Confused

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Being a parent is an absolute blessing from our Lord. The Bible tells us... "Psalms 127:3 - Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."  We are blessed by a God to have children and be able to help and encourage them. We love and cherish them beyond our own capacity of love. But at times, few as they may be, they can confuse us... See, we can tell them over and over again to not do this... Or to not say that... Or even to stay away from them, those, or that. And what happens?  Sometimes they fall into it. 

When this happens as a parent we feel like... Why am I here?  If you're not gonna do what I say, then why do I even waste my breath?  Sound familiar?  Well, how many times have we made our Lord feel this same way?  I wonder if we include Him in every decision that is made in our lives? He daily is waiting to give us instruction and guidance. His lips are ready to tell us things to avoid and things to enjoy. He is our constant instructor, and how often to we listen?

In my life, I have seen that my parenting should be patterned after the greatest Father. He asked the question, "Why do you call me Lord, and do not the things which I say?"  He is not reprimanding these people. But rather He is showing them that if they would listen and obey His words, they could avoid much damage. He continued His message with telling them about building on the sand and the destruction that could come from it. 

If you've ever been confused by the actions of your children, think today about the actions of yourself to our Father. Would He be confused from your actions and obedience today?  Why do we call Him Lord if we aren't willing to follow His instructions. Remember, He instructs you to keep you from sin and its devastation. 

Wearied By Our Words

Malachi 2:17

Ye have wearied the Lord with your words.

Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him?

When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord,

and he delighteth in them;

or, Where is the God of judgment?

The definition of wearied is... "Feeling or showing tiredness". Being wearied can come from losing sleep or working hard. It can also come with being lied to constantly. The prophet tells us that we have wearied the Lord with our words. With the promises made every Sunday that are broken every Monday. Look the the scripture and we will see how we have wearied Him. He says, "By saying everyone that does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them". Then the people even scoffed and mocked God by saying, "Where is the God of Judgment?"  They thought God's judgment would never happen. "Nothing has happened so far", they would say. 

We weary God by justifying our sins before Him. People love sin. Sin is pleasure for the flesh. I have learned that all sin roots from selfishness. This same selfishness causes us to justify the sins that please the flesh. Before long, you will begin to call the evil sin good and ok in God's sight. Call sin by what it is...sin, evil, and hurtful. 

Our words can be so powerful. They are the ones that will bring us peace and joy. But they are also the very ones that will judge us. Our words shouldn't weary God, but they should GLORIFY God. 

Psalms 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Right in Front of Your Face

Mark 12:32-34

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth:for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

I can remember getting directions before and thinking we were so close to something only to find out that we were miles away from our destination. On the flip side of that, I've asked directions before thinking we were miles away from somewhere and finding out we were just around the corner from it.  

Imagine this man and the question he had for Jesus.  He asked what the greatest commandment was?  He wanted to know about true life and the source of truth. He wanted directions and found out he was so close. Notice what Jesus said about the man's response of keeping all these things. He said, "Thou art not far". "Not far", not there, but not far. You are so close but yet not there just yet. 

You see, keeping commandments are for those who are His servants or are enlisted in service. Following Him is an act of trust and love.  We are saved by His Grace alone. There is nothing, nothing good that we can do.  No greatest commandment can get us in right standing with God. Only the blood Jesus shed for our lives gives us a righteous standing before our God. 

This man was so close, so close that the Son of God was standing right in front of him. The Savior of the world was looking him in the eyes. How close are you? You are closer than you think. 

Do You Believe?

John 11:25-26

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Have you heard the story of Lazarus?  He had passed away from sickness and been placed in a tomb where has now laid four days. Jesus tells his disciples that this has happened so God could receive the glory. When He arrives in town, many of the Jews had come out to mourn with the family. They were gathering when Jesus came closer. Martha ran out to meet Jesus and ask him for help. Then she went and told Mary to come out because Jesus called for her. Everyone there was down and discouraged. They knew Jesus had the answer and the power to do whatever He wanted. 

As they were weeping, Jesus began to weep.  He wept because of the faithlessness of the people. They saw Him weep and thought that it was because Lazarus was dead, but Jesus was there to raise Lazarus. His tears were for them and their disbelief. 

Look at what he told Martha... "I am the resurrection, and the life:". Jesus told her that he was the answer to death and living. He was telling her that he could handle anything. Then he asked her something... "Believest thou this?"  He said , "Do you believe this?"  

My question this morning is, "Do you believe Jesus?"  Has he ever lied to you? How much faith do you have? Do you believe? Not as demons believe.  Not as the world believes he was here. But do you believe He can do it?  Do you believe He can speak life into you and your situation?  Then why are you crying?

Only believe, only believe... All things are possible, only believe. 

That Kind of Faith

Matthew 8:1-3

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Just to simply believe!  That's the kind of faith we need. Jesus told us to believe as a child would believe. This means we must totally depend upon Him and not upon ourselves. When we believe totally, God can do great things in our lives. 

Look at this man in the scripture. The leper came and worshipped Him. What power and liberty there is when we realize who Jesus is. When we stop and realize that our Lord Jesus is much greater than our problem or situation at hand. When we come to this kind of worship we can find the solution to every problem. In his worship he made the statement, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean". Notice what he was saying?  "If you will, I know you can do it". 

So many look for healing, solutions and answers and then when God answers in a different way than they expected, they are disappointed and walk away from Him. This leper was sick with a physical disease. His life was in a mess because of his condition. But remember, he was in worship!  He was worshipping God even though he was a leper. He said, "If you will..." This means he was fine with either way. He knew Jesus would still be Jesus even if he had to live as a leper the rest of his earthly life. He knew that his request was one that would help his life, but that it was more important to worship through adversity in his life. Notice that he didn't say, "If thou canst make me whole, I will worship you". 

How many of us today are willing to worship Jesus even when it's difficult?  Even when it's pouring rain?  Even when our snares seem delayed?  Boy, to have faith like that! 

  

Hope in the Word

Romans 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

What do you think of the Word of God?  Some people view it as a rule book full of "do's and don'ts". Many see it as a book with allegories of spiritual meanings. But Peter said, "We have not followed cunningly devised fables". How do you view the Bible?

When I read the Bible, I see love. Love in the cross, Love in the tomb, Love in the Old Testament, Love in the New Testament, Love is sewn throughout the entire book. But also there is patience and comfort in God's Word. Think of John chapter fourteen, "Let not your hearts be troubled..."  Think of what He told us in the book of Thessalonians, "Wherefore comfort one another with these words..."  God's word is full of comfort, peace, promises, instructions, correction so that we would be ready to face the world. 

Where does your hope and comfort come from today? What about peace and patience?  Maybe you should try opening the Word of God more instead of those novels and other books. Maybe read the Bible for thirty minutes instead of watching that television show that you so love. 

Notice what our scripture says... For our learning and our hope through patience and comfort of the scriptures. 

Take time today to search His scriptures. Take time right now to thank Him for His word that has been given to us. Lord, I thank you for the precious words that you gave to these men. Thank you for the Jewish scribes that thought of it so highly that they protected it for years. Thank you of how it applies to everything in my life. When I need instruction, I find it in your word. When I need Grace and help, I find it in your word. When I need comfort and patience, I find it in your word. When I needed salvation, I found it in your word!  Thank you Lord for my Bible. 

Losing Our Minds

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Have you ever felt like that rubber band stretched to its limits is your mind?  I have many times. The old "Calgon" commercial comes to my mind. The woman is burning something on the stove, dog is barking, children running though the house and the phone is ringing. Then she says those famous words, "Calgon, take me away". (Please tell me that you just read that part out loud)  

I feel this way at times. Even in Christian ministry it gets stressful. Life is stressful. We feel like we get so many things going at once and we couldn't possibly take on something else. Our minds are so busy on family, children, work, church, etc...  

Sometimes our minds are so preoccupied that we forget things. Have you ever walked into a room only to find out that you forgot why you walked into there in the first place?  Hahaha, so many times. It drives you crazy and you say those words, "I must be losing my mind". 

Well I want to tell you something. Losing our minds isn't a bad idea. We need to lose our minds and search for the mind of Christ. How great would it be to have His thoughts in our minds? To have His wisdom in our decisions?  Take time this morning to ask in prayer for the mind of Christ to be in you. Phone ringing? children yelling? ministry stressful? marriage tough? work difficult? big decisions? Say these words, "Jesus, take me away". Crawl up into His arms and lose your mind in His love. 

Joy in the Small Things

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

As I was about to start my run one morning I was stretching these old muscles and listening to the snapping and crackling. I was putting my headphones in and trying my best to get excited about the run, when I noticed something shining out of the corner of my eye. (This was before I even started running today) As I approached the shiny object, that I knew was a coin, I started laughing because it was a nickel!  

My first thought was, "Wow, moving on up!"  Many other thoughts went through my mind, because I truly believe God will speak through any thing in your life if you will only listen. I thought... You mostly only find pennies right?  Many people will drop a penny and leave it but not a nickel. They will battle the struggle of bending over to pick it back up because of its value. 

I also thought... "God, why a nickel today?" The scripture above came to my mind. If we are faithful over the small things (like looking for pennies) then he will reward us with greater things (like a nickel). 

Look at that last part of the verse... "Enter thou into the joy of The Lord". God really helped me today to realize that my joy, true joy, comes from being faithful and looking for the pennies. If you never look for the pennies, then you will never find the nickels, dimes, quarters or even dollars. Some people are quick to look for the paper money, just as people are ready to share the gospel with the wealthy and friendly. But what about the one who hasn't bathed in weeks? What about the drunk who is mean and hateful? What about the poor and lonely?  But they are just pennies Steve... 

Faithful over the small things!  Keep looking today...

Remembrance

Luke 24:8

And they remembered his words,

There are times that we go through our everyday routines and we are blindsided by a thought from our past. You know what I mean?  We could be at work, minding our own business, and a thought from years ago come across our mind. We wonder, "Where in the world did that come from?"  It came from the files of our memory bank. 

We store emotions, thoughts and feelings in those banks. Things like, our first crush, our first time driving a car, our first touchdown, or our first day of school... It's amazing at times what the memory banks can bring to our attention. (But then at other times we can't recall something a simple as our name, haha)

An amazing thing is when we recall those powerful words of our Lord Jesus right when we need them. You know... When we are struggling and He sends us a word. When we are discouraged and He brings to our memory that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That is so powerful!  We read and study, study and read... Days or even years may go by and then all of the sudden, when you least expect it, He brings them to your memory. 

Thank you Lord for searching my memory banks and giving me the right scripture at the right time!  Thank you for using my memory to teach me the truths of your word. I remember Lord! I remember. I love you Jesus and I love your word!

I Need Thee!

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There is no need for insurance until a flood, fire or tornado. There is no need for life insurance until death. There is no need for health insurance until sickness or a medical emergency. There is no need for vehicle insurance until an accident. Do you see where we are going this morning?  Think of this... I don't need my thumb until I go to shake a hand or grab a glass of tea. I don't need my legs until I get up to walk somewhere. 

How many times have we treated Jesus in this same manner?  When storms come, we cry for Jesus. When accidents happen, we plead for the presence of Jesus. When medical situations arise, we cry for the stripes and the blood of Jesus. What about today?  What about right now?  What about when there are no storms, accidents, medical needs or emergencies?  How much do you need Jesus then?  

I know He wouldn't, but what if He treated us in the same manner we treated Him?  (Thank you Lord for not being this way)  We would definitely be in trouble. 

The great thing is that if we know we have been doing this, then God is revealing to you your condition and you can pray right now for help. He not only wants you to need him in trouble, but also in everything, everyday. 

Don't just need him tomorrow when trouble comes, like a spare tire. Need him now!  Need him in everything. Need him in life, family, work, church, marriage, friendships, driving, sitting in the swing, fishing on a boat, shopping in a store, need him now!

Sing it with me... 

I need thee, Lord I need thee,

Every hour I need thee

O bless me now my Savior,

I come to thee

Who Are You Gonna Blame?

Genesis 3:11-13
And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Don't you think it's a little bit funny how this story played out?  Adam and Eve were caught in sin. God asked them about what had happened. Then the blame game began. Adam blamed a Eve, Eve blamed Satan and Satan had no one to blame.

So many times we hear our children say, "Billy made me do it, Sally was doing it so I did it too". Or we hear Christians say, "The devil made me do it."

How easy and simple it is for us to say that the devil made us do it. But in truth, Eve was deceived by Satan but she sinned on her own. And although Adam listen to his wife, he is the one who sinned. And although Satan did the trickery and deception, we are the ones who sin. He may lure us and entice us, but we are driven away by our own lust and commit sin.

We can blame it on computers, but they only display what you type into them. We could blame it on our televisions but they only go to the channels you press. We could blame it on alcohol, but it is you that take it into the body. We can blame it on half-dressed men and women, but it is you that looks with lust. See we can justify and blame our sins on all the people and things around us and eventually, when Christ calls us out on our sins, the blame game will have to stop.

Stop blaming others and confess your sins this morning. Don't look at what others are doing, or not doing, you follow Jesus. You do right.

I Say Boy, Pay Attention

Proverbs 1:7-9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:

but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

and forsake not the law of thy mother: 

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,

and chains about thy neck.

I've noticed something in my studies of the book of Proverbs. Many, many times it begins with... "My son, give thine ear to instruction". "My son, don't lean upon your wisdom". Have you noticed that?  

Well, what would give Solomon the authority to say such things?  I mean, how could God use this man to tell me about wisdom?  I know that he was the smartest and wealthiest man of his time. I understand that he received his wisdom from God. But looking deeper, I can see that some of the very things he spoke about were the things he failed in. Who better to warn us of traveling down a certain road than someone who had been there before. 

I've heard people say things like, "Who's preaching about Jesus now?"  "Are you kidding? I know that old boy and believe me he has done a lot of things sinful and contrary to God". I've heard some say, "How can that person give advice on marriage when they made a mess of theirs?"  When people come to Jesus and confess their sins, He can greatly use them. No, He can't use us if we stay in our sins, but He will definitely use us when we are saved from our sins. 

Really when it all boils down, it's about how Jesus can forgive, and put lives back together. The instruction and wisdom we receive from those in Christ who have been there before, is truly from God himself. So when people give you a "I've been there before" story, pay attention. 

Pay attention son, I say boy, pay attention. - Foghorn Leghorn

Late Hit

Romans 12:17-21
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

In high school, one of my activities was football.  I can remember many, many instructions that coaches would instill in us. Some a little more than others. One of the rules I remember was, "If someone hits you after the whistle blows, take it." This would sometimes result in a penalty against the team doing the late hitting, but not always.

Being a lineman, we had certain missions. First, find the football. Second, destroy the man who had the football. Third, and never really taught but certainly a rule, if anyone sucker punches or basically whips you in your position...seek and destroy. I can remember getting hammered by a sucker hit on a play and recording the guys number in my mind. I knew there would come a time when he wasn't paying much attention to me. You see I was lining up across from him the whole game.  So every play he knew where I was and what was expected. Until coached called for second string kickoff team.  Finally, my turn! I scanned the field and found him in my sights (all the way on the other side).

Now my position I was in didn't call for me to block him. So rules number one and two were not in effect.  No, rule number three had become my top priority! The ball was away and so was I. I was running as fast as I could. He was looking back to where the ball was fielded, which was on the other side of the field from him. (I hope you are getting this... The ball was kicked to my side of the field and I could have been in on a genuine tackle but I was on the other side of the field fulfilling my mission three) No one was on our side now, just me and him.  He was blindly running toward his ball carrier when out of the blue... BAM! The greatest and hardest hit all night! Justice has now been served! I said nothing. I just stood over him with that "Remember me?" glare.

Then that's when it happened... A bright yellow flag hit me in my helmet. The referee was shouting something about unsportsmanlike conduct, you know how crazy those zebras can be. If he would have only known the whole story. This guy cheap-shotted me first! As I was coming off the field, now my coach is yelling at me and asking me why in the world would I do something so stupid. "But coach, he had it coming. He hit me first."

This morning maybe you've recorded the number of the one who has done you wrong. Maybe you're lined up against them right now and you're thinking of a way to retaliate. Allow Christ to move upon your heart right now. Give the hurt and pain to Him. Don't be charged with a late hit. Believe me, It's not worth the fifteen yards or standing on the sidelines the rest of the game because you couldn't control your temper. God can handle them as well as you.

The Itsy Bitsy Liar

Proverbs 12:19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever:
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.


The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.

Down came the rain and washed the spider out.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.

So the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

This was a nursery rhyme when we were children. Don't get me started on our nursery rhymes. Wow, they were crazy and scary. I can see you right now.  You were reading the lyrics and singing along. Maybe even some of you were doing the motions with your fingers.

Some people say, "It's only an Itsy Bitsy Spider". No harm can come from a small spider right?  I mean it's just trying to build a web. Well as a child I heard this rhyme over and over again. But as I grew older I heard a new phrase. It goes something like this... Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.

I find it so amazing that it's just a small spider. It's just an Itsy Bitsy Spider. It couldn't harm anyone. No damage could ever come from this web. It reminds me of a lie, an Itsy Bitsy Lie. If they never see it, it will never effect them. Well I know this is not the truth. Many years ago I knew a beautiful woman who made her living selling women's cosmetics and jewelry. She was bitten by a brown recluse spider. A spider that is about the size of a penny, legs and all. Surely nothing this small could harm anyone. But those bitten would share a different story. My friend was bitten right in the center of her hairline of the forehead. A huge patch of her hair died and rotted out. She struggled so much during this time. Because of her beauty and business, she battled hard.

Just as my friend gave no thought to this small spider the day before she was bitten, many people give no thought to the lies they speak and it's damage. 
Count the damage of lies. It would be more than hurricanes, tornadoes or tsunamis. The devastation is terrible. Be changed by Christ today! Truth will stand forever, while lies last but a moment but leave destruction in its path.

The other day I thought of a new nursery rhyme we should share:
The Itsy Bitsy Liar spewed out his sinful spout.
Then came the pain and destroyed the liar's house.
Out came the Son and took away His shame.
And the Itsy Bitsy Liar through Christ is not the same! 


Taking Grace Into Our Own Hands

Romans 5:20
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

"He's too bad to be saved. There is no hope for that boy. Will she ever be saved and surrender to God?" Do these things sound familiar? They should. Many of these statements are spoken at dinner tables, on car rides and even on the front steps of our churches.

There is no doubt that sin is prevelant and abounding. Everywhere we turn and everywhere we look, there is sin and the temptation to sin. It is so much easier to commit sin in our sin-soaked society. Even the internet makes it simple for someone to satisfy their addiction. Ordering online alcohol, drugs and even sexual satisfaction is very real and very easy. Sin is truly abounding! A true sign of abounding sin is when society fails at understanding that it's sin.

My favorite part of this scripture today... "But". But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. What is grace? The best description of grace is found on a hill called Calvary. The Son of God stretched out his hands on an old rugged cross and offered grace. God literally took matters of grace into His own hands.

Our offer of grace, that comes from His hands, should be offered just as He offered. Sometimes I'm guilty of taking grace into my own hands and for this Lord I'm sorry and repent. It's your grace and I'll offer it the way I received it.

Settled On It Since Yesterday, Today and Forever

Hebrews 13:7-9
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Why is the Bible different from any other book that you've read? Why does it stand out? I mean the word "Bible" is defined as the "books". Isn't it just a series of books that have been compiled by men? Isn't it full of allegories and historical stories? How can it be different and why?

The answer is... It is God's Word. As a believer or non-believer we must decide on this issue. It is either God's Word or it isn't. A book that was written over centuries and centuries apart but has the same central theme of Jesus Christ woven through it convinces me. The fact that over forty different writers spread out over this time span hold the account of Christ in the same context and truth also convinces me. The most convincing would be the Holy Spirit.

You may not believe this but I am in a constant battle, daily, for the truth. I live in a society and nation that always questions the truth. I don't mean researches truth, I mean questions it. If speed limits are posted at seventy, most see that as a partial truth and drive eighty and eighty-five. If something is free and has a sign posted above it, "Take One", that is a suggestion not a truth or command.

God's Word is either God's Word or it's not! Jesus Christ is either the same yesterday, today and forever or He's not. Watch out for those who are trying to convince you that God's Word is changing or evolving to meet culture. God's Word has always met culture right where it is. Be careful of those who are convincing you that God's Word is old fashioned, out of date, or written with errors by men. It's either His Word for us or not. I'm settled with it. Since yesterday, today and forever.

Hasty Tongues

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Our mouths are dangerous members of the body. It gets us into more trouble and sin than anything else. There is nothing that fights against us as much as our mouths. Now I understand that it speaks that which is in the heart and mind but remember it is the instrument that allows it to flow. Many, many times in my life I wish I could have kept quiet. I've even thought in my mind, "Steve, shut up."

In another scripture the Word tells us that the tongue is set on fire from Hell. It is a builder or a destroyer. More times than others it is the latter of these two. Oh, Lord teach me to be quiet. Help me study to be quiet and a listener.

One thing we should especially keep in mind this that when we tear down others we could very well be them tomorrow. Take heed of your words you speak of those walking with, or not walking with Christ because you may be where they are someday soon.

God, please forgive me of my hasty words. Forgive me for talking too much. Forgive me for my many words in prayer sometimes. I spend too much time telling you of my situation or quoting Your scripture to you and not listening like I should. I have missed out many times in your answers because I can't close my mouth. I come this morning with my ears open and my mouth closed... I'm listening.

It's God's Word

2 Peter 1:16
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Do we look at the Word of God as a history book or a story book? I'm afraid that among many Christians today we see it as a book full of stories. Not able to differ between a Chinese proverb or the book of proverbs. A sad truth is that among many believers, young and old, there is a struggle in identifying scripture or stories.

Peter declares that he hasn't followed cunningly devised fables. This isn't a devised story, but it is the truth. Truth that has been seen with Peter's own eyes.

My fear for believers in today's society is an absence of scripture. A pattern among some is to read one scripture and build a sermon around an idea instead of building it upon the text given to us by God. It is rare to find someone who would read the text, preach the text and lead to the cross of Jesus through the text and then to an invitation.

Remember when reading your Bible this morning, and everyday, that you hold in your hand the infallible, inerrant and Holy word from God. It's no story book! It's not Mother Goose! It is, and will always remain, God's word. It needs no additive or complementary addition. It needs to be read as an eyewitness account of what took place and what will take place.

My "Good Thing"

Matthew 19:16
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

A rich young man once came to Jesus. "What good THING shall I DO, that I may have eternal life?" he asked. Maybe Jesus could have told him to go feed and clothe the poor. He could have commanded him to wash or baptize himself in a certain spot of water. He could have told him to read his scrolls, pay his tithes and attend the synagogue daily. But Jesus chose to tell him to sell all that he had, give it to the poor and to come follow Him.

Is this the "good THING" that we all have to do to inherit eternal life? No. There is no "good THING" that we could do. This young rich man's mind was set on doing more or accomplishing more in order to have more. He was deceived into thinking that there could be one task or a "good THING" to do. Christ is the "good THING"! Eternal life is through belief in and a life surrendered to Him.

So why did Jesus tell him to sell all that had, give it to the poor and come follow Him? Because through believing in Jesus we must surrender our lives to Him. We must deny what our "good THING" is and know that it's Him. He knew that this young rich man loved what He had more that what He was asking for. If we love our sin, which is separating us from God, more than we love Jesus and His payment for our sins then eternal life with Him will not be. Our God is not against riches. It is by Him that we are blessed. He is against that which keeps us from Him. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die so that we could have access to Him and eternal life with Him.

Do you think that there is a "good THING" you are doing that is giving you or keeping you in His salvation? You're wrong. You could never preach enough, sing enough, serve enough or give enough to be saved. There is no "good THING" in us. The "good THING" was given to us and it is salvation through this man named Jesus!