Ol' Crazy Mary

Mark 16:9-11
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

Scriptures in the other Gospels tell us that the women got up early on the resurrection morning and took off for the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with spices. As they came to the tomb their biggest obstacle was figuring out how to move the stone from the entrance. As they approached that morning the Bible tells us that the stone was already rolled away.  Inside they heard an angel telling them that they should return and tell the disciples, and Peter, that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. So they left and told all that was spoken unto them. Mary Magdalene stayed at the tomb weeping. Revealing to us that she was the first to see Jesus in His resurrected body. She excitedly runs back and begins to tell the disciples that she had seen Jesus. Their response was disbelief.

I wonder if it were possible that those disciples are guilty of the same things we are today? I'm sure the answer would be yes. See we will listen and judge whether or not to believe people by things we know of their past. (Yes, you do). I wonder if these people listening to Mary, who once had seven demons in her, couldn't get past who she used to be? I wonder if they called her names before like, Crazy Mary? I wonder if they said, "Yeah, she still might have one of those old demons hanging around in her!"?

I see this kind of reaction all the time. When a person accepts Jesus and stumbles a bit trying to learn and walk. People come and say, "Yep, there's ol' Crazy Mary showing back up." Christians think they are actually talking about the person but in all truth you are talking about the saving, healing, forgiving and miraculous power of our almighty God. If Jesus has saved, healed and forgiven a person please know this... He didn't do it halfway! If there were seven demons in Mary when Christ found her and saved her, then seven demons scattered from His presence.

I sure am thankful of the saving and forgiving power of Jesus. If it were not for Him I would still be Crazy Taco till this day!

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us- ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

When I was young I used to love watching a television show called "The A-Team". These guys were always faced with problems and obstacles but somehow always made it through. A situation would arise, and they'd get their heads together with a plan. Every team member had a specific talent. Mr. T would create some of the most wildest and heavily armed vehicles for battle. Murdock would do his crazy thing. Faceman played his part but Hannibal, he was the one at the end of every show who had the greatest line. I can remember waiting for him to say it... "I love it when a plan comes together". 

Well do you know that God has a plan for you?  He has a plan for everyone!  His desire is that ALL would be saved. Once you're saved, He will lead you into following his plan. Just like these men in this crazy television show each had a role and purpose, you too in the plan and will of God have a specific role and purpose. Some preach, some teach, some cook, some clean,... Some are involved with youth, some with senior adults, but all serve a purpose of edifying the body. 

Do you know where I get my greatest joy from?  When I see people come to Jesus and surrender their lives to His plan. When they turn everything over to him and figure out what part they play in spreading the Gospel. I've often thought that if I love it, how much more does our Father in Heaven love it?  

Sometimes I look at these people and see how God has put every broken piece back together. How He has placed a purpose in their hearts and how they are following the path that our God has for them. And I say to myself, "I love it when a plan comes together". 

Which Way Are You Walking?

Micah 4:5

For all people will walk every one in the name of his god,

and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.

Why do we always keep up with what others are doing or who they are serving rather than just walking in Christ? All people, Christians included, have such a hard time keeping their eyes forward while walking with God. Our concern for other's walk so many times distracts us with our very own walk. 

The world, those without Christ, will observe the walk of others and that is expected. Since they have no true purpose in their walk with their god, they will scrutinize the walk of all others. You can see that it is taught to them since their beginning. When a child gets caught in something wrong, they are very quick to examine the walk of others around them. "Steve did it... Patti was doing the same thing I was... At least I didn't do as old so-in-so..." So many times we compare our walk with others. 

The disciples themselves did this. They would ask Jesus questions concerning non-believers and even believers and their walk. Our nature is to look at others. It seems to be born into us and our fallen nature. 

We can become so consumed with the walk of others that our walk could be hindered. Don't take this wrong or non-compassionate, but people will walk away from the true Lord and walk after their own god. This will happen. Jesus told us it would happen. But what will you do?  I know what I will do... We, I, will walk in the name of the Lord our, my, God forever and ever.  

And Crowd Goes Wild!!

John 12:43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

The Pharisees in the days of Jesus were afraid to believe in Him because they would lose their seat in the synagogue. If the synagogue was the big football bowl game, these would have box seats with the finest spread of food. They had the upper seats, not those with the lower common people. They love to lead in prayer where all could hear them. They loved it in the market places to be called Rabbi and leader. You see they loved it when the crowd recognized them and brought attention to it.

Jesus told us that they receive their reward of men down here on earth. The crowd goes wild for them in their big seats with their big prayers. We are to set our affections on things above. We are to seek treasure and rewards from our Father above. Our praise should never point to us, but rather upon Jesus. For He is the Lamb of God that was slain for my sins and your sins.

Let me ask you something this morning. Why do you serve Jesus? What is the driving force for your service in the ministry? Do you want your name on signs and called out in great meetings? Do you serve best when the crowd goes wild? If so, you better soak it up now. Enjoy it because it will only be your reward on earth. If this is our path it is headed for ruin and discouragement. Our call to serve should be through nothing else but love. Love that we have for Jesus who first loved us. Some people are only happy if their name is called out. What will you do when the crowd is silent? When the praises stop? Are you going to still serve Him?

I don't know about you but I love the praise of God more than the praise of men. I would rather hear Him say He's pleased more than family, friends or foes.

Stop Picking At It

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

"You're right" or "I'm sorry" are some of the most difficult phrases to say. Even now as you read that sentence you can't bring yourself to say, "You're right." Why is it so hard to say these things? Probably because they are usually spoken at times when our emotions are hot and high. Usually we are giving an apology after we have just blew our fuse or done something wrong. Most of the time we are telling someone they are right about a situation after we have struggled for two or three days of trying to be right about it ourselves.

Read the scripture again... "A soft answer turneth away wrath:..." Speaking in a normal tone or knowing when not to speak can sometimes be hard to come by. Our emotions will get the best, most likely the worst, of us at times. God tells us to be soft in answering while angry. He says that if we can remain calm about the situation and give a truthful and soft answer then we could turn away our anger and hopefully their anger. This scripture does not say be soft in truth and correction. It tells us to be soft in how we answer with truth and correction.

Look also at the "grievous words..." and what it does. When we use grievous words we are pulling the band aid off of a fresh wound. Don't you remember what your Mom used to tell you? If you keep picking at that it's never gonna get better! How many times have you known that you were right and they were wrong, so you just kept hammering it at them? That's grievous words to stir up anger.

Has someone hurt you or done you wrong? Answer them in forgiveness and stop picking at it. Have you hurt someone or done them wrong? (I know, not you right?) Then ask them to forgive you. Does that mean they will answer you softly and turn away anger? No it doesn't, but that's their own picking.

CHECKMATE!

1 Kings 19:4-6

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

I love the story of Elijah. Man, what a man of God! This guy prayed for it not to rain and it didn't for a little over three years. He built an altar to God, prayed for acceptance and God consumed the offering with fire. He then prayed for it to rain and it did.  All this was not done by Elijah, but Elijah's God. 

But now we find Elijah asking for God to just take is life from him because he can't do anything right. Look at what he says, "I'm not better than my fathers." You see it? Elijah set himself up for the oldest move on the chess board. Elijah had somehow thought he was doing so much better than others before him. He measured himself by the others around him. For some reason ever since the fall of Adam in the Garden we have thought we could do it better. Then the first mistake comes, the first sin, checkmate!  

Now he's left hanging his head in defeat. Just like Elijah, we do the same.  The Bible says that we have the same passions as Elijah. James 5:17 "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are,..." The scripture says if he could pray for rain, and it rained, then so could we. On the other side of that, if he could feel defeated so can we. 

The thing is... Elijah placed himself in this position. He tried to be better than others instead of trying to be like God. He tried to measure up to those before him instead of looking at God for who he needed to be. And then it happens...CHECKMATE!

Gonna Rest a Little Bit

Hebrews 4:8-10

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

There is nothing like working a long day and then maybe enjoying a late afternoon or early evening nap is there? I can think back to the times my mom and dad would come home from working really hard all day and tell us to go out and play cause they were gonna take a nap. Some of those days it would be raining and there would be nothing to do outside. I would stare at the television and then look over at them...mouth gapping open and enjoying the rest. When I was young I always thought, "How in the world could you waste your time taking a nap?" They never really called it napping though. They always said, "Gonna rest for a minute." I knew everyday from 5:30-6:30 or so that they were gonna rest for a minute. 

Now that I am older I can clearly see what they were talking about. On a Monday afternoon after working so hard, I love to catch what my grandmother called a "power nap". Or on a Sunday afternoon after preaching with all of my energy, resting a little bit sounds so great. Sometimes I'll sit in the recliner and get that rest. Sometimes I'll climb into my wife's hammock we have inside of her sunroom. Sometimes I'll just flat out go get straight into the bed to find the rest I need. But every time I do this I know that I have to wake up in about thirty minutes to an hour. My wife at times will not even take a nap because she says she knows she has to wake up. (I don't know about you but that kinda helps me rest a little easier knowing I will wake back up, hahaha)

Someday I will find my eternal rest in Heaven. I am comfortable resting in Jesus now everyday, but someday it will be for eternity. The children of Israel looked for a rest on earth and never actually found it. Yes they napped so to say, but true rest comes in Heaven through Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord. 

Caught By Sin, Not Surprise

1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Some will say that the sin they have committed caught them by surprise, but it didn't.  Sin doesn't catch us by surprise and never will.  Sin is a result from wrong thinking and wrong actions.  How many times do you think Eve wished she could have just placed all the blame upon the devil? What about Adam? You know he explained to his sons many times the story of the fall and often glanced over at Eve. You may say that I really don't know that to be true but I see it everyday in spouses. We are a result of a fallen and sinful world. We are just like them and they were just like us.

We are sure that Satan will throw many, many snares out there in front of us to capture us into sin. But look at our scripture this morning... It tells us to be careful lest you fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Reproach means, to bring disapproval to or about someone. When we bring a reproach against Jesus it means that we have discouraged others from Him. With our sins, we become a stumbling block or as our scripture says, a snare unto them. A snare is a trap. Most always referring to a bird trap. But don't let it fool you. So many have trampled over the bird traps but were caught by the bear or lion traps.

We must walk in Christ and have a good report of the people. Notice that it is not just the people that are in the church, but it is dealing with those people who are outside of Christ. We should not be a sinful snare to the world and those who are lost. How can we do that? Watch for the snares. Confess our sins to Jesus. Realize that our sin is OURS and not the cause of Satan or others. Many can't move forward or have a good report of the people without because they have never allowed Christ to free them from the sinful snare in the first place. We need to ask Jesus to remove our sin. To get us out of the snare.

A temptation may catch you by surprise. A thought may catch you by surprise. But sin doesn't catch us by surprise. How many times did she walk past that tree in the garden before she finally stepped into the snare? Be careful...

I Told You

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Can't you see Jesus at the tomb of His friend Lazarus? The sisters are weeping, the followers are weeping and now Jesus is weeping. Jesus was weeping because of the pain of death and the hold of its misery upon His friends and the unbelief it causes. In the beginning of this story, Jesus told Martha that He was the resurrection and told her that He was the truth and life. He asked her if she believed it. 

Now we find Jesus calling His friend out of death. He called him from the grave back into life. Lazarus was alive again! Can't you imagine the excitement? Mary and Martha's tears are dried. The followers weeping now turned into praise. Jesus turned a funeral into a celebration. 

You can almost hear Jesus saying I told you so? He told Martha, "Said I not into thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" I know that Jesus is not saying this in a condescending way. He was telling her that He tried to tell her. 

What would happen in your life today if you simply believe what He has told you? How much pain and suffering could you bypass in believing what He has said? He is trying to tell you the truth. He is trying to give you life. Listen to Him this morning. Don't let Him say, "I tried to tell you". 

Someday they will lay my body in the ground and cover it with dirt but I will not be there. I will be with Jesus. Because of His death I have life. Just wait and see... Then when you get to Heaven I'll be there to say, "I told you so."

It's Good

Lamentations 3:26
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

Our first reactions to a storm or dangerous situation is to fear and scream. We say things and do things when trouble comes our way that we wouldn't normally say or do on a daily basis. We even act in ways that we wouldn't normally act. Why? It's because of fear.

God tells us that it is good that a man should...

First of all, He says we should hope. What is hope? Hope is trusting! Hope in scripture does not carry the same definition as we think of today. Hope's modern definition is thinking that something will maybe happen. "I hope today turns out pretty... I hope I get an A on my report card... I hope mom brings home pizza tonight..." But this scriptural hope speaks of placing our hope/trust in God. We should know that He will see us through it. (I didn't say "take you out of it")

Second, we should be quiet. This second "good thing" that God gives us is a difficult one. When we are afraid it's hard to be quiet. I have done a lot of scaring people in my life. I have seen different reactions from every person that I have scared. Some get angry, I mean really angry. Some say things that I can't tell you. Some begin to cry because they are so afraid. Last of all, some don't say a word and that ends up scaring me.

Finally, He tells us to wait. Now if being quiet wasn't hard enough, we are told to be patient. I believe that this would be the toughest thing for everyone to do. No one would get a pass on this, it is difficult for everyone. Wait on the Lord, and again I say wait.

Lord, help us today to find these good qualities. It's good for us to TRUST, BE QUIET and WAIT on the You Lord.

Me and My Big Mouth

Ecclesiastes 5:6
Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin;...

What would you say is the biggest problem with your body? I can almost hear you as you are going down the list of things that is wrong. Some are saying their back, feet, head, legs because of arthritis, bursitis, sickness or other things. Let me ask you again in a different way. What would you say is the biggest spiritual problem you have with your body? You may say your eyes and what you look at, which could be true. You may say your mind and the attitude you have, which also could be very true. But most would answer with this... "I can't keep my mouth shut." (I see you shaking your head right now, hahaha)

The mouth, or tongue, is described in the Word of God as being poison and set on fire from Hell. It is the number one thing that gets most people in trouble. Did you know that I have found out that when you talk all the time it could cause trouble, and even when you don't say anything sometimes it can cause trouble?

God says that we should not suffer (allow or yield) our mouths to cause our flesh to sin. Now many reading this today think that it is dealing with profane talk but it deals with much more. I've seen the mouth to cause the flesh to sin in many ways. It could be that our mouths bring sin because we said and acted in anger, but it could also be that many of us make promises out of emotional feelings and then we don't keep them. That is our mouth causing the flesh to sin.

Would you agree this morning that the mouth is probably the biggest thing you struggle with? Well then do like the teacher, your parents and your God has said. Watch your mouth! Remember, we shouldn't suffer/yield our mouths to cause sin. Yield your mouths unto the Lord. Allow Him to fill your mouth with the words you need to speak and the silence you need to keep. Lord, you know I need help with my mouth.

A Doorman at God's House

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,

than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't have to go to church to be saved"?  Why is it that this phrase is even spoken?  Especially among those who claim Christ a their savior. I have an answer for that one but it's not what this devotion is about. 

Let's ask ourselves a few questions...

   - Do doctors have to go to the hospital to be doctors?

   - Do mechanics have to work on engines to be mechanics?

   - Do lawyers have to go to courtrooms to be lawyers?

The answer to this could be no, if you are nit-picking. But the real answer would be that if they wanted to practice their profession then yes they need these places. Doctors are found in hospitals, lawyers are found in courtrooms, and mechanics are found working on engines. Just as Christians are found following Christ and worshipping in church.  

Here are the main questions this morning...

   - Why do I go to church?

   - Why does God desire me to be at church?

   - What good can come from me attending church?

   - How did Jesus view the church?

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and SO MUCH THE MORE, as ye see the day approaching.

Stop coming up with excuses.  Stop looking at those within the church that are living in sin. You know what one church member told me about looking at hypocrites?  She said, "I would rather go to church with a few of them, than to go to a Hell with all of them". Look unto Jesus. You need church! David said "I would rather open the door for people at the house of God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked". 

Running From God

Jonah 1:1-3

Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

Jonah, a prophet of God, was called to go to this sinful place and share God's Word with them. This was not a message of vengeance but one of repentance. God wanted Jonah to tell the people that it was their final call. If they didn't repent, God was going to destroy it and them. But look at what Jonah did...

Jonah fled from the presence of God. Notice something there?  Jonah didn't flee from Nineveh, like I have always heard. He fled from God. How many times have you not done something because you thought, surely God didn't mean for me to go there or speak to them? You may have thought you were getting away from something or someone sinful, when in truth you were going away from Jesus and His Words. 

Our scripture says it twice. He fled from the presence of God. Why would you ever want to flee from the presence of God? I don't know about you, but I always wanted to get away from my parents when I was wrong and when I was in sin. Jonah knew His decision was wrong and contrary to what God asked of Him. He knew that it was sin when he went away from the presence of God. He just realized how far he had gone from His presence when he was in the belly of a whale. 

How far will you flee from His presence? Will you also have to be in the bottom of the ocean to realize God is who you need? Or will you be as the people of Nineveh? They heard the message and repented right there in the comfort of their own town. 

Bench Vise

Job 23:10

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold

Today there may be a trial that you are going through.  It may be a tough decision to make.  You may seem as if you are so pressed inside that there is no way out.  You don't understand right now but the Lord is doing a great work in and through you.

I remember as a child watching my Dad out in the barn working on an engine.  He had all kinds of tools.  At times he would put the parts he was working on in a bench vise.  He would tighten the vise so much that the part could not move.  It would put much strain on the part but it would hold it still while he began to work on a certain area.  Then when he finished he would loosen the part and place it in the engine for a perfect fit.

Just as my Dad, the Lord Jesus is working on you.  Never forget, despite how tight things feel, God is just holding you still in order to shape and mold you into what He desires.  Remember, "I shall come forth as gold".

Lord Jesus, please help me to understand that you have my life in total control.  Help remind me that you bless me and also shape me.  Help me to understand that these trials I face in life are not to make me bitter or question your will, but rather to make me into the "Gold" that you desire for me.  Although I may never understand why you choose to do it certain ways, Help me to understand that you do this for my good.

What A Savior

Psalms 107:15

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,

and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

"Touchdown!", is yelled from the announcer. Now the crowd is on their feet cheering at the top of their lungs. "What a play! What a run! What a pass!" While these plays are unfolding the analysts and writers are sharpening their pencils and editing their photos. The news of the winning team must be shared. 

Isn't it amazing the detail that goes into the writing of these praise articles? From their goal line that started the miracle drive, all the way down to the player who threw the touchdown pass. The linemen are praised. The backs are praised. The receivers are praised. The ones who called the plays in are praised. Why? Because it all worked out to the good. 

Flip the storyline around. Let everything fall apart and see what happens. The praise now turns to rage. See men are always ready to praise when things are good, but want to rage when things aren't so great. 

"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness". What would your storyline say about how great God is? What would the headline read? Would you take the time this morning to praise Him? When you go to Him in prayer, after reading this, take the time to just praise Him. Tell Him how you adore Him. How you love Him. How you praise Him. Maybe you could take some time to write about the greatness of God. 

My headline would come from one of my favorite songs... Oh what a Savior, oh Hallelujah!

Come As You Are

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I love the old invitation hymn song, Just As I Am. What a great truth in the message of that song. God wants us to come as we are. We are told to bring all of our cares, lost condition and cast it upon the Lord. We should know that He loves us so much that He's already paid the debt for our sins. 

One problem that is prevalent in churches today is people that haven't understood that Christ saves and changes us. Some come to Jesus as they are but leave exactly the same as when they came. That's not salvation!  That's not repenting of your sins and being changed. 

So many want to hang on to a part of the old person or lifestyle. But that's not being changed. What if saved people were not changed? 

Zacchaeus came as a sinner but left saved! So much that his life showed it. A sinful woman came as an adulterer but left restored! Lazarus laid there as a dead man but rose up alive! The crippled man laid by the pool a lame but walked away with his bed in his hand! A hungry person comes to the table hungry but walks away filled! A sinner comes to Jesus lost but stands up found. He, or she, comes to Jesus broken and leaves mended. 

What if Jesus would have to allowed the woman who was caught in the act of adultery to continue on in the sin she was just set free from? What about Peter when he denied The Lord three times? What if Jesus would have said, "Don't do me that way please...!) and Peter just continues in sin? It's crazy!

So why is this our motive in some believers today?  We want to please instead of preach. We want to entertain instead of feel the presence of the Holt Spirit. We can and will always be welcome to come to Jesus with a broken heart. But we cannot stay the same. 

  

Dear Lord, change me everyday. Make me more like you and less of me. I love you and thank you

Come To Jesus

Mark 10:50

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

In the church, there are so many man-made stipulations for salvation. Traditions and religion has robbed many people from the salvation found in Christ. Listen to me this morning before you confuse what I'm saying. I love the VBS way of showing people salvation. They often use the ABC's. Admit you're a sinner. Believe that Jesus is the Answer. Confess your sins and Jesus as your Savior. That's simple enough that the youngest of children can understand it, but the oldest adult can confuse it. Some have taken the message of salvation to the level of a formula. It's not about a formula but about faith. 

See this blind man in our scripture had faith. His faith led to him casting away his garment. Just like this garment of the blind man held him down, so does our sin. Even our righteousness is like these filthy garments. So really it's not by what we do or don't do. It's faith. 

Secondly this man's faith brought him to his feet. Hearing the word of God brings everyone to a decision. A decision to trust in Christ as Lord or to reject the Gospel message. You will stand up and walk to Christ or walk away from Him. There is no sitting position on the issue of the Gospel. 

Lastly He came to Jesus. Now some would insert a three step program right here. They would insist on it being a step plan. Step one, cast away sin. Step two, stand up during the invitation. Step three, come to Jesus. But if you will look at scripture you will understand that faith led this man to put away the garments. Faith led to this man standing up. Faith led to this man coming to Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

God's Grace reaches in salvation and through Faith we accept it! This man's faith led to his response. How will you respond today?

Stirred Up!

Does the Story of Jesus Still Stir You?

Isaiah 53:1-6

Who hath believed our report?

and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant,

and as a root out of a dry ground:

he hath no form nor comeliness;

and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 

He is despised and rejected of men;

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:

and we hid as it were our faces from him;

he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

Surely he hath borne our griefs,

and carried our sorrows:

yet we did esteem him stricken,

smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was wounded for our transgressions,

he was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon him;

and with his stripes we are healed. 

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way;

and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Reading the story of Jesus and His death still stirs me to the point of tears. Does it still stir you? How does hearing what Christ has done for you move in your spirit? I've noticed that many Christians are no longer moved by what He HAS done for them. The only become stirred in thinking of what Christ CAN do for them. Well let me ask you this... What more could Jesus do that He hasn't already done?  Read Isaiah one more time before you head out to work this morning. Can you put anyone else's name in the blank for this list? 

And that doesn't stir you?

Makes me want to sing...

I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat

What seems each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God's own Holy Word.

I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story, of Jesus and His Love

Home Protection Plan

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Parents try always to watch their children. They go to extreme measures to make sure they don't get hurt. When they are babies, we put locks on everything and constantly scan the area for potential dangers. When they are toddlers, we observe everything they pick up and put into their mouth. When they are young children, we fight off sicknesses, help with homework, make sure they get the proper medications and of course... plenty of rest.

Why do we do this? It's our duty and privilege. We as parents only want what is best for our children. God has placed us into guardianship over them. We do this so we can keep them from danger or harm. We guard the stove when they are toddlers like a soldier guarding the "Unknown Soldier's" tomb. We rearrange our most beautiful furniture in the house so that the sharp corners aren't in the way when they begin to walk. Many of us are always looking down at the carpet when they are young because we don't want that penny or quarter to be swallowed. Why? To keep them from harm or worse, even death.

One last question this morning... Why are most parents I know stop this protection plan when these children grow up into teenage years? Now more than ever parents, these children need your protection. With all that is available unto them from society, we need stronger protection programs called "Family". Dad, guarding your son or daughter is your duty and privilege. You need to have more respect and desire for the position that God has given you. Mom, protecting your daughter or son is your God-given calling. Do it with the same passion you once had when they were even smaller.

I know that many of you would argue the fact of protecting them when they are grown, but may I tell you that a teenager is not grown. No they are still growing. I know that they may know how to walk by a stove now and not touch it because it is hot. But the danger is still there. Many teenagers are walking by stoves today while the meth and other drugs are cooking on them. See the danger is still there, it has just altered its appearance. Sure they know how to cross the road now, but do they know which road to take?

Maybe it's time to protect your family. Pray this morning and ask God for it. Don't just go to the "Hedge of protection" prayer. Pray that He will give you wisdom to discern the dangers that are out there against your children and family. Step up and start protecting.

Closer Than He Appears

Psalms 22:11

Be not far from me; for trouble is near;

for there is none to help.

Why is it that some people feel that the Lord is so far away from them when troubles come? This is our Lord that told us He would never leave or forsake us. The same one who said He is a very present help in time of trouble. 

David is asking for the presence of God to not be far from him. Trouble is now approaching David fast! His soul is beginning to pant because the enemy is hot on his trail and trouble is upon him. David also says that there is no one to help him. 

Have you ever felt like this before? Ever felt that trouble is up ahead and the help seems so far away? It's almost like looking in that side mirror and thinking that a vehicle is way back there, but really they aren't. No, they are closer than they appear. Circumstances in our lives like sorrow, death, discouragement, pain, sickness, etc..., leaves us feeling like we are all alone at times. These things can bring loneliness and questions at times. But hold on! Have faith! The Lord is so much more closer than He may sometimes appear. In these times you may not be able to see Him in the side or rear mirrors because He is actually in the vehicle with you. 

Aren't you excited that we have someone who will help when we ask? If you answered yes and are in trouble then why not ask Him today for the help you know He can give? Thank you Jesus! 

Go, Flow, Sow

Psalms 126:6

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

I remember going to my grandmother's church when I was young. It seemed like they would sing, "Bringing in the sheaves" every Sunday. It was sung so much that I found myself singing it all during the week. "We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves..."  

I didn't realize until later in my life that there was much work to do before you could ever bring in any sheaves. Look at this scripture...

First of all we must decide to GO!  We've got to make our minds up that we are willing to do the labor of planting the seed. 

Second, we must become broken for the need. We must see the need in order to be effective. Nehemiah saw the broken walls of Jerusalem and became broken himself because of the need. We must look upon lost men and women and see the need for Christ in their lives. This should burden us to be broken and even weep for their condition. Sometimes what wisdom and labor can't do, brokenness and weeping can do!  We should pray that God place a brokenness in us. That the flood waters of our eyes and soul cleanse out any debris that cause us not to see clearly the need for planting this precious seed. 

Lastly, we bear the precious seed of the Gospel. We need no other seeds!  We have the truest, purest and holiest seed. But look at what God calls it... Precious Seed!  Precious, because we must be careful with it. Precious, because of its power. Yes we should invite people to church. Yes we should invite people to revivals. Yes we should invite people to special meetings at the church. But we should never forget that in real gardening...we should invite them to the cross. Invite them to Christ!  

Like a preacher once told me... GO, FLOW and SOW!  

Victory in the Word

Psalms 119:50

" This is my comfort in my affliction:

for thy word hath quickened me."

The other day my wife said the most profound thing I have ever heard. She said, "If Joshua conquered Canaan with just five books, what could we do with the sixty-six we have?"  (I know, She's pretty deep). 

Stop and think of how Moses took the word of God, that he was told to write, and rehearsed it into the ears of Joshua. Day after day, he told him of the victories they had through God's leading. He told them of the suffering times they experienced. Moses shared of how God supplied water from a rock. He also explained to him the sin of the children of Israel while he was on the mountain with God. Day after day, month after month, and story after story. Rehearsing the lines over and over. 

Do you know what happened when they spied out the land to inherit?  There were only two spies that believed the land God promised could be taken. It was Joshua and Caleb. Joshua being one that heard of God and His supplying hand of grace from Moses. Joshua listen to Moses as he speaks of victories and always trusting in God. Moses shared with Joshua about God meeting every need and always taking care of the house of Israel. No wonder he knew that they could have the land if God desired them to have it. 

The rehearsal was just with the first five books of our Bible, also known as the Torah. Well if Joshua could accomplish that feat with God, what more could we do?  

You've got a whole book of answers, solutions and victories. How do you treat the Bible?  Do you hear it's power and victory. Remember now, there are sixty-six books of God's victory and provisions. What a victory in the Word of God. Rehearse it!