything less than the sweet love she has for sinners, saints and our Savior. I want you to know that I see Christ in all that you do...(even in your cereal addiction) I love you with all my heart. And I love you all as well. 

Three Back At You

Luke 6:41-43

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

First of all, brotherly correction is accounted for in the Word of God. We are told to help our brother when he is in a fault. To bring his attention to the sin and problem. We are called to correct and keep each other accountable. But something was going wrong with these where Jesus was preaching.  They were very quick to point sins and faults out, but failed in a huge area. 

God says, "How can you help you brother, which has some dust in his eye, and you've got a cross-tie hanging out of yours?"  Does that sound about right in many circumstances?  A "mote" is a tiny speck or dust. A "beam" is a long sturdy piece of squared timber. 

Too many times we want to help our brother and haven't gotten prepared in order to do so. A lot of pointing and never realizing something... When we point one finger, there are three pointed back at you. Which tells me that we need to make sure we have the beam out of ours before we attempt in helping our brother with some dust in his. 

Now listen, if we confess them to Christ and straighten them out with men, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to help our brother. Don't let the devil, OR WORLDLY PEOPLE, deter you from helping and correcting a friend. They both will be very quick to say, "Don't point at me... Don't judge me". But if you will remember to keep in mind and heart the three fingers pointing back at you before you point the one, then you will be fine. Remember don't judge the person, judge the sin. And don't judge with your judgement, let the Word of God judge us all. Because ultimately, God is the only one that can remove dust, splinters or even a beam!

Lord, please help us today to share your truth. Help us to look at our brothers and sisters. Help us Lord to bring them back if we see them struggle in sin. Help us mostly to remember ourselves first, then offer a hand. Thank you, and I love you Jesus.