Swelling Waters and Simple Prayers

Matthew 14:28-31

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Have you ever been to church and the preacher ask someone to lead in a word of prayer?  Did you listen to their prayer?  Come on now, most of the time you know that's what you are doing. You are listening and agreeing with their prayer unto the Lord. Sometimes you may find yourself readjusting their prayer for them, or applying it in a different way.

Well this morning I want you to pray. Do it right now! Take the time right now and talk unto the Lord. Listen carefully to what you are saying. Too many times is turns out to be words of habit. Like our prayer over the food we eat... "By His hands we are fed, thank you Lord for daily bread". Or maybe the bedtime prayer... "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep". Too often we talk to the Lord the exact same way we did the times before. 

Our prayers change at times, especially in times of trouble. Oh how honest and true are our prayers unto the Lord when we are at thhe lowest point. It seems that when we are sinking in the waters our prayers are simple and straight forward. We don't flatter with swelling words. We don't add the fillers that so many think are needed when they are asked to pray in church or public. No, we address Him in such a way that it grabs His heart. 

Do you ever think that Peter May have gotten into the rut of swelling prayers? It could be possible that Peter could have gotten into religious and legalistic ruts in his walk. We all at times could have this happen to us. But I wonder if he ever went back to the night he got out of the boat. The night where he walked across the water. The same night he had his eyes fixed on the Savior. The exact same night that he saw the wind and waves, and fear entered into his heart. This night where he was up on top of the water and now begins to sink. Notice what he prayed... "Lord, save me."  He could have said, "Jesus, the Son of God, who was brought to this earth to save and redeem people from their sins... Please reach down thine hand and help a sinking sinner such as me. With your stretched out arm, lift me up from this watery grave that will soon be mine..." 

No! There wasn't enough time for swelling words. Peter had no time to repeatedly call Him Savior, Lord, God, Jesus, etc... He made the prayer simple. And do you know something? The response, or answer, from Jesus was just as simple. Peter cried for help because he doubted and Jesus answered him by saving him and saying, "Why did you doubt?"  It was like Jesus was saying... "Trust me, trust in me, I've got you". 

Now pray again. Take the time to talk to him, not repeatedly or in repetition. Pray to Him with simplicity, direct and honesty. 

A Long Way From The Shore

Matthew 18:12-13
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Every year around June/July, the Abney's would take off for the beach.  I used to call it the "Redneck Riviera".  We would travel from Alabama into Florida to our special spot.  Many years it was a house that we rented together with a few other family members.  So think about it... Same road, same house, same beach, same scenario year after year. It was so routine! The same swimsuit, which consisted of the shorts from a previous year and a shirt due to my chubbiness. The same crab net and flashlight for the night hunts along the beach. Even down to the same old blowup raft equipped with paddles and all. (I hope that you are picking up on the "routine" of our trips because I'm laying it on pretty thick)

When we arrived at our destination the very first thing I would do is grab the swimming attire and raft.  Mom would be trying to rub sunscreen on me before I could get the old shirt on, but that was for wimps.  "No time for that mom, I've gotta get in the water!" as I fought her away.  Dad, mom, brother and other family members all lined up as we took the walk to the beach.  I've got the raft above my head leading the pack across the road obviously.

I'm the first one in the water!  Mom, dad and the others are now settling in their routine, which was thirty minutes and flip, thirty minutes and flip.  Well I had jumped into the ocean and forgot the paddles to the raft on the shore.  It really didn't matter that much though, because I wasn't going to go far.  As I was relaxing it the bottom of the raft and allowing the waves to sooth my childhood sorrows away, I lost thought and track of time.  I sat up in the raft and looked toward shore.  Let's just say I almost needed a new swimsuit.  I had drifted so far away from the shore.  If you know anything about Florida and the beaches... I was past the second sand bar.  (Yea, that far)

I started screaming like Tom Hanks when Wilson drifted from him in the Castaway movie. "Daaaady! Come get me!" He was waving his hands and saying, "Paddle back buddy."  To which I said, "Look beside you! I ain't got no paddles."  You know my Dad could have allowed me to drift to Cuba and blame it all on my carelessness, but he didn't.  I'll never forget in my life what he did.  He took off his shirt, leather Jesus sandals and black dress socks and headed out to where I was drifting. As he was coming out to me he still wanted me to paddle with my arms and I would say, "No way, there are probably sharks out here." So he kept swimming to where I was. He grabbed that handle on my raft and brought me to the shoreline.  

Listen today to the Holy Spirit as you read these words... No matter how far you may have drifted, call out to Jesus right now.  Can't you just see Him as He stands up when the cry is heard?  Can't you see Him as He comes to where you are and brings you home?

Donald Abney, daddy, thank you for swimming out to a little boy who was drifting away.  Not only on the shores of Florida that day, but also as a teenage boy who was totally drifting from Christ and headed to Hell.  I know that you came and got me in the raft when I was little, but only Jesus could have swam out as far as He did when I was lost in sin.  Thank you Mom and Dad for pointing me out to Jesus when you couldn't swim to me.  Thank you Jesus for coming to me and saving my life.

It makes me want to sing that song... "Without Him, I would be drifting like a ship without a sail."  

Follow the Leader

1 Timothy 3:5

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

A failure among fathers today is knowing how to rule the house. First we must understand that ruling the house is not done as Hitler with force. It will never be accomplished by demanding it. Respect for authority is not a right inherited when you bring the child into the world. Surely you know that having a baby does not make you a mom or dad. Being a mom or dad goes much deeper than having a sexual relationship with someone and conceiving a baby. 

Being a dad or mom is a position of leadership. Although this position isn't viewed in a great light by our present society, it is far more influential than the presidency. I often hear parents say, "My children don't respect me... They don't do what I tell them to do."  So often it's because you are imposing rules upon them that you yourself are not willing to keep. Do you lead with respect? Do you respect others and most of all God? Then how will they know how to perform that which they have never seen?  Do you demand that they follow your rule while you are breaking every rule?  Think of this... Do you yell at them for breaking your house rules, but yet talk all kinds of trash against the police for stopping you after running through a traffic light or speeding? 

Why would they care about your rules when you don't care about keeping rules?  Why would your child want to walk with Jesus when you don't walk with Him?

Notice the scripture this morning. "For if a man KNOW NOT HOW to rule his own house..."  Dad's, do you think you can rule the home well without first being a submissive follower of Jesus?  Our failure that I was speaking of early is from not KNOWING how to lead, which comes from not knowing how to follow. 

Ask God right now to help you lead your children. Ask for His leadership. Allow Him to rule your life so that you can rule your home well. Remember, He doesn't rule you as Hitler with demands. He came in love, died in love, saves in love and rules in love. 

One of my absolute greatest concerns as a dad and a pastor is leading a whole congregation of people and not my very own children. The Lord has shown me that I could never rule the house of God without first leading my very own family. I could never lead without first following Christ. Thank you Jesus, keep leading. Where you lead, I will follow. 

Pour It Out!

Isaiah 44:3-4

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty,

and floods upon the dry ground:

I will pour my spirit upon thy seed,

and my blessing upon thine offspring: 

And they shall spring up as among the grass,

as willows by the water courses.

Don't you just love this scripture today?  It is God's answer for what we lack. Look closely at what the Lord is speaking to us...

He says, "I will POUR water upon him that is thirsty". Oh how awesome is that?  God sees the need of our thirst. He sees our thirst and He's not speaking about our desire for something to drink. He takes notice of our need for righteousness. The Bible tells us in another scripture that He will bless those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. But look really close!  He not only meets our need or satisfies our thirst, but He POURS it upon us. He doesn't just give us a drink or taste. No, He pours His Spirit upon us. 

Then He will "flood the dry ground". Our souls are so dry and thirsty, just as a desert landscape. God pours out His Spirit upon us and it floods over. It floods throughout our life unto the lives of others. It flows in our hearts. It then flows into our marriage. Then onto our children and their children. When we are filled with the Spirit, it has a great way of showing. There is no mistaken when someone is living in the Spirit of God. 

Notice the last thing He says... "They shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water". God satisfies you, then He saturates you and others around you, and then He strengthens you!  

God please send the waters today. Send the Holy Spirit upon us right now. I pray for those reading today that may be dry and thirsty. Pour out your flooding Spirit upon them. In Jesus Name, Amen

An Impact Player

Jude 1:22

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

At our home we play video games together. We love to play sport games against each other and get our favorite teams and players (Roll Tide). Well now our games have these indicators for certain players. It could be a white star or a something similar. This is an indicator of a players strength or abilities. Impact players are huge game changers. 

The word of God teaches us that there is nothing greater than love, grace and mercy. In this scripture we see that compassion (mercy) on people who are struggling can make a difference. This could be game changing for them. Mercy and compassion could give great victories for you and the receiver. 

So put on your suit of compassion. Your helmet of salvation. Your pads of Grace. Be a game changer today. Be an impact player!

I remember a story about a young boy throwing starfish back into the sea. An old man asked him if he thought he was making a difference. There're were thousands of starfish on the shore. He picked up another one. Tossed it into the sea and said, "Made a difference to that one". 

Ringing From My Heart

1 Corinthians 6:15-17

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 

Before we continue in the devotion this morning please understand that the sciptures are dealing with those who have confessed Jesus as their Savior.  He is dealing with Christians, or those who claim to be.

God teaches us today that if we say we are a part of the body of Christ, then we are one body together.  Just as the marriage illustrates and other scriptures define. The two have now become one.  Have you ever noticed that God asks us questions at times through the scriptures in order to turn the cogs in our minds and hearts?  He knew the answer to this question.  He knew where Adam was before He ever asked where he was.  He knew what Cain had done before he ever asked where Abel his brother was.  He wants you to think on these things. He desires that you come to the conclusion of your need, sin, or wisdom.  God is not a force-feeder but He leads you to the banquet.

Don't you just love the last part of our scripture today? "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." When we receive Christ as our Lord, we are no longer an individual.  No, we are now joined unto Jesus.  Wherever we go, whatever we say, whatever we do, we carry Jesus with us.  We should not be guilty of joining ourselves to any other.  

You know what? My wedding band is an inanimate object.  It can't guide me or give me directions (at least not until the iRing is invented). But it can speak to me and for me.  Now listen to me before you hang up and think I've lost it.  The ring on my finger speaks to me of my covenant/promise to my wife.  It speaks to me about the love and oneness I share with her and only her.  We are joined together!  Did you know she also wears a ring just like mine on her finger? (just a bit smaller in size)  Her ring speak as well.  Also these rings speak to others.  It says, "Back off, I'm taken! My heart and life belongs to another."  

If I never had a ring... I have a promise to her and myself.  The ring just signifies the promise made.  Just like your actions signify your oneness with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  You may not have a "Christian Ring" on today, but your actions should be ringing out.  Loud and clear from your heart people should hear, "I'm joined to Christ!  He is my one and only! I LOVE HIM!"

Always On

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The running joke at our house is about a commercial.  Whenever the power goes out we always mention this commercial.  It's an Alabama Power commercial.  The ending is always the same. It says, "Alabama Power... Always On".  Well when the power goes off I always say, "Always On, Huh?"  As long as there are storms, snow and accidents it can never be always on.  Sometimes the power goes out and there you are.  I even asked the boys the other night where they were when the power went out.  One said, "In my bedroom".  The other said, "I was standing next to you dad".  Then I replied, "Nope, you were in the dark".

If your home is like ours when the power goes out it is a time of mourning.  The boys tell of how quiet it is and how it is soooooo boring.  There's no wifi, there's no phone charger, there's no light in the bathroom, there's no fan noise to sleep by.  Oh the suffering, the torment! Then the conversations begin to roll out.  "I wonder what they did in the old days when they had no power?" "What would they do at night?"  I said, "They would go to bed".  

Since the invention of power so much has come about in our world.  The things we are able to do because of power.  My wife's grandad, Pop, has always said he will gladly pay the power bill no matter the cost.  You know why?  He lived when there was no powered air conditioning.  He says he will pay for that cool air any day.  

Think about this today... Are you trying to live in your own power?  As a Christian we shouldn't attempt to live through our own power, but through the power of the Gospel. Through the power of the Holy Ghost of God.  There are even some today trying to become a Christian (be saved) through their own works or power.  Our scripture this morning says that the power of salvation is in the Gospel!  It's in Jesus!  Stop depending on your strength to make it.  Stop trusting in your power, because it will never be "Always On".  No, only the power of Christ is "Always On". What a difference the power can make.  Light can shine in the darkest of places because of the power.

Don't Tell Me What You Are

Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

This morning as you head out for the day take the time to look around. Look at the trees, sky, birds, cows, chickens and all of God's creation. Take the time to look up into that beautiful blue sky or those rolling clouds filled with rain. Isn't God awesome? I think about being on the lake and seeing the beautiful and glistening water or the mountains seeing the rolling green grass and hills. God's creation is so amazing.  It all brings praise unto Him.

Everything that God touches He made into something beautiful and great. When I see those green trees I can't help but thank God for the shade. When I see the rivers, streams and lakes I can't help but thank God for water that satisfies my thirst (and fish, don't forget fish). When I see the mountains I can't help but thank God for their beauty.

Well what about you? You are a creation of God. Some of you are now a brand new, "born-again" child of God. Do you declare the workmanship of Christ? When people see you what do they thank God for? Some people would probably thank God when we are quiet or away, hahaha.

A tree has never had to speak to me and convince me of what it is. I can tell. I can tell the differences between trees also just by looking at them. Oaks are different. They have different bark and even different grain patterns in the wood. Pines are different from oaks. Each one has some similarities but all are different.

So, so many are trying tell people what they are. "I'm a Christian" they say but then act totally different. Let me ask you this... What if you couldn't talk, would people be able to tell that you are the handywork of God? Would they see the great salvation of our Lord in your life? Don't tell me what you are, show me. Better yet, don't show me, show others.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Genesis 6:22
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Imagine being on the earth during the days of Noah. Come on now, it's not that hard. It is very similar to our days that we live in. More than the waters that were about to come, sin had flooded the earth like never before. Men and women were evil. So much that their thoughts were continually upon evil.

While God still searched the earth with his eyes of grace, they landed upon Noah. Then it happened, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God told Noah that He was going to put an end to this evil world with a flood. He told Noah to build an ark. God left no detail up for question. He gave specific instructions and dimensions. He even told what type of wood to use and how to finish it with pitch.

What if Noah would have said, "God, this is crazy and way to hard"? If Noah would have rejected the word of God not only would he have died but he would have taken his whole family with him. No, Noah determined in his heart that God was right. He surrendered to God's plan and built the ark exactly how he was told. "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."

God is speaking to you right now. He gives you specific instructions for your life. It's called His Will. It's His plan for you. Are you listening to God? Many of us would answer yes to that question. We all say we are listening to God. What if Noah only listened? "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear you.... Make it so big...make it so long...I'll get to it."

By FAITH Noah built the ark. He did everything God commanded him to do. I love how it emphasized it twice. "Thus did Noah;...so did he." Are you doing everything God has told you? Are you surrendered to His plan for your life? Or do you find yourself saying, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll get to it"?

Our Faithful God

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

A couple of years back I attended and led a marriage conference. What an amazing time we had!  God moved so greatly and effectively. Walls of division were torn down and a unity seemed to flood every one of our sessions. To get these sessions in a lot of work had to be done. My wife and I studied for hours about what to say. Our couples prayed hard about what God would do with their marriage. Our hosts, Jae and Amy Thomas' family with the Big Oak Ranch, prepared a menu, cooked and served every meal. Much labor had to be done in order for these walls to be torn down. A lot of faithfulness to the work of saving marriages was done for these meetings. 

Although it was a sixty hour weekend conference, counting sessions, sleeping, dinner and activities, much more time and faithfulness was put into it. Taking off work, people keeping children, packing and preparing... So much faithfulness was put into these marriages.

But more than our faithfulness, look at God's faithfulness. I want you to know The Lord God, He is God. The Faithful God!  He will never fail. He will never leave. He supplies all things. When I forget things, He remembers them. He is so faithful to remind me. He keeps His covenant with us through His mercy and love all the way through thousands of generations. Forever!  

At this conference, a reminder that marriage is a covenant and not a contract was mentioned. A contract is a legalistic agreement that has terms and conditions in which it can be broken. But a covenant is a promise of God's love to us. A covenant is a promise that is kept!  We keep His commands not because we have to, but because we are in love with Him and want to. We obey Him and submit to Him because of His love for us. 

But you know something? Even when I fail at following and submitting, HE IS FAITHFUL!  God is so faithful to me and no one can take the place of Him!  Thank you Lord, the Faithful God, for loving me faithful for a thousand generations to eternity. 

Judging God

Hebrews 11:11

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

At ninety years of age, Sara was told she would have a baby boy. Can you imagine the thoughts rushing through her mind?  Most of the time the thoughts of an expecting mother are... What will my baby look like? Will he/she come early or late? I don't care, just as long as they are healthy. Speaking of they, I wonder if it will be twins. The thoughts just keep coming. 

Although I'm sure at sometime or another Sara thought about these same questions, she probably gave more attention upon one of them. How in this world can I conceive a child when I'm so old. Most of us would say there is no way this could happen. Even Sara laughed about what God said while she was inside of her tent. 

But then Sara judged God. She came to a conclusion about her God. She said, "He is faithful!"  If God has promised her a son, then He will preform the miracle to get him here. 

How do you judge God this morning?  What do you say about Him? With the world always telling everyone not to judge, I say how do you judge God?  He can do great miracles. Sara knows!  She judged him faithful who had promised. Thank you Lord for your promises. 

The Devil Made Me Do It

James 1:13-15

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

The devil made me do it!  How many times have you heard someone use this excuse?  How many times have you used it yourself?  Eve used it in the Garden of Eden. Adam blamed the woman, the woman blamed the devil and satan could blame no one. 

Remember David of the Bible?  The young boy who killed the giant? The great king who was blessed by God? You know at times in his life he sinned against God and greatly against his family and people.  David stayed behind once from war and found himself walking on the roof with wondering eyes. Then his heart was filled with lust and according to Jesus, he committed adultery right then because a plan of sin had begun.  See his lust brought sin, and his sin brought death. His sin caused much grief in his family and kingdom. But what separated David from Adam or Eve, or even you and I, is that when he was confronted by the prophet he said, "I have sinned". He knew, although the devil brought temptation, that the devil didn't make him do it. 

What about us? You?  How long have you blamed the devil or even others for your sin?  Why not confess it today unto the one who is ready to forgive?  Stop blaming them on everyone else and start naming them unto Jesus in prayer. He's ready to forgive.

No more excuses!

Quick, Help Me!

Psalms 38:22
Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

I was never the one to look for trouble.  I didn't have to, it always found me.  A few years ago I was thinking about that and wrote a song with these lyrics...

Sometimes it's sickness, sometimes a sorrow,
And sometimes its trouble inside.
Sometimes a burden, sometimes a struggle,
With all of the sin in our lives.
It could be headaches and it could be heartaches,
Or it could be this body we're in
It could be a trial that you've gone through lately
That you thought would never end.

Remember now, I didn't have to find trouble it always found me.  But there were things my dad told me that could help trouble stay away.  He used to say to me, "If you're out past midnight son, you're looking for trouble".  I really didn't pay much attention to that until I got older and looked back.  He was spot on!

There are some times that we can do nothing to prevent these troubles from coming.  Man that is born of woman is a few days and full of trouble. This means that troubles will come. It's not "if" troubles come, but it's "when" troubles come. It's what happens in those times of trouble that make a difference.

David was a man that knew troubles.  Some he couldn't prevent, but some that he caused.  Look at what David knew to do when troubles came upon him.  He would cry out unto the Lord.  He would say, "Help Me! Make Haste to Help Me, O Lord MY Salvation".  He was pleading for the help of the only one who could help.  Notice he was asking God to haste and help.  Run unto me Lord for I need help now.

Maybe before this day has begun you are already in that position.  You need the help of the Lord and you need it now.  Pray unto Him! Ask Him to come speedily and help you.  Thank you Lord for your readily available help to me.  You act quick!  You were so quick to save me and to help me.  I love you Lord! Thank you!

How Long Has It Been?

Psalms 54:2

Hear my prayer, O God;

give ear to the words of my mouth.

When is the last time you devoted just five minutes to God in prayer?  Nothing else going on or distracting you. Just you and the Lord, alone in prayer together.  Before you answer remember that you are all alone in reading this today. No one is asking you to raise your hand in a crowd of people. There is no one to call you out, so please answer honestly. Has it been a while?  Has it been very slim on the time you've given to prayer?  Is it just a "ask everything and tell Him you love Him" prayer?

An old song comes to my mind this morning...

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord

And told him your heart's hid in secrets?

How long since you prayed?

How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through?

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease?

How long since your heart knew no burden?

Can you call him your friend?

How long has it been since you knew that he cared for you?

How long has it been since you knelt by your bed

And prayed to the Lord up in heaven?

How long since you knew that he'd answer you

And would keep you the long night through?

How long has it been since you woke with the dawn

And felt this day is worth living?

Can you call him your friend? 

How long has it been since you knew that he cared for you?

No matter if it's been a while, or just yesterday, you can find that time again this morning. Before you get busy with the hustle of the day, talk to Jesus. Oh, and please don't forget to take the time to listen to what He speaks to you. So often that's where we fail in prayer. 

God's Stance

John 3:17-19

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

A theory among many believers today is that we must have a stance against sin. While this is true, it must be the appropriate stance. Our stance toward sin is one of a runner that flees from it. All forms of sin we should abstain and run from. So a believers stance toward sin should be one that quickly removes ourselves from it. 

A stance against sin and it's damage is also biblical. We must sound the alarm, blow the trumpet of the enemy and his devices. But look closely, we are to warn others about sin and it's effects, not take a stance against the sinner but the sin. Way too many believers today are busy making picketing signs against sin and sinners when we should actually be consuming our time in the Word of God learning the Gospel message to share with them. The words we need to speak have already been given. The stance we should take has already been given. 

Jesus tells us that he didn't come to condemn but to save. People are already condemned, they need a Savior not a building inspector. Jesus even explains to us what the condemnation is. He says, "that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."  A house that's empty and condemned can't get anymore condemned than it already is. But a house that is condemned, could be restored. It could be saved. I love what the Word of God says to us today. I was condemned because I walked in sin and darkness. But read this scripture...

Romans 8:1

​There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

God's stance toward sin is in John Chapter 8. It's a hand that reaches down to the lowest and vilest sinner. Raising them up to walk in the light of His Gospel. His stance is not against the sinner, but rather the sin. His hand is open, reaching, and pierced for your salvation. 

What's your stance?

Straight From The Garden

Galatians 6:7-8

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Wouldn't you love it if we could plant pennies and harvest dimes?  What about planting dollar bills and harvesting hundred dollar bills?  If it only worked like that... I know, it's kinda silly to think this way but I can't help it. Maybe we could plant a transmission and grow a 57' Chevy. 

What if we sow seeds?  Plant okra seeds and you'll harvest okra. Plant tomato seeds and you'll reap tomatoes. If you put watermelon seeds in the soil, you will harvest juicy watermelons. Why is there a difference in planting and harvesting seeds compared to the other things we first discussed?  Because the first are fleshly, desired seeds and not spiritual or needful for life. 

Our flesh wants possessions, wealth and fame. But the Spirit desires the things of God. You see, our flesh wants the things that will please us and our selfishness. The Spirit longs for fruit that will bless others. 

The greatest lesson in this scripture is this... We must be drawing from the resources and nutrients of God through our roots. We must be grounded and saturated with the Holy Spirit in order to produce this fruit. So in all truth, we must be right within ourselves before we can even begin to be the blessed fruit to someone else. After we realize where to draw our water and strength, then we must bear the fruit of the Spirit. Remember, whatever we have sown, we will reap. If we sow the fleshly, dead things we will reap just that...death!  Dead fruit, dead works, dead blessings. 

But if we plant the things of the Spirit we will reap life! Lively fruit, lively works, lively blessings!  Sow life by speaking life! Let the dead things die.

When God Can't Work

Mark 6:5-6

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

When I first read this scripture years ago, I thought to myself that there was never a time God couldn't work. But the scriptures tell us different. Here in His own home town, Christ could do no great works. Look at how the word tells it... "Save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk..."  

The scripture next shows the amazement of Jesus toward their unbelief. The people He was so close to couldn't, or wouldn't, believe. 

Have you ever thought why wouldn't they believe?  What was wrong with these people?  They had Jesus, the Son of God, right there in their own home town and they were missing it. He often walked their streets and these people couldn't see it. They probably talked with Him in the market places and didn't believe. 

I believe it was because they couldn't get past the flesh. What good was Jesus, the son of a carpenter, going to do?  They didn't see Him as the Son of God, but rather just the carpenter's son. Their eyes led their faith as far as it would take them. But the Word of God teaches us that hope that is seen is not hope. Faith that has to be visible isn't faith at all. Romans 8:24-25 "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? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

Do you wonder why God's not moving? Maybe you think it's because He can't work. The truth is that God can and will work. There is nothing too hard for Him. The reason He can't work is because of our faithlessness. It's because of our disbelief. Only Believe, Only Believe, All things are Possible, Only Believe!! According to His will, He will move and work.

Take Heed

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Knock, knock, knock... "Hello, I'm the pastor of the church up the street. I was wondering if you have ever accepted Jesus as your Savior?"  "Oh yeah, I've done that...I've been baptized and joined the church when I was younger" was the response he received. The preacher was wanting to make sure with a few more questions and the man answered again in a firm voice, "I told you that I've done that!"  

Can I tell you this morning if you have "done that" it shows by you "still doing that".  The Bible says we should take heed. To what? First of all to ourselves. We should examine ourselves to see if we are in Christ or not. Second it says we should take heed to doctrine. We should give priority to the word of God and what it teaches us. Then what? Thirdly we should "continue in them". After we have examined ourselves we should learn of God's will for our lives and walk in His will. Way too many are saying one thing but then walking in a totally different way. They say, "been there, done that". But that are not doing it!  

Why should we do these three things? The answer is right there in the scripture. "For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself..." Our salvation is not a thing we did in our youth, it is God reaching in grace unto us. It is a decision we made to follow Jesus Christ in our lives for the rest of our lives. When we have Christ, we live in Christ. Not one day a week but everyday, all day, forever. Then lastly, we do this for the saving of those that hear us. Our lives as Christians should be reflections of Christ. The reason people don't want the Christ you're sharing is because they can't see the Christ your sharing in you. 

So take heed of yourself, to the doctrines of scripture and continue in them. Why? For your salvation and the salvation of others. 

An Opportunity To Go Further

Philippians 1:12
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Through shipwrecks, prison shackles and beatings, Paul endured a whole lot of suffering during his ministry. It seems Paul suffered more during his days of Christian ministry than he did the other days of his life. While he was a religious law enforcer, he pretty much had it made. Whatever he wanted, he had access to it. But now that he was a servant of Christ he suffered much.

Paul knew that there had to be some reason for his suffering. He knew that a greater glory had to be waiting behind the dark clouds of hurt. What was it? What was worth all of this tragedy? It was the furtherance of the gospel. He knew that through his suffing, someone could come to know Christ as their Savior. I wonder if he ever thought, "Ahhhhh, I don't want to get on this ship and go there. I'm so tired."? I wonder if he questioned at times why he was were he was? If so, it is never recorded in our scriptures. So there is no reason for us to speculate about it. What is recorded in scripture is that he had confidence in knowing that God was going to do something great with the gospel through his sufferings.

Funny thing is, Christians today never want to endure suffering so that the gospel could go further. When we suffer, we see it as punishment instead of an opportunity. You could choose today! I could sit and whine about what has happened in my life, or I could shine for the gospel of Christ. I could let them see the One who suffered more than any other person on a cruel cross. It was for a better hope. A greater grace! The furtherance of the gospel!

I'm Nothing But A...

Mark 6:7-13
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

I'm nothing but a... Fireman, Mechanic, Social Worker, Seamstress, Bus Driver, Teacher, Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Garbage Man, etc... what kind of difference could I make? I can't tell you the number of times that I have heard someone say this or see this reaction on their face. Over and over again, Satan is doing His best to get you to feel unqualified.

I can remember 22 years ago trusting in Jesus as my Savior. It was at the end of my 11th grade year in school. I remember going to English class one day and hearing some of my close friends say, "I'll give him two weeks tops". The feeling that came over me was, "They may be right, I'll never be able to do this."

Well over the summer months I had begin to feel this calling to preach on my life. I can honestly say that I didn't wrestle with the call itself, because I knew God was moving upon me. I did wrestle with feeling so unworthy and unqualified to ever do anything like this. When I told my Pastor about this his answer was, "Okay, you'll preach this Sunday night". Well needless to say I preached my first sermon that Sunday night. The very next sermon opportunity came when my senior year started. I was given the opportunity to speak at our school's Christian meeting called First Priority. All I really remember about that morning is crying like a baby and trying to tell all those friends that I had been changed. Some may have thought, "Well, it stuck over the summer".

As I look back on all of that, I still today hear people say, "He won't make it." But can I tell you that I'm still holding on, or better yet, He is still holding on to me. Yes I'm undeserving and under qualified, but that's God's Grace! We are all undeserving of Heaven, but because of Grace!!! I'm nothing but a... born again, blood bought, child of God that is saved by His grace and kept by His power!

I gotta go, I'm about to start shouting and crying and I don't know how to type that.

What To Do, What to Do?

2 Timothy 3:14
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

On a daily basis I'm asked by someone or confronted myself with this question. What in the world is going on? Things and people are going crazy. Our nation is fighting within the walls as if we are in a modern civil war. Destruction is rampant. Divorce is on every street. Abortion is so common that you can do it under coverage of insurance. Theft, rape, alcoholism, heroine, among many other evil acts seem to be in every home and especially in every prayer request.

I must admit there are times that my prayers are greatly effected by these conditions. I find myself asking God, "What should I do? What will we do? Lord, what is going on and what do I do?" If we are honest we all probably feel this way at some time or another. Wondering and praying for direction.

Paul has just told Timothy about what we will see and experience in the last days. People who will love themselves more than God. Disobedience, pride, unnatural effection, trucebreakers, despisers of those who are good and the list goes on and on. Probably not Timothy, but when I read it I wonder, "What will we do?"

God didn't leave me without an answer. He said, "But continue thou..." God said, "You continue..." In what? In the things which you have learned. Which to me is Jesus Christ is Lord! In the things which you are sure of. Which to me is Jesus Christ is Lord and I'm saved because of Him. So for me, no matter how tough or perililous these days may seem, I will continue preaching what I've learned and know for sure. Jesus Christ is the Lord who loves me and saved me and He's willing to do the same for you!