You Can’t Handle the Truth!

Ephesians 4:25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Why? Why would we lie to one another? Sometimes I don't just don't understand the human nature. It seems like folks are so quick to lie or not share the full truth with one another. Why would this even be a problem among believers of Jesus Christ? Look at the last portion of this scriputre. It says, "we are members one of another."

If we are members of one another and on the same team, then why would we deceive one another with lies? We should be able to tell the truth to one another. We should be able to talk to one another in a loving way with the truth and no deception. We should be able and share things that are close to our hearts.

Why you ask? Because we are members one of another. We are in this battle of life together. God has told us to put away lying, envy, strife and anger. We should learn to forgive. We should learn to speak the truth. We should learn that we are a part of the family of God.

To everyone who has listened to my burdens and listened to me as I spilled my heartaches, thank you.  Thank you for speaking truth to me. It was in those times I needed understand and wisdom and you gave that to me. Thank you.

Flying Off the Handle

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

A hasty spirit or attitude will lead you in the wrong decisions. When we act out of emotions or in an irrational way we often end up hurting others and ourselves. Here in the south we call it flying off the handle. This illustration is as if we are chopping wood and the axe head suddenly shoots off the end of the handle. You have no idea where that axe head is going to land. There is no way of knowing the destruction that it could cause.

What if you were chopping wood with your children nearby and all of the sudden the axe head flew off? Can you imagine it spinning end over end headed toward a son or daughter? Makes you shiver when thinking about it. Well how much of a difference is there in that situation than when they are around you and you lose total control of your mouth, actions and aim?

If we knew that the axe head was loose, we wouldn't swing at another log. Why? Because we know its potential danger. Anger is the same way. Anger is not a sin. The Bible tells us to be angry and sin not. But hasty anger is nasty anger! This type of anger rest in the bosom of fools. It is in the heart of the foolish. They choose to live with anger in their hearts.

Ask God this morning, right now, to remove any known and unknown anger from you. You don't want to end up looking like a fool because of hasty anger...believe me I know. Make sure that the axe head is secure and that you have your head on straight.

What’s On Your Mind?

Mark 14:72
And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

"What's on your mind?" is a question frequently asked around my house. We are all always asking this question to each other. Whether it be to my wife, or my boys or even asked of me it happens a lot. "What's wrong? Whatcha thinking about? Are you thinking about something? What's on your mind?..."

Peter definitely had something on his mind. He recalled the conversation between him and the Lord. I know that I have had some conversations with my parents about things that happened to me only hours later. When it happened I quickly recalled those words spoken. I have also had a few of these conversations with my children and they remembered what I had said. Well when Peter heard this bird he immediately remembered what Jesus said and it brought him sorrow.

What is on your mind today? Has the Lord told you something to do, or not to do? Don't wait until it's too late or until you're looking backwards and remembering the words He spoke. Confess it now! Live for Him now and don't get stuck with sorrow from something that was on your mind that you should have done.

So I'll ask one last time, what's on your mind?

So Ugly, Even Maybeline Couldn’t Help

Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

The Bible is simple and very plain in its teaching. It is straight forward and also sound in its doctrine. Look this morning at a truth that is very simple, but yet one of the hardest things for people to understand. Let's look at these two things from our Lord.

First, He tells us that the person who covers up their sin will never prosper. This person will never be able to walk victoriously because their sin will always be there. Separating them from the Lord. Although it may be hidden from the world it is never hidden from God or that person. It will always be there as a sore or blemish that they attempt to cover up with makeup or medications. It could be fornication and adultery that someone attempts to cover up or it could be the lies and gossip that they spread and keep hidden. Either way, it will always be known by God and themselves. The Bible is very, very clear that the person who covers up their sin will NOT prosper at all.

Second, God's Word tells us the greatest answer for our initial problem. The same person who doesn't prosper because of their covered up sin can find forgiveness and receive mercy if they do one thing. What is this one thing? Confession! If you've lied, confess it. If you've committed sexual sin, confess it. If you have committed any sin, confess it. Don't cover it up, because when all is said and done God knows and so do you.

Sin is so ugly that even Maybeline can't cover it. It takes the blood of Jesus Christ to remove it.

Comfort in the Shade

Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Can there be anything better than sitting in the shade on a hot, sunny, Alabama day? I'm sure some of you just said, "Sitting inside in the air conditioning." But seriously... There's not many things or many feelings that are better than finding shade on a hot and sunny day.

The sun could be beating down on your head with the sweat pouring off of you and the comfort of the shade could cool you down. Imagine if someone was there to offer a nice cool glass of water or even a cold glass of southern sweet tea. You can sense the comfort and relief as I set the scene right?

In a similar way this world can beat down upon you. Life can come at you so hot and heavy that you feel as if there is no shelter from it all. No place to rest. No place to find peace. No place to find comfort. But as soon as you think this thought, we come across this scripture found in God's Word.

He tells us that there is a secret place we can go. A place that is hidden, not from people but from satan and his attacks. Tucked away from the sorrows and storms of life. It is in the shadow of the Almighty! No, there may not be a hammock, palm tree or sweet tea in this secret place. It is one filled with grace, overflowing with mercy and covered with comfort of the Holy Ghost.

Are you tired of those storms yet? Are you overwhelmed with life and those hot rays that shine down? Come to the secret place God has prepared for you. It's in the shadow of God. Come and sit in the shade.

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:
so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Did you know the quickest way to put out a fire? Stop putting the wood to it. Years ago there used to be a commercial about fire safety. Smokey the bear would tell you to pour water on the fire and make sure you stir it up before you left it. He would always end by saying, "Only you can prevent forest fires."

Our scripture speaks of these fires from the mouth. If the talebearer would stop carrying the story then it would die. If our mouths would cease to tote the tales then the strife would cease. God uses the analogy and simple truth of where there is no wood, you can have no fire. Simple. Direct and straight to the point.

Some love to chop wood and stoke the fires of gossip. It's as almost if their existence depends on it. Feeding from the lies and drama fuels them to keep on sharing the lies. With every breath they exhale another log to put on the fire.

The answer? It is real easy. Stop toting the tale. Remove the wood from the fire and ask God to put it out. Cause old Smokey the bear was and is right, "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires!"

What Are You Talking About?

Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

We have all walked up on a conversation and wondered what in the world they were talking about. If I was to come upon a conversation between two mechanics I would probably have no idea what they are talking about. If it was a 350 Chevrolet engine, I could hang with them in the conversation but these modern cars...I'm out.

Then we have all came upon those conversations that we really wish we had never walked into right? The ones that are foolish or especially the ones that are bashing another person. I sometimes feel like holding up my hands and walking away with my fingers in my ears. One last one, what about those conversations of false doctrines? These are the ones that our Lord is talking about this morning. He tells us that we should speak the things which are sound doctrine.

What does this mean? We should put away our senseless genealogies and endless traditions. We should search the scriptures and find true, firm, sound doctrine. There are too many arguments in the house of God today about minor issues and not enough of discernment over the major issues. Christians argue among themselves about trivial things from carpet colors to the debated "pews or chairs" concern. Then when it comes to matters of faith and sound doctrine, we cow down and allow everyone to choose their own belief or decision.

God says that we should speak those things which become sound doctrine. Until we become sure and sound about the doctrine of the Bible we can't go on to the next verses found in our scripture this morning. The next few speak about teaching this to children, women, and men who are younger. Let me end this morning by asking you a question. What are you talking about?

I’m Stuffed

Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

A lady in our church asked me if I knew what happened to the turkey. She said it got the stuffing beat out of it. We enjoy a meal with family so much that we end up with a little too much joy. Everyone leaves the table ready to put on their sweatpants because they are so full.

Our scripture this morning says to us... "For in him..." Who? Jesus! "Dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily". This is saying that "in Jesus" dwells the fullness of the Father in the bodily form. It means that Jesus is full of the Father. If you want to know the Father, then know Jesus because He is full of the Father, or the fullness of the Father.

How about you? When people look at your witness/life, what do they see? Or better yet, who do they see? Are you full? If the truth is known we are full. Most of the time we are so full of other things that we have no room for Jesus.

Just like Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner... We have enjoyed everything that was available to us in arms reach of the table. Then someone brings out that one bowl or plate. It's a dessert or casserole that has been left behind (most of the time it's the favorite). By now you have consumed so much of the other things that there is no room for it. They ask you to try a little of it and your answer is, "I'm stuffed, I don't think I could eat another bite. I just don't have room for it."

If we make ourselves full on things of the world then we will find no room for Jesus. But flip that over and you have something great! If will are full of Jesus then when offered anything else we should find no room for it. When sin comes your way will you be able to say, "I'm Stuffed, I'm so satisfied with Jesus that I don't want anything else"?

Thank You For Praying

Colossians 1:3
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

This morning let's stop and take the time to be thankful. As you think of it, what are some of the things that you are thankful for? It could be your health, family, friends, etc... Isn't it funny how when you stop yourself and take an evaluation, you can find many things to be thankful for? What’s really cool is that most of these things we think of we take for granted most everyday of our lives.

Have you ever thought of being thankful for that breath of air you just inhaled? Think of how it came in through the nose and throat, down into your lungs, through the different branches that changed the air oxygen into the liquid oxygen that is needed for your blood cells to operate. Then the blood transfers the oxygen into the energy that is needed to think or function. Just in that one breath of air we can be thankful for so much.

Today I am thankful for prayers. Prayers that were offered for a young teenage boy who was lost and living in sin by his mother and daddy. Prayers for this teenage boy who was in the altar giving his life to Jesus. Prayers that were asked by men of God over a young saved man who surrendered his life to the call of preaching. Prayers that were prayed for a traveling evangelist, that God would give him souls for his labor. Prayers over a young couple that knew God had given them something special when He put them together in marriage. Prayers from a wife over her husband as he leads the home and also the church in the direction God would have them to go. Prayers from two great sons that see the heart of their dad hurting for people to know Jesus.

Isn't it amazing? We take for granted all those breaths of air. We also take for granted all those prayers of the saints. All I know today is that... I am thankful! In my thanks unto God, I offer my prayers for all of you that read this today. Thank you also for all prayers you have prayed for this man.

Sweet Revenge

2 Corinthians 10:6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

It is said that revenge is sweet payback. It is setting the record straight right? You see when someone does us wrong, everything within us wants them to suffer the same or even worse. That is not what a Christian should do or even think about. How do we keep from this? Focus our attention on a different revenge. A sweet and holy revenge.

I know you are thinking that this can't be true but revenge is sweet if in the right mind frame. The scripture this morning tells us that we need to be ready for revenge. We should revenge all disobedience. In my years of ministry I have heard people say this statement... "I wish I could have back the years I did things wrong and do them right". I tell them to take revenge on them. Take all those times of disobedience and get payback.

How can we have revenge on disobedient acts? By being an obedient servant of God now. You will never be able to take back what has been done or said in disobedience, but you can get your revenge. By starting right now! Be so obedient to Jesus that those acts of disobedience seem to fade away in the background of life.

Don't you want revenge? Come on, you know you do! Get that payback, that sweet revenge of obedience today.

I Can’t Wait To See You

Luke 2:30
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Have you ever thought what it is going to be like to finally see Jesus? We've spent most of our lives praying to and listen for Jesus. Praising Him in the house of God and looking for Him in the clouds. But have you ever stopped to think of what it will be like when you finally meet Him? I want to look into His eyes and try to tell Him how thankful I am. I want to see the scars that my sin inflicted on Him. I want to hear Him as He calls me by my name.

Our scripture is a statement from a man in the Bible named Simeon. He spent countless days at the temple of Herod praying for the coming of the Messiah. He prayed and looked everyday for God to answer his prayer. Can you hear him saying, "God send your light! Send the Messiah, the promised one. I long to see Him. My prayer God is that I can live long enough to see your glorious salvation."

Then one day Jesus is brought to him. "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," he says. Finally, I have seen the salvation and light of God! He waited so long. I bet he thought that this day would never come but it did!

God, I long to see you! I can't wait to see your light, to see your face, and to hear your voice. It's almost as a mother who has waited for the delivery of her child. Someday, and I know it will be soon, I'll see you face to face.

I’m Listening

Mark 4:9
And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Many times this scripture can be found from the mouth of Jesus. Over and over He is trying to speak to us and wants our undivided attention. I don't know about you but many of those times He is speaking to me I find myself not paying close attention. So this morning let's pray together. As I confess my inattention to the Lord maybe you would join in and agree. You can pray with me or just agree that I am the one who needs to listen better.

Lord, I see in your Word that you love to speak to us. I know that many occasions you have spoken to me, if it was through your Word or through your Spirit, you have tried to get my undivided attention. I could try and blame it on my stress or my attention span but that would come up short. I can find no excuse other than my laziness of hearing. Even when I try and tell you how busy that I am you already know and show me immediately when I had that time to listen during the day. It is me Lord and I am sorry.

In my study time I always listen for you. In my preaching time I definitely listen for you also. In my prayers, my goal is to hear from you. Lord my laziness and sinfulness is not listening throughout the day. I allow myself to be so filled with family, ministry and work that I miss you at times when you are desiring to talk to me.

I suppose what I am trying to say is that I am sorry for only wanting to listen when I study, preach or need something. My sin is only talking or listening to you when I initiate the conversation. God, my ears are open unto you today and from now on. Let me hear what you have to say. In Jesus' Name... Amen

God Has Been So Good To Me

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

I love an old song that says...

I've always had a place to sleep, clothes to wear and food to eat,
God has been so good to me.
I thank you Lord for what I have, you've met every need I had,
God has been so good to me.

God has been so good to me, I thank Him for a fine family.
The little church that I attend and for all my Christian friends.
God has been so good to me.

Take the time this morning to count your blessings. Seriously, stop and think of how our God has blessed you. Make sure you don't leave anything out. One by one, maybe even write them down and then don't forget the most important thing, thank Him for it all!

It is He, Jesus Christ, who has blessed you. It is the Lord who has given you these blessings. It is also the Lord who has been with you through every valley and on every mountain. My shoes or my clothes may not have always been name brand, but they were a blessing to have. God truly has been so good to me!

Talk is Cheap

Proverbs 14:23
In all labour there is profit:
but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

There are many jokes thrown around on payday. I remember working at a place that would call out the names and distribute the paychecks. It never failed, there was always something said. Things like... "He will have to back up and get his check!" Or "That's the most work we've seen him do in two weeks picking up that paycheck."

Isn't there something to be said about earning that check? I don't know about you, but for myself, I love knowing that I made something with my hands. I love seeing a project come to and end and know that I labored hard for those results. To be honest, I loved drawing my check knowing I worked hard to receive it.

Our scripture teaches us that there is profit in labor. There is a benefit and reward for work and labor. Then it says what we all know has always been the truth. "Talk is cheap". Let me say something today that many want to say. Some brag on who they are and what they've done but talk is always cheap. Our lip service is poor and empty. Penury means extreme poverty or destitute. Empty, talk is just empty. It's in our labor of love for the Lord that people see Christ. Our love and actions are much stronger than our poor words from the lips.

Stop telling everyone who you are and show them who you are. Let them see the labor of love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve Never Felt So Alive

Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Amen! God has quickened us. This means He has made us alive. Some of you may say, "How could God make me alive when I was never dead?" The scriptures explain to us that we were dead in our sins. In other words we were alive in body, but headed to death in our sins. The Bible teaches us that the payment or wages of our sins is death. It also teaches that we, our sins, are dead works. Works that will profit or lead to nothing.

What fruit do we have in sin?  What is the result of drunkeness? Death is one result. What is the result of meth, heroine? Death is the end result. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. What is the result of promiscuity and sexual fornication? A life filled with death and possible disease.

The good news is that God has offered us salvation from such sins and such sinful living. He has saved us to a life of life! We were dead and our way was filled with death. We thought we were going the right way until He came and saved us.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Oh, I feel so alive, do you?

Actions are Stronger than Words

John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

From hats to pins, we see these words... "I Love Jesus". We sing it in our songs from the time we are able to talk until the time we are taking our last breath. Over and over we tell the world that we love Jesus. "I Love God... I Love Jesus..." While many, many people truly mean this phrase, their actions show a different truth.

Jesus tells us in the scriptures that if we loved him like we say we do that we would keep his commandments. This doesn't mean keeping the ten commandments, but rather keeping the whole Word of God and its commands. A person who says that they love Jesus but lives contrary to the Word of God is speaking their love, but not showing it.

Let me ask you a question... What would you say of someone that says they love you everyday but then once they are away from you talks about you and your wife in a negative and derogatory way? You would believe that they love you right? Maybe if they did it once, but if it was their lifestyle you would say that their love was fake.

Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." If we love Him then our actions will follow our words. Can you truly say that you love Jesus this morning? Yes we fail, yes we stumble but it's not our lifestyle. It's sin and we realize it and repent from it. So that when we say, "I Love Jesus" there is confidence in the statement.

Reflectors

Psalms 51:15
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Every morning and every afternoon, I have to do an inspection on my school bus that I drive. Checking engine fluids, wipers, belts, hoses, etc... Making sure that the brakes work and all of my loading and unloading lights are working properly. During the time of year that it is still a little dark outside it is amazing at all the lights on that bus. I mean there are lights flashing everywhere along the sides and top of my bus. Don't forget all the reflectors that shine because of the lights flashing on them. How anyone can't see a school bus coming down the road is beyond me.

This morning David mentions this same thought. He says, "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise." He is asking for God to open his mouth. See, without God, who is the light Himself, shining upon us or opening our mouth, we are no good. A reflector cannot shine on its own. It must have light shining upon it in order for it to give light in return.

God, I ask you today to open my mouth. Shine upon me, O Lord! What praise and honor that is in my heart for you, will you please open my mouth and receive my praise. God, I will reflect today what glory and praise you have put into my heart! I love you! I will shine for you as you shine in me.

Sipping from the Saucer

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Can you remember the old days when you were a child? Some of you just go ahead and take as much time as you need, I know that it's been a while. (haha) Isn't it funny when you stop and think back of what actually comes to your mind? I remember Sunday's being much, much slower and peaceful. I remember church being the priority of that day, even the weekend. Sitting on granny's porch or playing football in the yard while the parents rested for another worship service. 

One thing that I remember was dessert time. All those silver-haired relatives would always have cake. It was like some of the women would just all of the sudden bring it out of their purse or something. Boom! "Cake anyone?" There weren't many times, if any, that they had cake alone. They always had coffee. Back then they would make it so steaming hot that they served it on a saucer. I always wondered why. Then I saw it. They would pour some of that steaming coffee onto the saucer so they could sip on it. Some of you would be tempted to say, "Put a piece of ice in it" or "Wait till it cools down” but they wanted to enjoy it then and there while it was fresh. 

Our scripture makes me think of this today. God has poured out some fresh blessings this morning for you children of God. He has told us that if we give, it will be given in return. You would be tempted to think that He is saying give a hundred dollars and you will receive a thousand back, but you would be wrong. He tells us to give mercy and it will run over into our saucer. Give love and it will run over into our saucer. Forgive and forgiveness will run over into our saucer. If you judge or condemn, it to will run over into your saucer. So be careful of what you are pouring out. 

God, please fill my cup this morning and let it run over into my saucer! Ssssssssssup! Ssssssssup!

Throw It Down and Come

Mark 10:50
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

Have you ever heard the story of blind Bartimaeus? This man heard that Jesus was passing by his way and began to cry out loud. He said, "Jesus! Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me!"  Those that were around him told him to be quiet and keep his peace. But Bartimaeus didn't listen to them. He cried out more and more, louder and louder! The cries of Bartimaeus cause Jesus to stop and stand still. He then called Bartimaeus to come to Him. Then we see our scripture above... He coasted away his garment, rose and came to Jesus.

Bartimaeus cast aside those old garments and came to Jesus. What if he would have said, "Lord can't you just do this for me! I mean do I have to come to you? I would have to get my blanket off of me. God wants to help you today but you can't stay in your comfort of the world and expect God to move, heal and save.

Two things today... He is calling for you. You are blind to sin as Bartimaeus was blind. The second thing is that you have to put those worldly things aside. Cast away the garments of the old man and come to Jesus.

Therefore

Psalms 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,

and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,

though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

I love reading the word, "Therefore" in God's word! The words that always follow are a huge comfort to me. Read it again and see what I'm talking about. "God is our refuge and strength, He is our very present help in time of trouble." How awesome is that? God is our everything that we need. This scripture teaches us that He is our refuge and strength. He is our protector! He is our provider! He is our help!

Then here it comes...the word that I love! "Therefore." Now follow the rest of the scripture. It says we will not fear even if the earth is removed. Therefore we will not fear even if the mountains are thrown into the sea. Even if the waters roar and rage and the mountains shake. Why? Therefore is why!

Why should we fear these things if we know that God is our refuge, strength and help in time of trouble? I just love the "therefore" in the Bible. They always teach me that since God is my God, therefore I know He has me in His hands. 

All Of It?

Mark 10:28
Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

A difficult thing for followers of Christ is to leave all, and follow Jesus. It's very difficult to give everything to Him. Now some of you may be tempted to say that this is not you. You may say that you have given Him everything from day one, right? Peter says that they had left all and followed Jesus, but later on we see that Peter had hung on to some things.

Peter left the boat, the nets and the fishing. He had left family and his very way of life, but he did keep some things. One was his self-will and self-sufficient power. Peter trusted many times in his own wisdom or strength. He couldn't give everything to Him. One time, when Jesus needed him, he denied that he even knew Jesus.

May I ask you a question? Have you given Him everything? All of it? We won't God to move fully on our situation but only give God half of the truth. Everything will always be everything! Christ doesn't want half or three-fourths of you. He wants all of you. He doesn't want half of your confession. He desires to hear your whole story.


Listen to these lyrics...
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows
Are you tired of spinning round and round
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
At the feet of Jesus lay them down

Give them all
Give them all
Give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams broken hearts and broke toys
Give them all give them all to Jesus
And he can tuen your sorrow into joy

Right Out of the Clear Blue Sky

Psalms 34:8

O taste and see that the Lord is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Sometimes things just seem to hit you out of the clear blue sky...

We were driving down the road on Sunday and it hit me. In my truck, Patti was across from me with Andrew and Jacob in the back seat. As we were entering the on ramp of the interstate I turned to the back seat and saw Jacob with his mouth hanging open wide catching flies. I asked Patti, "Is Andrew asleep?" She answered, "Nope, but he looks tired". She also added that she was tired. We had one of those weeks where you work and work. After working hard this week we were also preparing for Sunday services as well as a singing at a different church between our own church services. Needless to say everyone was tired from the laboring. 

But as I looked up again into the rear view mirror, it hit me out of the blue... I am one blessed man!  What has God seen in me that would bring these blessings? Then it hit me again...absolutely nothing!  God loves me and has blessed me. All I had to do was taste and see. Wow!  How many years had gone by without the blessings of God in my life all because I wouldn't taste and see. 

I saw a beautiful woman of God sitting beside me, that sings better than anyone I know. I saw a young man of God sitting behind me that picks up an instrument and just plays them because of the anointing of God on his life. And I saw my baby boy with his mouth wide open, who has such a huge heart for Jesus and is blessed with musical talent also. And it hit me..."Right out of the clear blue sky"... 

I am blessed, I am blessed, everyday that I live, I am blessed

When I wake up in the morning 'til I lay my head to rest

I am blessed, I am blessed?

I pray right now that it hits you out of the clear blue sky!

What’s at the Top?

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Good morning, I hope that you take the time to read the scriptures today very slowly. Take them in! Doesn't it make you stop and think?

It's almost as if he was climbing a hill called life and when he got to the top, there was nothing there. You could spend your whole life getting more and more as Solomon did, but at the end of life realize that you actually have nothing.

What is at the top of your hill? Me? It's a mansion on the hill! It's a promise that God will never leave me nor forsake me. It's a promise that He will come for me and take me to His home. It's salvation! What about you?

Where is the Gift?

Proverbs 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift
is like clouds and wind without rain.

2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Have you ever sat on the grass during a beautiful fall day and watched the clouds as they came rolling in? I remember as a child (just the other day), lying on my back and watching those clouds take form. Some of them would look like dinosaurs, while others looked like gigantic dogs. Cloud after cloud would roll by. Changing into shapes like birds, tall buildings, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, etc... Sometimes you would even see shapes like hands, arms and faces in the clouds thinking if this was God. Angels and trumpets would take shape and you would wonder if the Lord’s return was coming right then and there.

Then something happened... as soon as these clouds would form into a shape or image, they would quickly lose their shape. In all seriousness, one moment the cloud could look like a huge angel of God and then immediately turn into a devilish demon. Also, some clouds would roll in as though the biggest rain of the month was about to pour down and when it finally reached over head, nothing! They were just empty.

The Word of God warns us of people who portray the same manner of life. He says that there are some who “boast of a false gift”. Jesus said they are like the seeds that were sown onto the rocky ground. They jump up immediately, but because they lack moisture (Holy Spirit) they wither away and lose the form they tried to take on.

If the gift of God, which is salvation through Jesus Christ, is in you then there will be a different you. It will not be a temporary form of something new. No, it will be a forever change. If you change form daily, if you blow in as a cloud without the rain, if you have a form and not a sure foundation then please come to Christ today and surrender your life. The most dangerous place you can be in this life is to look as if you have the gift and do not. It’s too look like you’re filled with rain, but to be a cloud that’s empty. It’s to profess that you are a Christian, but in works through your life you are opposite. It’s not Jesus on Sunday when the wind blows in and then nothing through the rest of the week. Please surrender your form to God today and find the foundation that is sure in Jesus. I love you.

There is None Like You

Psalms 86:8

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord;

neither are there any works like unto thy works.

I am taken straight to the throne of God by this song. Every single time I hear it I can’t help but rejoice in the Spirit. The words go...

There is none like you,

No one else can touch my heart like you do.

I could search for eternity long, and find,

There is none like you!

Think about it... Who else has ever loved you so unconditionally like Jesus?  Who has pursued you without you ever giving it a second thought like Jesus? Who has ever allowed you to slander his name and reject him again and again, but yet be gracious and still love you like Jesus?  

While I sat there on the front row listening to them sing, God once again showed me something spectacular. He loves me!  I've always known this, but He reminded me of it again. I've always known that there is no other God like our God, but I was reminded of it again through this song. 

Take time this morning to thank Him. Lord, thank you for reminding me that I have everything I need in you!  Thank you for showing me that there is none like you. No one can love like you. No one can forgive like you. No one can save like you. There is truly none like you... I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like you.  

Coming in Loud and Clear

Psalms 3:4
I cried unto the Lord with my voice,
and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

If you scream out, yell out, speak out or even whisper, understand the God will hear. I know that He is not deaf that we need to yell. It's not the manner in which we call out that makes Him draw His attention toward us, right? But wait a minute. There is something that can be said for crying out unto God. Crying out to Him in tears has great potential!

It has no power at all in the shedding of tears or especially conjuring up some crocodile tears. No, you don't have to cry in order for our Lord to hear you. The tears are not a confirmation of His hearing, it's a reality of our need. Tears are an outward sign of the brokenness that is within us. Tears have a way of touching the heart of people as well as our Father.

Years ago a preacher shared a story of a visitation to a family in the church. This woman had asked the Pastor to come and talk with her husband about salvation. This Pastor and minister of music went faithfully to share the Gospel with this man. But the husband would not budge. No scripture, no illustration and no prayer broke through the hardness of this man's heart. It wasn't until the Pastor looked over at this husbands child in a wheelchair that things changed. This child was crying out in prayer for his daddy to be saved. Those tears fell from his face, then the wife's face, then the Pastor and music minister were crying as well when that dad opened his heart and accepted Jesus as his Savior.

You're heart may be broken this morning...may I say that you are that much closer to the Lord hearing you? Because now you will finally tell Him your whole heart. Cry out to Him now, He's always listening. With those tears, you're coming in loud and clear!

Do As He Says

Romans 2:21-24
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Have you ever heard a parent say, "Do as I say and not as I do?" Let me ask you something. Have you ever heard a bigger line of bologna in your life? I mean that has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You're telling that child to follow rules that you set but aren't willing to follow yourself.

Can you tell someone not to steal if you're a thief? How can you share with people about their adultery if you have been caught in the very act of it? When we do this our God is blasphemed. Blasphemed means rejected. I don't know about you, but the hardest thing to read in this scripture is the last part. "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles THROUGH you. Those are strong words!

God, help me to never be a part of the problem. Keep me close so that I may share with truth your Gospel. Let your name be glorified Lord.

Hitting on All Cylinders

Hitting On All Cylinders 

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Years ago, as a sixteen year old, I drove my dad's Chevrolet Chevette to football practice. Me, and three other guys, that made me look and feel small, would ride together. Now where we lived there were many hills. And the car had a problem... It was a 4-cylinder car that only ran on 3 of them. One of the cylinders was not firing. So as we would approach a hill, the car would struggle to get to the top of it. Looking back, I feel bad for that little car. (Haha)

If we could have torn apart the engine we could see that three of the cylinders were doing the work of a four cylinder. They were all tied together to the camshaft. And so what is cool... When one piston was up, the other one was down. If one of them were not firing then what would happen is that the other three took its place. 

How often do we see this happen?  20% of the people doing 80% of the work. God would have us all hitting at the same time. That way we could be ready to give full help that is full powered. We get bogged down and put stress on us when we aren't all hitting. It is a sad day when one cylinder thinks they can do it on there own. It takes teamwork. 

Pray today!  Lord if I have wronged you, I'm sorry. If I haven't been laboring in The Lord, and depending on others to carry me always. Please help me Lord. 

Can the Blind Lead the Blind?

Luke 6:39
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

I find it so awesome that God speaks to people like me. I don't mean that I'm better than someone else and God takes the time to talk to me. I mean that He speaks to me in a simple way because I'm simple minded. God could come out with such an illustration and even prepare a PowerPoint presentation to speak to us. (By the way, that would be pretty cool to see a PowerPoint broadcast across the sky by the Lord) He can use any way and any means possible to share with us His truth. For those like me, and you know who you are, He chooses to just speak plain and simple.

This morning He says, "Can the blind lead the blind?" Pretty simple huh? There is no need for an exegetical breakdown of this scripture or an elaborate study on it. No, it's very easy to understand. If you are still in darkness (blinded by sin or lost in sin) how can you lead someone else who is in the same condition as you? I have no idea how you could mess that statement up. Jesus, as His manner was, took it a bit further. He says the blind can't lead the blind or they will both fall into the same ditch.

So let's think about this simple truth today. How can someone who is blind help another blind person across the street? They both lack in the certain skills to do this task. If one who has their sight comes along to help what are their chances of now making it across without falling into the ditch? I know what you're thinking... Some blind people have made it across the street without any help before. This is probably true, but also rare and very dangerous. Chances are that someday, because of their inability to see, they will stumble.

The same is said of those who are lost in darkness and sin. How can someone who is blind in their sin lead someone to Heaven? Occasionally they can do some good things on their own, but eventually they will stumble into the ditch.

Are You Playing the Part?

John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Peter had just made a statement on behalf of the others with him. He said, "We believe thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." But what Peter didn't know was that there was one among the disciples that was just merely playing the part. Almost as if it was a role in a movie.

A very big disappointment to me is when I see actors take on the role of a Christian in a movie but then only to play a cursing, drunken fool in another. I ask myself how someone could just so easily play one part to another. I remember once in an interview with Charles Manson hearing him say, "I'll be the devil if you want me to, or I'll be Jesus Christ." How could this be? How can someone swap roles so easily? Because of just that, it's just a role to them.

Judas had every opportunity to be a child of God but instead he played the role. Pharaoh had a chance at repentance but chose to play the part. Cain, Esau, King Saul, all had the opportunity at becoming a true follower of God but did nothing more than play a role. Some roles were evil in life while some chose to play the good guy. It wasn't until the closing chapters of their lives that their roles were revealed for who they actually were.

Are you blending in with your role? Service after service you attend the house of God but only on a professional acting basis. It's simple to fit in and no one will ever know. But can I tell you that when you stand before Him, your role will be revealed. Don't play the part of a fool. Don't play the part of a Christian. No, understand that we aren't actors, we are children of God.

I’m Sure

Acts 1:3
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

How great of a God do we serve that He is willing to show us His glory. He is willing to show proof of who He is. In a manger the shepherds worshipped Him because they found the words of the angels to be an infallible truth. In His walk on this earth He showed the infallible truths through miracles and the power of His words. The demons obeyed the voice of God as He commanded them to come out people. In the river of Jordan God the Father spoke up and told the most infallible truth of this being His Son when He declared He was pleased with Him. In the judgment hall He proved infallibly that He was the Son of God and the sacrificial lamb by not speaking a word.

One of the greatest places He showed this infallible truth is at Calvary. Here He laid down His life for sinners. He took our place in guilt and shame. He allowed the mockers to mock His deity. He allowed the nails to pierce His hands and feet. He allowed the soldiers to pierce His side and watch as the blood and water flowed from Him. The greatest truth was when He prayed for His Father to forgive them. You may say, "I need more truth, I need more facts." But these are the infallible truths that He has given. Truths of His salvation and love.

Did you know that these proofs of who Jesus was/is convinced even a Gentile soldier that He had to be the Son of God? He watched these infallible proofs of Jesus while He was dying, and the Roman Centurion soldier said, "Truly this was the Son of God." He needed no more proof, it was sufficient.

Then our scripture points out the proof of His resurrection. There were infallible proofs of His birth, life, death and resurrection.  I'm convinced. I'm sure! Take the time today to tell someone about these infallible truths.

I Know, It’s Crazy Awesome!

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I have always found it one of the most remarkable things about being the the family of God. I have seen it beside the casket of a loved one. I have seen it beside the hospital bed of a spouse. I have seen it on a road out in the middle of the path of a tornado that has destroyed everything a family had on this earth. It's called peace.

Now we have to understand that when the world tries to describe peace it really comes short of what we are talking about today. Their definition is a calming attitude or place of quietness, but God's definition goes much, much deeper than this answer.

Our scripture this morning says that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keeps our hearts and minds through Jesus. That may seem simple in its description but if we look closely we can see it a little clearer.

First of all it's God's peace that He gives us. It isn't some man-made or store-bought peace. It isn't found in a newspaper or magazine. It isn't drank or ingested, no it's God given. Second, it is something that we could never wrap our minds around. Every time we attempt to explain it we come short. It is so great of a peace that we have no idea how it works. We only know where it came from. Third, it has great capabilities of keeping our hearts and our minds. Although our hearts (spirit within) knows and trusts in God, our minds could be going in a hundred directions. But there again is that peace that keeps both of them established. Lastly, I told you that it was God given. It is given through His Son Jesus Christ.

The only real peace that I have dear Lord is in YOU!  I know, It's Crazy Awesome!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

While we serve the Lord Jesus, don't do it with a bullhorn or a loudspeaker telling everyone what you are doing. Do it in humbleness, quietness and in adoration for him.  We should serve because we love him.

Can you imagine Jesus coming into the city of Nain yelling, "Where is that boy I'm going to raise? Y'all watch this!" Can't you just see him in the synagogue that day gathering everyone together... "Hey everyone! Is there a man in here with a withered hand? I'm gonna do something great today!"  Can't you see him beside the pool of Bethesda?  "Who wants the healing? Who wants the miracle?" No we don't read that because it wasn't the manner of Jesus. Neither should it be our character. The scripture said that he didn't make a reputation for himself.

C. H. Spurgeon said, "If you want to do a good thing, go and do it as naturally as ever you can. Be simple hearted and simple minded. Be yourself. Do not be affected in your piety, as if you were going to walk to heaven on stilts: walk on your own feet." 

So many want attention, glory and honor while serving our Lord. If Christ served with humility shouldn't we?  If he served in quietness shouldn't we?  If he didn't seek his own glory, but the glory of his father, shouldn't we? 

In Nain, he walked quietly over to a widow weeping about her son. He had compassion on her and told the boy to arise. In the synagogue he simply told the man to stretch out his hand and it was made whole. When he was beside the pool of Bethesda, he asked this man if he wanted to be made whole. He didn't make a big deal about stirring up the water and getting him in the pool.

You see when we serve Jesus, they will see Him. If we serve ourselves and pride, they will see us. Who are we serving right now?

Knowledge is Power

2 Peter 3:17-18
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Years ago, when I was a child, I used to sit and watch cartoons on a Saturday morning. Transformers, Heathcliff, and my all time favorite cartoon Thundercats. The one thing I remember about my Saturday mornings were those commercials. When Christmas time was upon us there would be toy commercials or ones about the new Nintendo Entertainment Systems. There was always, without fail, the commercials thrown in there for the education of children. The "knowledge is power" or the "now you know" commercials. Even in my G.I.Joe cartoon the phrase, "knowing is half the battle" still comes to my mind.

God has told us in our scripture this morning that we know these things. What things? He was speaking about the day of the Lord approaching. We, brethren (Christians), know these things. Since we know these things we should be careful in our walk. We don't want to be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from our steadfastness. What is the error of the wicked? To trust in your worldly wisdom and lean upon your own knowledge.

God says to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have the source for the knowledge that we need. I feel like I need to make a commercial. Show a picture of the Bible and all kinds of Christians reading it. Then bring in the slogan, "the more you know, the more you grow."

Spiritual Knowledge is Power. Don't make a mistake and trust in wisdom that the world can give. Trust in Christ Jesus and the wisdom that He gives from above.

Watch THEIR Step

Psalms 19:12-13

Who can understand his errors?

cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me:

then shall I be upright,

and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

David prays for deliverance from secret faults and presumptuous sins. Secret faults we understand, but what are presumptuous sins?  It is sins that are committed when we fail to observe the limits of what is permitted or allowed. This deals with freedom and liberty that we have in the Grace of God. Paul tells us to be careful not to use the liberty we have as an occasion to fulfill our flesh, or to allow sin to come into our lives. (Galatians 5:13). He also tells us that we shouldn't use the a Grace of God to sin the more so that Grace would become greater. (Romans 6:1)  God also told us to be careful about our liberties. 1 Corinthians 8:9 "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."

Sin is sneaky. It doesn't always have to be just out and out blatant. It comes in slowly. Many of us think that water rushing into our homes is a lot more dangerous than just some small undetected leak. But both are equal in their damage. Sin that floods in is clearly seen and the damage is great, but just as damaging is the water that slowly drips from a leaky faucet or water heater. Before you know it... your flooring is severely damaged. 

David said, "God forgive me of my sins. Not just the ones that are ever before me. But even of the ones that are secret. David said Lord help me to stay away from those presumptuous sins also because those can have dominion over me and destroy me, because it's things that I will justify and allow. But to you Lord they are like a leaking faucet and you can see the damage it can bring."  

Lord, keep me from this also. Help me to never use liberty to do what ever I want. But help me to walk in Grace and liberty toward the cross of Jesus everyday. Never let me be a stumbling block! Help me to watch out for THEIR steps as I lead the way to you. Please show me the way so I don't cause anyone to step into a pothole because of presumptuous sins. I love you Jesus. 

Read it Again and Again

Psalms 78:5-8
For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel,which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.

If there has ever been a scripture that we need to listen to for our time we live in, it is this one. Oh, how we need some God-lead, Holy Ghost-filled dads today. How desperate are we in need of some sweet Holy Ghost-filled, Christ-loving moms. God my prayer today is that people would read and re-read this scripture again and again.

Let's look at its teaching. The first thing I see is that he spoke of the testimony of Jacob and the law He commanded them to obey. Then He says that these parents should make them known to their children. He said that if they would make them known unto their children that those would make it known unto their children and so on.

But why? "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God,..." Parents, isn't there a reason you pray with them? Isn't there a reason that you bring them to the house of God and worship with them? Isn't there a reason that you study the scriptures with them?

I know, you'll do it later right? Don't you think there was a reason that God said to make it known unto your children and grandchildren? If you wait they could very well be like the last portion of this scripture... "a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God."

Lord help ME!

And........ Go!

Matthew 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

I see this new style of finding information on social media these days. Someone will put a simple description of their situation or the subject they need information on and then end it with... And...Go. This means to sum up your description and answer their need through a volume of people who identify.

Well while I was reading God's Word this morning I came to this scripture. "And it came to pass, when Jesus had (I love this part) made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities. It makes me think of Jesus looking at those twelve that day, teaching and commanding them. Then as soon as He is finished He heads off into the city to preach. Almost as if He tells them.... "And....Go!" Or like a huddle on the sports field... "And.....Break!"

What more do you need today that will help you fulfill the sharing of the Gospel? There is nothing! You need nothing more than the teachings of Jesus Christ that have been given unto you through the Holy Spirit of God in His Holy Word. You have the completed Word of God that was penned down by holy men of God as the Spirit moved upon them to write what God instructed, or better yet, breathed. You have the message of the Cross of Calvary! You have the testimony of your salvation. What more information do you need?

Can you hear the Holy Spirit telling us this morning...And Go? Let's do it!

Settng the Record Straight

Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:  for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith The Lord. 

"Those people will get what's coming to them... You're gonna pay for that!"  This seems to be an everyday theme. We somehow get bent on getting even with people. You hurt me, I'll hurt you. We feel that we should set things straight sometimes. 

The word of God tells us that Christ will set things straight. God tells us that we should give place to wrath and let Him handle things. You will find that God setting things straight is not the same idea as ours. You see, He sets it straight and makes things even once and for all. We sin, we hurt, we do all this against God and he sets the record straight. What would you do to set things even?  

Do you know how God set things straight?  How he evened the score?  He loved you through your sin against him. He sent His Son to even the score. God gives redemption and not revenge. Don't get this wrong, God will have justice someday against all those who oppose Him. But right now, He sends salvation!  He sends love!  He sets the score even!

  

On Calvary, Jesus was brutally beaten, spat on, kicked, beard plucked out, just to even the score. Think about it, He settled it all. 

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"  

You Didn’t Learn that from Jesus

Ephesians 4:20-24
But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Don't you just love it when a child misbehaves and the mom shouts, "He didn't learn that from me!" Usually that is followed by an echo from the dad with the same phrase. Often we pick up things from time to time as we are growing up. Sometimes it's words or sometimes even a look or facial expression. As soon as we see it we are tempted to say those words... "She got that from her mom!"

I remember, as our boys were growing up, sometimes this happened. Okay, maybe it was many times that it happened. One problem that I created (yes, me) was the word "crap". Whenever something would anger me, or even just playing basketball and it not falling into the hoop, I would say this infamous word of mine. I never paid much attention to it because I wasn't saying the other slang word right? Then one day my innocent two year old walked up and said it. Immediately I knew that he had been hanging around his momma too much.  Hahahaha no that's not true, it was me. I must admit that sometimes I was a bad example and it came from not truly following the right example myself.

Think about something this morning. Think of how you are living right now. Your daily actions and even words that you use. Where did you learn that from? If it's sinful, don't you dare blame that on Jesus. Our scripture says that "ye have not so learned Christ;" If we are in Christ, and know Christ, then we are to put off the old man with his conversation and deceitful lusts. We should put on the new man which is IN Christ. The way some Christians are living, well let me just say... You didn't learn that from Jesus.

Stopped in my Tracks

Hebrews 12:3
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Stop what you are doing right now for just a moment and think of something. Take a few minutes this morning and think about Jesus. When I think of Him my mind immediately goes to grace and a love that I've never known before. In our scripture today it makes me stop in my tracks!

He tells us to take the time to consider. Consider means to ponder or give specific thought to something. Look at what he tells us to consider. He tells us to consider Jesus and what He endured. Jesus, who come to give His life, endured the contradiction of sinners. They were totally against Him and contrary to Him. It almost seems as if Jesus could never get His head above the water. The constant infliction of contradiction from sinners against everything He said or did.

Have you ever felt this way before? I have and I'm sure there will be more of those days. When they come we must stop in our tracks and consider Jesus. Think of Him and what He did. Think of what He thought. Ask for the mind of Christ to be in you. Why? Because of the end of this verse. "Lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."  Sometimes we spin around in circles instead of stopping in our tracks and considering the one who endured such contradictions. This causes spiritual fatigue.

Lord help me to stop in my tracks and consider you.

Picking Teams

James 2:1
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

Can you think back to those childhood days? You are standing on the playground during recess and everyone is lining up for red-rover. Team captains are being chosen and now the anticipation is building. "Billy!" is shouted out first. "Carl" is the second one chosen. "Sally is on my team!" Wait a minute. Why in the world would they pick Sally over you and the others? She is the most frail and petite beauty queen of the whole class. There is no way that they could win with her. Why would they pick her? (May I say Billy-Bob is a lot smarter than he looks? He wasn't interested in winning the game. Just gathering a few points with Sally)

The next name is called, then the next, and the next. One after one the best fit for the team is chosen. Some who were in the 3rd grade who were the size of 5th graders and some who looked as puny as 1st graders. Over and over people were picked out because of their ability or talent until the final one was picked. Didn't it seem like the game wasn't the struggle but the pressure of picking and being picked?

God tells us this morning that it is not so with Him. Yes there are many scriptures that point to Him choosing us but it was not because of our talent or skills. It wasn't because of our beauty or riches. It was, and is, because He loves us. He loves the world and is not willing that any should perish. He didn't choose Peter because he was a strong fisherman. Nope it was because he loves him. The same love he chose and offered to Peter is also that same love that he chose and offered to Judas Iscariot. "Have I not chosen twelve of you and one of you is a devil..." said Jesus.

Why would you think you can choose who comes to Christ? Have not faith with respect of persons. A good friend of mine once said, "Character is how you treat people that you don't need." - Junior Hill

Makes Me Smile

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Do we miss the truth sometimes because we give people our advice? Because we give people our opinions?  I believe that could be answered with a yes. I know God loves to use us and uses our advice and opinions at times, but when it matters to what truth really is, we need to give the words from our God. 

So often we want to report ON the word of God instead of reporting THE word of God. With our commentary lifestyles and our shelves full of CliffNotes, we tend to try and sum things up for people. We should do as the old preacher man used to say... "Give them what Thus Says The Word Of God". (my dad is that old preacher man)

What if Paul would have given his opinion or thoughts on what God wanted to do with the people of Thessalonica? They would have received PAUL's word, or the words of men, and not God's. But Paul said they received it not as the word of men, "but as it is in truth, the WORD OF GOD". 

When we share what God's Word says and people receive it.... It causes us to be thankful without ceasing. All because we know it was nothing that we said, but the very words that God spoke concerning the truth to our hearts, He has just spoken to theirs. Makes you smile doesn't it?

Not One!

John 7:13

Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

Not one? Not one person spoke in favor of Jesus because of one thing...fear. They were afraid of their lives being taken away from them by the Jews. How sad of a shape are we in when will no longer stand for the truth? Are we today in that same mind frame? People are afraid to call unrighteousness by its name of evil because they are afraid. They will no longer preach the bloody truth of the death of Christ because they are afraid it may offend. What is wrong with us?

I can't believe that we would not share who Jesus is and what He has done because of fear. Let me ask you this question today. What are you actually afraid of? In the last few months we have had many, many people whose lives were taken from them because of their direct connection with Christ Jesus and the other peoples direct connection with Satan. Gunmen entered into schools asking people of their Christian faith and shot them on the spot. Coptic/Egyptian Christians have been taken to the shores of the sea, lined up as herds, decapitated in the name of Christ and in honor of Satan. 

What will you do? Will you be afraid and not speak of Jesus to your family because you don't want to ruffle feathers while they draw closer and closer to the flames of Hell? Will you keep quiet while the aborted babies are slaughtered to the god of convience? Will you rejoice in the proposition of worldly love, while trampling on the foundation of marriage that God instituted all because you are afraid? 

Listen to those words again... "Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews." No man! Well through His grace, I will stand for Jesus and let the world go by. 

Very Impressive

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish that which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

How many highlight reels have you seen of football, baseball, basketball, softball, etc...?  It's always some kind of miraculous breakaway from a defender to make a touchdown pass. It could be a last minute buzzer-beater shot to win the championship. Or a down by three grand slam to walk away with the trophy. It could also be some amazing throw from third base behind your back to second to make that out. We have become accustomed to desire these kind of plays in our sports. We feel if we don't do it this way then the impact of the game will not mean anything. They will become forgettable. 

This kind of thought process is bleeding into our churches and pulpits. Some feel if there is not a joke to break the ice then something will be missing (I'm all for laughter by the way). We feel if our preacher isn't entertaining then he can't relate to us. We feel if our music program isn't modern and fresh that we aren't powerful. But this isn't true. 

How many times have you seen an out from third to first? Were they effective? Did the player make an impact on the game?  Did the player always throw it behind their back?  You see, it doesn't matter if the player is talented. God has always used people that weren't talented. At times they have made spectacular plays or we've had great services but the main thing God wants us to do is get the ball there. 

We spend too much time on preparing our delivery than praying for His power. We spend much practice on our "behind the back" moves than just being behind the cross. Preachers used to pray, "Lord let them see You and hear Your Word". Too often the players want to be seen or heard. 

Gods word is what we need.  Not pumped up or pimped up preachers. Don't misunderstand me, if you've ever heard me preach you would know that I get very, very excited but let me tell you why!  It's because He can use someone like me to throw the ball from third to first. Someone that has no skill, but has the Spirit of God to deliver it. Someone who understands that it should always be about Him and His Word!  Someone who would rather make an IMPACT than to be impressive! Well, I've gotta go now I'm about to shout!  

Thank you Jesus for using FALLIBLE men to preach your INFALLIBLE Word! God's Word is enough!

Are You Pointing in the Right Direction

John 4:39

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

Have you ever read the story of the "woman at the well"?  If not, take time this morning. It's found in John Chapter 4, it won't take you long to read this great salvation story. I want to focus on the scripture above this morning. 

What I think is so interesting about this story is how she was treated. She came out to draw water during the noon hour because she was probably not accepted by the other women of the town. Normally they would draw in the morning and evening, but this woman was alone at noon. The reason for her unacceptance was her sins. Jesus told her in this scripture to go bring her husband back to the well and she said, "I don't have a husband". Jesus told her she was surely telling the truth, because she had already had five husbands and the one she was shacking up with now wasn't her husband. But at the well this day, Jesus gave her living water. She found true worship and salvation at the well. She ran back to the city and told them to come see a man that she believes is the Christ. 

What if she told those people in the city, "I've met a man... that told me every thing I've ever done... isn't this the Christ?" And they replied with, "Yea, we know you and your meeting of men. We hear you meet a lot of men". You know, that's what many in the church do today. Someone has a well experience and begins to share with others the change that Jesus Christ has done in their lives only to have the world (and sometimes sadly the church) question and bring doubt upon them. The people of the city didn't treat her in this manner. They believed her word and came to see. I have a theory on this... It's just what I see from this scripture. This woman didn't want them to look at her, she wanted them to come meet Jesus. If she would have said, "I've met a man and I'm forever changed" it would have been a failure. She wanted them to see Jesus. She pointed them to Jesus and they came to Him. 

Do you want people to look at you? Our testimonies should point to Jesus.  Our preaching should point to Jesus.  Our lives should point to Jesus. This woman brought many people to salvation because she said, "I've met a man, come see Him for yourselves"! 

A 59

Proverbs 30:6
Add thou not unto his words,
lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

When I was in the eleventh grade I did the unthinkable in English class. I wasn't much for school work, or for anything back in the eleventh grade. So when the time came for term papers I took my topic of Edgar Allan Poe and devised a plan. I remembered that there was a chapter in our literature book about him. I took that article and wrote it down word for word. I had zero note cards. Zero bibliography cards. But I really thought I had this paper whipped. Then I received my graded paper. It was a gut wrenching fifty-nine. I remember the note that my teacher tagged on it very clearly. "If you are going to plagiarize someone's work, you should have chosen one different from the writer of our literature book, it's been tried before."

One of the saddest truths of today is that we have this same mentality among people. Instead of speaking the Word of God, there is an attempt to change it up a bit. There is an attempt to quote the Word of God but make it as if it was their very own word. The Bible is God's Word to man and never man's word to God. It is not something that should be changed or needs to be changed to adapt. It's not new, it's the same! The same yesterday, today and forevermore.

May I make a suggestion for all of us? Let's read what God has given us in His Word and not read INTO it. Do not ADD UNTO it! Just read it and when you share it declare that it is God's Word and not yours. While commentaries are good, and Christian books are great, they are not the pure Word of  God. Don't be guilty of plagiarism or changing God's Word... You could be reproved and be found a liar.

By the way, a fifty-nine is a failing grade and adding or changing God's Word is on the same grading curve.

He Sounds Familiar...

Isaiah 1:3-4
The ox knoweth his owner,
and the ass his master's crib:
but Israel doth not know,
my people doth not consider.
Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity,
a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters:
they have forsaken the Lord,
they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger,
they are gone away backward.

Have you ever talked with someone and tried to refresh their memory about a person they have met before? I am the worst at this! I can remember people and their faces but the name is always a problem for me. When people are trying to describe the person to me or tell me about when I had met them I always say, "Yeah, that sounds familiar..."

Well looking at our scripture this morning it seems that Israel has forgotten the Lord. God says that the ox knows its owner and the donkey knows where the barn is, but the people of God don't know who or what they are. They don't know their owner or place. He says they have gone backward. The people of God have backslidden from the Lord. The ones who should know the owner who brought them out and gave them a place have somehow forgotten it all and Him. Why? Because of their sins. If we were to ask them about the Lord they would answer with, "Hmmm, He sounds familiar..."

What about you? Have your sins gotten you into a place where your familiarity of the Lord is shady? Does He sound familiar to you? The owner who bought you with His blood? The Lamb of God who has gone to prepare a place for you? Does any of this ring a bell? Then don't forget Him! Confess to Him today and become more aquainted with Him.

Many of you would want to say that the world has forgotten Him but you would be wrong. The world knoweth Him not. It is the believers who have forgotten Him. Sound familiar? It's what Jesus said to the disciples, remember Him?

I Got My Hands Full

Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush..." Have you ever heard this before? Do you understand the meaning of what is being said? It speaks of being content with what you have in your hand and not thinking of what you don't have, or haven't yet gotten. Thinking of the two that are left in the bush takes away from the thankfulness of the one you have in your hand.

God explains it even better than the world ever could. He says that it's better to have a handful and quietness. Quietness is speaking about peace. The kind of peace that passes all understanding. Did you notice that God said it better? If we would have written this first part of scripture it would have probably sounded like this... "Better is only a handful with quietness..." God sees a handful as sufficient and satisfying but our eyes see it as "only" a handful. Our fallen flesh desires both hands to be full. We desire this so much that we will even justify it through using God. "If God didn't want me to have both hands full He would have only given me one hand" we would say.

Having a handful with peace is much better than having both hands full with trouble. Just as a child would think that having two or more Popsicles would be better than having one, we use this same theory. But having our hands full of Popsicles would cause trouble, stickiness, and we couldn't eat all of them before they melted. On the other hand, having one in our hand and enjoying it with peace as the sun shines down on us, now that would be enjoyable.

Are you at peace with what you have today in your hand? Then be thankful for it. A blessing in the hand with peace is worth two hands full of trouble and heartache. Do you have your hands full?

Dead Man Walking...

Romans 6:7-8
For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Doesn't it seem crazy to quote that movie phrase?  It seems crazy to even think a dead man could walk right. Well we know that, in the movie, he was speaking about someone who was headed to their death. Our scripture says that we are dead men and women walking. Not walking in our fleshly dead bodies, but rather dead to sin and walking in Christ Jesus.

How can someone be both dead and alive? Our death to the old man, or old lifestyle of sin, is dead through the salvation of Jesus. We cannot continue in dead works or a dead lifestyle of sin. If we have died to that person then we are now alive unto Jesus. When we are dead, we are freed from sin. In other words it should not be our leader anymore.

Aren't you glad the scripture doesn't end at the beginning of that scripture?  If it stopped there then our only hope of victory over sin would be when we died and ceased to live in these bodies. God has given us victory over sin and the sinful life. "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him:" If Christ has saved you, He will also satisfy and sanctify you. He will teach you how to live this new life in Him.

Oh, how I love being a Dead Man Walking. I was dead in my sins, but now I am alive walking in Christ.

Belly Laugh

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

There is nothing like hearing one of those good old "belly" laughs. You know what I'm talking about? The laugh that comes from deep in the gut. One that everyone can hear, even in a room filled with people. It's sound is so much more different than a normal giggle or laughter. It uses every resource of the body in order to come out differently. I love hearing people say, "I laughed so hard that my belly hurts."

There are times on my school bus route that the kids get a little out of hand and loud. I try to stay calm and understanding in these situations but I also have to maintain a little bit of sanity in order to drive the bus safely. Some of the funniest moments are when I'm trying to be serious with them and all of the sudden one of the kids (that aren't paying my speech much attention) lets out that belly laugh. I must say that in those times it has lightened to mood tremendously. Other times I have been steadily driving down the road, focused on the task at hand, and one of the little children let out that laughter and it makes me smile or even laugh myself.

There is just something about laughter. It makes the face happy. It makes the heart glad. It makes others who are around forget all that they may be going through for just a split moment. The Bible says that it doeth good like a medicine. If only we could laugh more often, maybe we wouldn't be so dry and unhealthy.

Did You Read That?

Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Oh, there is so much in this scripture! The scope of it, the depth of it is unmeasurable. Look closely at what it speaks this morning.

First, it speaks of the grace of God. Can you describe the grace of God? I'm sure we could think of many words and I'm positive that every one of those words would fall short of actually defining the grace of God. God's grace is nothing short of amazing. It is deeper than any ocean and higher than any mountain. To search out the grace of our God would be endless.

Second, it says that God's grace brings salvation. There is nothing else that can bring salvation. No work or labor could ever bring you salvation. Salvation is not in membership. It is not in loyalty to attendance. It is not in singing with the choir.  It is, and will always be, God's grace that brings salvation.

Lastly, and this is my favorite, it has appeared unto all men. Did you read that? The "grace of God" that "bringeth salvation" hath "appeared to all men". Yes, yes, yes! Thank you Lord Jesus! Thank you for grace! Thank you for salvation! Thank you for it being unto all men!

Like someone used to say, "If that doesn't stir your soul, your spoon has fell out of your bowl."

Put A Sock In It

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

The running pattern of today's society is to tear down others in building themselves. We know that this is not of Christ or His Word. No, it is a characteristic of those without Christ and His salvation. The sad truth is that this attitude has somehow eased its way among those who are called Christian.

The skinny person speaks against the fat while the fat person speaks against the skinny. The beautiful person speaks against the ugly and the ugly laughs and scorns at the beautiful. The tall speak against the short and vise versa. Over and over, day after day, this happens. Why is it that we tear down someone and think that it will help us feel better?

The absolute fact is that we are different. That doesn't mean better than the other, just different. If you feel you need to tear someone down in order to look better can I tell you that you actually look worse! You wanna talk about ugly? Wow!

Remember what mom always said? "If you can't say anything nice... Don't say nothing at all!"  Well I say if you can't keep your mouth shut and have to tear down someone to feel good, get a sock and stuff it in your mouth. That can be Christ coming out of you when you do that.

Help me Lord to be an encourager. Help me to build up and not tear down.

Stop Talking and Listen

1 Corinthians 10:6-11
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Wouldn't life be so much easier if we had people tell us what to do and what not to do? Well can I tell you today that we do have that? They are called parents, leaders, elders or senior adults. Daily they share stories with us of what the past was like. Constantly speaking words of warning and admonition unto us. The reason that life has taken a wrong direction for some is because we are not listening to the directions and wisdom of those before us.

Our scripture this morning is speaking about those children of Israel who walked in the wilderness. It says they ate of the same meat and drank from the same Rock, which is Christ. Then it says many of them lusted after evil things. Some worshiped idols, some committed fornication, some tempted Christ, and some grumbled and complained. Did you notice how God's Word says in the beginning that they are examples and then closes with the same statement?

Stop talking today and listen to those who have walked before you. Listen for wisdom! Listen for instruction! Find those who have walked in similar paths and listen to their warnings. You will be greatly admonished and life's steps could be so much more rewarding.

What’s the Big Deal?

Joshua 22:20
Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

Have you ever heard someone ask the question, "What's the big deal?" You know what I mean? As a child, you walk through the store and take a piece of candy. I mean, come on they have a whole shelf full of it. They will never miss it right? Or you're selling your vehicle to someone and know that something is wrong with it, but hey, what's the big deal?

The Bible says that if we know to do good and don't do it...it is sin. Sin is a disobedience of God's truth. It's not a slip or boo-boo. It is wrong and it is disobedience. You may think that it's really no big deal, but if you could ask this man in our scripture this morning you would know that it is a big deal.

God gave us a question about Achan. He said, "Didn't he commit a trespass, sin, when he took the accursed thing of the Lord?" Because of one man's sin, wrath fell upon all of Israel. Really? One man sins and all are effected by it? But look closely at the end of our scripture... "that man perished not alone in his iniquity."

When he took of the accursed thing and brought sin into his heart, he brought it into his home. Him and his whole family were killed in the valley of Achor. I wonder if Achan would have known that his sin's penalty would not only be pronounced upon him but also his wife and children, if he would have done it?

Let me ask you, would you? The "What's the big deal?" line is a lie from the devil. Yes, it is a big deal! And yes it will cost you much. But the great news is that Christ has paid it all on Calvary for you. Confess and turn from your sin now.

Glory in the Lord

2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Take pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, persecutions, and distresses? How could this be possible? It is hard for us to imagine that we could take pleasure in these things. But we must understand the mind frame and heart thinking of this man of God. Let's look closely at these words this morning.

The definition of pleasure is a state of gratification. Being in an attitude of glorying. Paul knew that, if he desired to be fleshly, he could have gloried in his labor for the Lord. He could have boasted of his prison time and his beatings, but he chose to glory in the Lord. Look at the words he used to describe his glorying.

Infirmities - the condition of being feeble
Reproaches - a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace
Distresses - a very difficult situation in which you do not have enough money, food, etc...

How could you glory in this? It seems almost impossible to do so. Most people of today think that God would be angry with them because of the endurance of such things. But the key is found in the latter part of the verse. It's all "for Christ's sake." Knowing that when we are the weakest in our lives that He is the strongest. Without Him, we can do nothing. Without Him, have nothing. Without Him, we have no reason to glory. So if we have something to glory of it is in the truth of knowing that whether we live or die, we glory in the Lord!

Help Me To Remember

Psalms 78:42

They remembered not his hand,

nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.

Remembrance is very powerful. It can be a memory of good times or bad times. It could be a memory of one you would want to forget. Or it could be one you never want to forget. Did you know that our memories could last forever?  It's true. Think about the rich man feasting from his table one minute and dead the next. What happened to him?  It says, "In hell he lift up his eyes and were in torment. Then he begins to recall his life and all the good things that he had. Finally, the rich man, begins to think about his other brothers that he wanted to warn of this awful place. "Please send him back so he can tell my brothers. 

Imagine the memory of a last chance. Last invitation... They remembered not his hand. God has been there all the time for us. He has helped us and showed us His hand of guidance. We must remember that God delivered us from. He has delivered is from the enemy. Lord help me to never forget.

The things that I love

I hold dear to my heart

They are borrowed and

Not mine at all

Jesus only let me use them

To brighten my life

So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then

Show me where you brought me from and

Where i could have been

Just remember I'm a human and humans forget

So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Nothing good have i done

To deserve God's own Son

I'm not worthy of the scars

In His hands

Yet he chose the road to Calvary

To die in my stead

Why He loved me i can't understand

Roll back the curtain of memory now and then

Show me where you brought me from and

Where i could have been

Just remember I'm a human and humans forget

So remind me, remind me dear Lord

Just remember I'm a human and humans forget

So remind me, remind me dear Lord