Keep Your Eyes On The Road!

1 Corinthians 7:35
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

This morning our scripture speaks of Paul addressing the church about marriage and being careful to not become distracted by the world and its pleasures. God was trying to get our eyes focused. He was not saying that marriage is bad at all, God ordained marriage, but rather that we must not let it or anything get our eyes off of the road.

A couple of years ago in the state of Alabama many folks were angry and some were happy. Sad to say but the angry ones are mostly Christian's who believe that if we defile marriage to same-sex marriage that it would generate a huge decline in holiness and society in general. (This would include me) Let me also say that these Christians aren't against sinners, but sin. Sin that defiles marriage such as fornication, divorce for no reason, adultery, homosexuality, polygamy, bestiality, etc... Same-sex marriage is just another avenue of destroying the marriage that God created. We should be against this with every ounce of energy we have. On the other hand there are some that are pleased and happy about this ruling and intend to run out and get a marriage licence as early as possible. Christians and others are trying to uphold the law of God that says marriage is holy and should be between one woman and one man. Others are telling us that it doesn't matter what the Bible says.

In the meanwhile, Satan is laughing about it all. He has the sinners determined and the saved distracted. Most of the church members that I talk to about this are angry to the point where they are disgusted with people when we should just be disgusted with the sin. If the Christians are disgusted with people then who will we preach to? If you would, go and read 2 Timothy Chapter 3 this morning and look at what God tells us. He says these days would come and we act as if we are shocked that people commit sin. He said that they would be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. This speaks of not caring at all of what God's Word says, they will do what makes them happy. It says that they will be liars, heady, high-minded, false accusers, without natural affection, etc...

Do you know that Jesus was never distracted by sin? He never took His eyes off the road. He knew what had to be done for sin. He must endure the cross, the shame, the mocking, the slapping, and all the disgusting and destructive things that they threw at Him. Once they threw a woman who was half-dressed cause she was caught in the act of adultery. It never fazed Him! He saw the sin, saw the sinner and offered His grace. All the way up to Calvary He kept His eyes on the road. They nailed Him to the cross, tried to give Him vinegar to drink, speared His side and yet He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do".

Don't let the sins of today distract you. It's a devilish road sign. Sin, no matter what it is, is not new to this world or unseen by God. He knows it's there. He hasn't forgotten. He is offering His grace for forgiveness and if we don't repent He will send His judgment to get rid of it. So while travelling down this road, Christians stay focused. If you continue to look at the sins of this world you will never share the remedy. What this world needs is Jesus!

We need to continue to preach Jesus from the pulpits to the parking lots. "Pulling"people from sin and Hell. Those who believe in the holiness of marriage keep showing this world what true marriage is. And stand up for its value no matter what the cost may be. No matter what happens, don't take your eyes off the road.

Leaving It Up To Faith

Hebrews 11:1-2
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Have you ever heard someone say, "Leaving it up to fate"? What is fate? Fate is the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. Basically it is believing that things just happen and there is nothing you can do about it. Some people would say that fate brought them together. Or it was by fate that something happened to them. This could be okay for most, but for me I would rather leave it up to Faith instead of fate.

When I was twenty years old I remember beginning my prayers for the Lord to send me the one that He desired for me. For so long, I looked and looked myself. I would think, "This is the one" and find out that it wasn't. I would think about the way I would meet someone and would think that it was fate or destiny, right? Only to find that my fate would be false and my destiny would be destroyed. I can take you right now to the very place that I began seeking God for His direction in this area of my life. It was in the altar at Unity Baptist Church of Kimberly, AL. This was the first time that I had prayed about this and said, "Whatever you want, or whoever you send, I'll be faithful."

Well I don't have the time to tell you this morning what God did. I can write this though. The one I would have least expected, mainly because we didn't know each other very well. (Her fault, she didn't like me because I was a bad person in school) We found ourselves one Sunday afternoon sitting at the piano together singing, "Holy Ground". From that moment I knew! Patti Harp was the one for me. She would come and listen to me preach revivals in her softball uniform. We would lead worship together in churches and houses. Thank God for faith!

Fate took me down a road that often led to no where, but look what leaving things up to faith can do! I'm not an elder, but I have a good report.

Don't Forget It

Psalms 37:40
And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

With everything that goes on in our daily lives we sometimes forget things. We forget the groceries for our pantries if we don't make a list of them. We forget sport practices and games if we don't have a schedule of them. We forget a birthday or anniversary if we don't put them on our calendar. We are a very forgetful people.

I wonder if some of you reading this today have forgotten just how great our God is? I wonder if you think that maybe God has forgotten you? Don't you remember how God saved you and brought you into His family? He has taken care of your needs everyday. He has provided for you and protected you over and over again. In some ways that you didn't even realize until it was all over.

When you needed help and had no one to understand, didn't the Lord help? When you were lost without hope and without Him, didn't He redeem and deliver you? What about when the wicked world was caving in around you and you didn't think you could take another step... Didn't He come through for you? What about when you were lost and Satan could think of nothing better than for your life to be destroyed... Didn't Jesus place His life on the cross for you so that Satan couldn't destroy you?

Our scripture says that the Lord shall help them, deliver them, and save them because they trust in Him. If God has brought you this far, why would you even think that He has forgotten about you know? God will help you, deliver you, save you and love you... Don't You Ever Forget It! Just trust in the Lord this morning.

I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow,
there's been times I didn't know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consulation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

Through it all,
through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all,
through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem,
I wouldn't know God could solve them,
I'd never know what faith in God could do

I Quit, Won't You?

1 Corinthians 16:13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Isn't it funny how a word that you have heard your whole life could carry such a different meaning?  I mean, my whole life I heard quitting in a negative term. I was raised to never quit at something. To the point that when I played sports and quit I seemed to never live it down. Even today in my life I can't handle quitting. I try so hard to never quit in anything, ever. 

Quitting in the form we have always heard means, to leave or walk away. How many things have you quit in life? Sports, jobs, etc... People are even quitting on marriages and family. We don't need that kind of quitter. But we do need to quit!

First we need to quit trying and start trusting. Quit trying to do it on your own. Remember quitting means to give in or give up. Give in to the Holy Spirit this morning. Tell the Lord that you can't seem to do it and you are going to start, from this moment, to trust totally in Him.

Second, quit also means to behave in a specified way. When our scripture says, "quit you like men", it is speaking of fighting. Fighting the enemy as well as fighting with yourself. We must quit, give in to Christ, and quit, behave as Christ, like men. 

A man walked up to me the other day after hearing me preach. He said, "Brother, I would like to add on to what you preached. Stop trying and start trusting."  I told him that was the best thing that I've ever heard. The world will tell you never quit, but God's word says, quit trusting in yourself and start trusting in Jesus. It says to quit you like men. In other words, start behaving like a man, a man like Jesus. Lord, today I quit trying to handle or run things and I'm gonna trust you.  

Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better

Proverbs 11:2
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

I was employed at a place once where a person that was in leadership always tried to "one-up" you. This person would always come around to where you were working and try to show you how they could do it better. If you were telling a story, their story was better. If you were digging a hole, they could dig it much better. Well as a matter of fact one day another guy and myself were digging a hole together. This person stopped by in their work vehicle and began to inform us on proper shovel and hole digging technique. After he was finished with those two shovels of dirt he moved he left again. The other man I was working with was much older than me and the boss that drove away. He quietly began to sing, "Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you..." I choked laughing so hard.

Well the day came... We were on a huge job that required much work, much careful work. Everything was rolling smooth and then all of the sudden that old truck pulled up. Eyes began to roll and moans began to roar. He came straight to the backhoe and told the person on it to move out of the way and let him show you how it's done. I smiled! He placed that bucket into the ground and began to pull out a huge pile of dirt when all of the sudden it happened. Water began to shoot straight up in the sky and people ran for cover. He had hit the water main and busted the pipe. I'll have to admit that my smile seemed to touch my ears now. He had tried so hard to be better than everyone that his pride brought him shame. As long as I worked at this place no one, and I mean no one, let him live that down.

I wonder how many of you are trying your best to be better than those before you, or even beside you? As soon as you mess up or make a mistake you are going to feel this same discouragement that this man felt. You're going to suffer defeat because you set yourself up. You have lived that, "Anything you can do, I can do better" lifestyle far too long. I don't understand why, but ever since we were born we desire to be better than others around us. Don't get me wrong, we should strive to be the best we can be but not strive to be better than the one beside us. Well let me say this... The best you can muster up isn't enough! You need the righteousness of Jesus.

Stop trying to be better. Stop trying to out-do those before or around you. Surrender to Christ and allow Him to mold you and make you into what He desires for His will and purpose.

Landfills and Nursery Workers

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.

Why is it that we view certain jobs greater than others? We see the doctor, engineer and other careers more respectable than maybe those of the McDonald's worker or the hole digger. Because of society and they way we are raised we see certain jobs lower or higher than some.

Think for a moment of the position of a doctor. Let's take into account the heart surgeon. He/She opens the body and begin work on the heart. They take tools and pry open the chest, take tools and remove blocked arteries and go throughout the leg and find replacement parts. After the procedure is completed all praise and glory (even paycheck, which I am not complaining) goes to this surgeon. But if it were not for the ones who placed them under anesthesia this could not be done. If not for the ones who stand beside the doctor and assist in preparing the room and every tool used, this procedure couldn't be successful. We may not hear of the assistants. Those who have come in and sterilized the room after a surgery in order to prepare for the next patient may never be known by name.

I see this everyday! A few examples are: The CEO seems above the employee, the employee above the one who works in the copy room, the copier man above the copy machine repairman, the copy machine repairman above the garbage man who picked the machine up on the curb, the garbage man above the landfill worker, the landfill worker above the McDonald's cashier, the cashier above the fry cook, etc... When all these are positions and jobs. Without all of these positions, we could never accomplish the tasks that need to be done.

Don't let this bleed over into the church. Pastors seem above Deacons, Deacons above members, members above the lost...? We are the BODY of Christ. We should realize that not all preach and not all work in the Nursery, but ALL are a part of the body of Christ. What we really need in the body of Christ today is less mouths and more hands and feet.

Clearly Seen

Proverbs 12:16

" A fool's wrath is presently known:

but a prudent man covereth shame."

Oh me!  Right off the bat this morning let me begin with Oh, me!  So many, many times I've been this fool. Look at what God is showing us today. He says, "A fool's wrath is presently known." In other words, it is clearly seen and immediate. 

Anger is something that attacks everyone of us. Anger within itself is not a sin. The Bible teaches us to be angry and sin not. So the anger is not the sin. It's our reaction to the anger. Many of us would say we are not really angry people. In most cases we are generally nice and calm. But then when something happens, or someone says something we don't like, or even if someone shows us that we are number one with the wrong finger, we react!  It could be because we simple take, take and take until we finally explode like a volcano. But really it's because of what this scripture is showing us today. 

We are the "immediately" world. We want everything yesterday. We are told to be quick. To think and respond quick. God's word teaches just the opposite of that. It says that we should be slow to speak and swift to hear. James 1:19 - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

I can't say I have always done it this way. I often find myself saying, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." more so than being proud of the way I handled it. You see a fool speaks immediately and without wisdom. A wise man or woman doesn't speak out but listens and then waits. Notice the scripture again... "A fool's wrath is PRESENTLY known".  It shows up so quick. 

I saw a sign once that said, "It's better for people to think you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all their doubt".  Lord help us all today. Help us to take our anger and control our tongues. Help us not to react to anger or angry situations but rather be calm, quiet and then respond. Lord you know me and you know that I need much help in not being a fool. Thank you Lord and I love you. 

Extra, Extra Read All About It!

Exodus 20:16
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Everyone is a reporter of news.  Whether good or bad, true or false, people report news. Facebook, Twitter and all other forms of social media are full of posts and tweets with this media style garbage everyday. From weather reporters, to on the scene of an accident breaking news. Professional photographers and film makers have nothing on us now with our smart phones. Just the other day, a friend on Facebook wrote this... "I wish people would check their facts about things before they post them.  People at least Google it". I couldn't help but laugh because of the reliability of Google and some of the other sites.

Our problem is an age old problem. It deals with the ninth commandment of God to the children of Israel. Bearing false witness against our neighbors. False witness is enough to talk about all morning. But I want to look at another word in this scripture. The word, "bear". I think of bearing a burden or bearing a load. You see, when we speak things of others, especially if we have no clue of the story, then we become an assembly line of lies. We actually "bear" them. We carry it around with us. Sharing it, reporting it, re-posting it, tweeting it, carrying it like a load of rocks. With nothing but empty results.

My son Andrew loves a song from when he was a little boy. I found him singing it the other day (he is now 17). We can learn much from it. Take time to read it this morning.

The Rumor Mill

Well, let me tell you a story about a local enterprise,
there's one in every town, no matter what size.
It doesn't turn a profit or bring any revenue,
it's good for one thing and that's the damage it'll do.
It's called the rumormill (called the rumormill).
If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will,
'cause there ain't nothing sacred ...... at the rumormill.

The people that work there are all volunteers,
their only qualification is a mouth and two big ears.
If the story's not clear enough, that's OK,
they just doctor it up and then send it on its way.
It doesn't matter who's involved or who is gonna hurt,
as long as folks are listening, they'll keep shoveling dirt ...
... at the rumormill (at the rumormill).
If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will,
'cause there ain't nothing sacred ...... at the rumormill (the rumormill).

Now listen, my children, to this warning I make,
we've got a lot to lose, there's a lot at stake.
The Bible plainly states you're gonna reap what you sow,
and you'll be shown mercy by the mercy you show.
So shut your mouth and ask your friends to kindly do the same,
for you'll wind up as victim with no one else to blame ...
... at the rumormill (oh, the rumormill).
If it can be twisted, you can be sure that it will,
'cause there ain't nothing sacred ...... at the rumormill

Watch it here if you would like... http://youtu.be/-5h4vIc0T1U

Look At What The Rock Did!!

John 18:10-11

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Have you ever been driving down the road, doing a good deed for someone or just simply enjoying the day, only to have a rock from out of nowhere fly up and hit your windshield?  Your excitement, joy, peace and good Samaritan deed quickly turns into anger, frustration and cost.  I'm not talking about a huge windshield that just falls to pieces or even a crack that runs the length of your windshield.  I'm talking about those small chips or scratches that just drive you crazy. 

Every day after you climb into your vehicle, turn the ignition, get the radio set like you like it and then look up... only to see that crack or chip.  Immediately, you return to that day, hour and minute that it happened and some days your anger or frustration begins to build again just as it did on that day.  (sometimes this can go on for years, especially if your as cheap as me... haha) 

Look at the scripture this morning... Peter first of all thought he was doing a good deed for his Savior.  He was defending Jesus by cutting a man's ear off and then gets instructed by Jesus to stop.  Jesus said His death on the cross must happen because it is the will of God.  But imagine Peter... "I was minding my own business, I was just driving down the road thinking I was doing right and BOOM! A rock, or better yet, THE ROCK (Jesus) stopped me in my tracks". 

Many a preacher has preached about Peter. We have preached about his boldness and then how he denied Christ.  We have preached about the faith that he lacked to walk on water.  I imagine Peter reliving these moments often.  May I say, I relate to this very well.  It's kinda like getting into a vehicle and looking at one small, tiny chip in a windshield that is full of clarity and beauty. 

Remember this... Those rocks and chips are lessons.  Stay further back... Watch out for road hazards... Watch for trucks hauling trash, rocks, etc... We can choose today to be angry at that little rock and chip every time we see it, or we can choose to accept what that rock did and the lesson it teaches us. Just the same, you can choose today to see what THE ROCK is doing in our lives and the lessons HE can teach us. Sometimes those chips and scratches can bring us down, if this happens remember that just means when you are down your are closer to your knees. Ask THE ROCK what it is He wants to teach you.

Your Choice

Galatians 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

STOP! Stop what your are doing right now and think of what Christ Jesus has actually done for you. Our scripture this morning points out the fact He was not only cursed for our redemption, but that He BECAME a curse for our redemption. It wasn't just enough that He left Heaven and came to this earth as man. It wasn't just that He came to earth as man in order to be mocked and humiliated. It wasn't just that He came to earth to be humiliated and beaten beyond recognition. It wasn't just that He came to earth to be beaten, crucified and brutally murdered. It wasn't just all the suffering He endured. It is the fact that He chose to do this.

The scriptures tell us that He freely gave His life for us. They teach us that the Jews or Romans didn't have the power to take the life of Jesus, but that He laid it down Himself. This morning as you stop to think about what Christ has done for you don't forget the fact that He actually chose to do it.

There is a huge difference in a child telling you that they love you because their parents made them do it, than a child who chooses to say it. There is a huge difference in a spouse being there until death because of their love for you and someone who just wants to uphold a marriage contract.

God doesn't just love you, but He has chosen to love you. Jesus didn't just die for you, but He chose to die for you. The Holy Spirit doesn't just visit you, but He dwells within you. He is not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance. He chose to die for your salvation. He chose to become a curse for your redemption. Will you chose Him today?

Thank You Lord

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

This morning I just want to take the time to give thanks unto God. Sometimes we just need to stop what we are doing and say thank you. 

As I was sitting with my wife in my office at church yesterday, I became very thankful. We were watching "Old Yeller" on the television and sitting in the chair together. Patti was sitting in my lap and I was thanking God for blessing me with a wife that loves God and me. I was so overwhelmed. Has that ever happened to you?  We were just waiting on choir practice to start and not really pressed to do anything at that moment. God just kinda said, "Look at what I have given you". 

Then I heard something... Outside there was a basketball being bounced and in the sanctuary there was a guitar strumming "I Can Only Imagine". God touched my heart so greatly again. God seemed to whisper again to my heart, "You are so blessed Steve". I started realizing how right He was. 

My only thing I could say was, "Thank you Lord, thank you". But what amazes me more than that is a conversation that I had with a brother in Christ who lost a child to a tragic accident. He said that he misses her so much and that it is very tough sometimes, but he is thankful that she will never suffer, never be sick, never be raped or missing. I stood there amazed at his thankfulness of His Savior. 

It's so easy to thank Him when things are good. But our scripture says that we should be thankful always and in all things. Can you say that you are thankful always and in all things?

Coming Up Empty

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Could it be possible this morning to take some time for math?  Even if it is just in your head, count the things that you have?  Things such as cars, homes, boats, etc... Have you gotten the total yet?  Now, count things such as family, friends, careers, and church. Still counting? 

I imagine this list could be very lengthy. This list could show you just how blessed you are. There is absolutely nothing wrong with cars, homes, boats, family, friends, careers or churches. Nothing at all.

Take all these things and think of them like this...

   Family 

+ Careers 

+ Church 

+ Homes 

+ Boats 

+ Cars

= Blessings, Happiness, Earthly Security

But subtract from that list Jesus and what do you come up with?  NOTHING!  The answer will always be nothing. See it in this equation...

   Steve

+ Cars

+ Possessions

+ Family

+ Church

- Jesus

= Emptiness, and no hope

One more math problem... The Grace of Jesus Equation

   Emptiness 

+ Hopelessness

+ Helplessness

= THE VERY SAME CONDITION

But now ADD Jesus into the equation! When we are empty, add Jesus. When we are hopeless, add Jesus. When we are helpless, add Jesus. When we are hungry, add Jesus. Then you will find yourself full. You will find yourself helped. You will find yourself filled with hope. If you trust in your possessions and friendly blessings and don't have Christ, you will have nothing. 

So how did you do in your math? Did you count up everything? Now remove Jesus from the list and look at what you have. Nothing. Without Jesus we have nothing. 

Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa...

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.

In the mornings I drive a school bus for our local school. I get up early and pick all the children up for their day of learning. My routine is exactly the same just about every morning. From the time I wake up to the exact times I pick each child up. One of my routines in the morning is getting on the bus and placing my keys and cell phone in the side compartment. My ringer is usually still on most mornings so I can hear when a call or text comes through. But I can't look at them because I would get fired. That's why it stays in the compartment.

This morning I did something a little different. Because of the technology of smart phones I can actually send out what is called a "scheduled text". I simply write my text and schedule it to go out at a certain time. This is a great new addition to our technology. It helps if you think of something in the middle of the night and don't want to forget to tell the person, just schedule a text for the next morning.

Well I scheduled some texts to go out to my wife before I began my bus route.While on my route at 6:45am she received, "I love you." At 7:00am she received, "I love you." At 7:15am she received, "I really love you." And at 7:25am she received, "I really, really love you." Hopefully you can imagine what happened. As I was driving my route and picking up my children, my phone begin to alert me that I had a text. And because of technology again I have a special text alert for my wife. It is the little animal on the movie "Croods" that goes... "Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa..."

At 6:45am it went... "Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa..." At 7:00am it went... "Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa..." At 7:15am it went... "Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa..." At 7:25am it went... "Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa..."
Although I couldn't check the messages I knew that Patti was receiving my I love you's.

God tells us that whatever we measure out to others it will be measured back unto us. The exact same measurement will be measured back. So what are you giving unto others? What would make them want to give back unto you? Always remember this also, God is the one who gives back the blessing. "Dant.... Dant.... Daaaaaaa..."

Go Ask Dad

Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

We are the children of God. Not by our works or merit, but by faith. By faith we become the sons and daughters of God. And so by faith we call upon our Father for all things.

Do you remember when you were little and walking throughout the toy department? I can remember saving my money from birthday or Christmas cards and looking for something to buy. I couldn't wait until I could get to the store in order to buy what I wanted. I can remember at times not having enough. So I would have to ask for help and mom would say, "Go ask your daddy." I would find him and ask him if he could help me out.

I never came to them and demanded the help or assistance, I knew better. Just because I was their child it didn't mean that I had rights to what they had. It means that they could chose to bless me with what they had because of their love for me. They knew when to bless me with help and when I needed something or not.

So when I talk to my Heavenly Father I speak to Him in a voice of asking and not demanding. I pray for His blessings upon my life because I'm a son and not because of a right that I think I may have. You see because of salvation, and the adoption of God, we have access not rights.

Lord, this morning I want to take time and thank you for your provisions for me. Thank you for your blessings upon my life. When I am short on needing something you have always came in and helped. Thank you also Lord for the things that you have withheld from me cause you knew it would bring harm unto me. I come to you always asking and never demanding. I come to you as a son who has access to the Father's blessings and not as a lawyer demanding rights. Thank you for Loving me and bringing me into your family.

Tickle Me Pastor

2 Timothy 4:2-4
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

In the mid-90's a toy hit the market called, "Tickle Me Elmo".  The craze was ridiculous.  Parents were fighting in stores to get this toy that all the children wanted.  You would stand Elmo up on his feet and search for the tickle spot.  Once you found it he would begin laughing hysterically.  He would say, "You found it" or "You did it again".  He would begin to slap his knee in laughter. Then he would roll forward in a belly laugh.  He would fall backwards and roll around on the floor laughing over and over while kicking his legs.  Children, and adults, would immediately smile and be filled with laughter.

I'm saddened to say this but many of our pulpits are filled with this type of preaching.  Now before you pick up that pitch fork listen to what God said would take place.  He told Timothy to "preach the word:"  So often we hear jokes, and I love humor.  We are filled with cliches about scripture, but far too often we never hear the meat of scripture.  We love to be entertained, this is why Hollywood is rolling in much of our money.  We love comedy, drama, entertainment and happy warm feelings. Why? Because we have itching ears that we think need to be scratched.

It's time that the preachers stop scratching the ears and take a good look at them. It may be that they don't need to be scratched anymore. The truth is they are infected and these people need a doctor.

Be ready! So many of us are not. There is a foundational lacking in the pulpits, so why wouldn't it be in our pews? Now look... Reprove, Rebuke and Exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. This speaks of telling the truth of God's Word through putting ourselves in their shoes and with nothing but the doctrine of Jesus.

This scripture says, "for the time will come..."  That time is now. People turn to pleasure instead of the scriptures. We have turned from showing the error of our ways (reproving, rebuking and exhorting) to telling the joke of the day in order to make people feel good. So look at the result of this style of preaching. They turn from the truth unto fables.

Preachers! Encourage them laugh, there is nothing wrong with that. Encourage them to weep, there is nothing wrong with brokenness (in fact we need more brokenness). But more than anything else that you do... MAKE THEM SEE JESUS! Stop tickling the ears and pray that God pricks their hearts.

Shortage on Repentance

Mark 6:12
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

A great blessing that I have had in my life is great men of God. I've been blessed to have a dad who preaches the Gospel and prays for me daily. I am blessed with a youth pastor, at the church where I serve, who preaches the Gospel to our youth. I am blessed with men of God in our church that evangelize and preach the Gospel to the lost. I have been blessed with people who invested the Gospel of Jesus in my life such as my youth pastor when I was young. Then when I became a pastor I have been blessed with mentors, other pastors, who have preached to my thirsty soul. Men such as Stanley Kilgore, Junior Hill, Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers... all have invested a message, and friendship, to this heart of mine.

Something all of these men had in common was the Gospel message they preached. They may never be famous because they don't preach the gospel of prosperity or goodness, but they will forever be the best preachers that I have heard. Why? Because these men preached what the Word of God showed them. They preach what Jesus led them to preach. They have preached, and continue to preach, the only Gospel the world needs today. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their messages have been on... "Our Crimes and His Cross, Our Sins and His Suffering, Our Situation and His Solution."

I can truly say today that these men have gone out and preached "men should repent." Never in hatred, but always in love have they preached this message. I'm sure there were times in their lives where they wanted to be loved and to have everyone be their friend, but they faithfully chose to preach repentance over being accepted.

Today there is a shortage on the message of repentance. This is why so many are at ease attending church the next morning after being in sin all night. This is why people label themselves as Christians headed toward Heaven while living like Hell on this earth. Because of no repentance. The message of repentance is turning from your sin unto Jesus. Repentance is walking AWAY from sin, not toward it or in it. Lord please forgive us all for not sharing the message of repentance like we should. Help us to be as these men in the Bible, these men in my life. Where there is no change, there is no Christ.

Every Corner Of My Life

1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Wow, what a scripture! If I were reading this with a good friend of mine he would say, "Love it!" Don't you see it? It's right there in this scripture. We now are the temple of God. The Spirit of God dwells inside of us. That is enough to make even the most dignified Christian shout.

In the Old Testament the Bible tells us of the Tabernacle and the children of Israel. The Tabernacle and Temple of the Old Testament spoke of the place of God on earth. A place for His presence. He told them to build this in order for Him to be with His people. In those days the smoke of the incense filled the Holy of Holies to shield the presence of God. The Glory of God would fill the house in such a way that the ministers couldn't even stand in His presence. Can you imagine the presence of God that strong? So strong that it fills up every corner and area of the room?

Well that's what the scripture this morning is telling us. It says that we are now the temple and tabernacle of God. God has chosen to place the Holy Spirit inside of us. Inside to fill every corner and area of our lives. We should pray that God's presence be so overwhelming in us this morning. So graciously that He would remove all sin. So powerful that He would guide our every step. Don't you know that God lives in you? He dwells inside of the believer! The glory of God is shielded by this flesh, but as the song says, "This robe of flesh I'll drop and rise, to seize the everlasting prize."

Thank you God for dwelling in me. Not only have you saved me from Hell but you have chosen to live inside of me. Thank you for the fellowship that we have every day and every hour. I don't know how I could be nearer my God than we are right now. Wow!

Read the Script

Romans 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Have you ever felt like you were in a play and didn't know the lines? Kinda like you were on stage in life and didn't know what to say or how to perform? Well Paul says he didn't know how to perform that which is good. He says that his flesh often got the best of him. I imagine Paul often felt like he didn't know what to do or what to say. Now he knew how to do it all according to the Spirit, but in his flesh he didn't.

So many times I find myself without the words and without the actions of what to do as well. But I have found that God's word is what I need to help me. Years ago I heard a preacher man say that we need to read the script. The script is the word of God. The script is where we find our lines we need to speak and the actions for our time on stage.

Look at what God says in Deuteronomy. The word of God is very nigh (near). It's in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can perform it. God has given you the script and labeled your part. All you need to do is read the script and follow the lines. You know what is funny?  When an actor or television host gets lost on stage the directors are telling them, "Read the script, just read the lines."

What Are You Murmuring About?

Philippians 2:14-16
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

What is murmuring? Most would define it as just complaining about something but it really goes much deeper. Murmuring in the scriptures deals with a greater problem. Murmuring in its simple form is sin. There is no beating around the bush about this. God tells us that murmuring is from the destroyer. The children of Israel were noted for murmuring. God dealt with Israel about their murmurings, just like He will deal with us also.

Why is murmuring such a big deal? We seem to do it everyday don't we? It's because murmuring is the spoken action of our heart. When we complain and murmur we are saying to the Lord that we don't trust His way. We are saying that we don't believe He knows what He is doing. It's unbelief! It's doubt! It's sin!

Notice what the word tells us this morning. Do ALL things without murmurings and disputings. Don't complain and be negative. Why?  So you will be a great witness of Jesus Christ without blame and harmless. The lost people in this world see enough of negative murmuring everyday. They don't need to see the ones who supposedly has the only hope and peace always complaining and murmuring. We should be rejoicing today of Christ. We should be lights in this crooked and perverse nation.

Help us all this morning Lord to not complain. Help us not to murmur. Help us to be a light in all that we do. I love you Jesus. Thank you.

Learning By Osmosis

Psalms 119:11 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Years ago, I can remember going to our elementary school library.  Book fair time was here!  I loved book fair, even though I didn't love reading books.  I can remember getting those small magazines to take home and look through so we could decide which book we wanted to order.  But one thing I remember is that you didn't have to order just books.  No they had posters!  Posters of cars and football fields.  I remember this one poster of Garfield standing there with a stack of books on his head and body.  The caption read, "I'm learning by osmosis".  

Funny what we can remember sometimes.  You see I learned that day what the word osmosis meant.  It was explained to me by my teacher.  She said that osmosis is Garfield's way of getting the knowledge he needed. She said instead of reading his books, like he should, that he was trying to absorb the information he needed. She then told me that this process will never work.  She told me the only way we can learn is to read the information inside of the books.

Now I know that my teacher was right.  I know that we can't strap our Bibles to our heads and it just slowly sink in.  But we can absorb the information that the Word of God gives us.  See to me, in a crazy way, Garfield was right also.  In order to walk with Jesus we must absorb His Word.  We must take what we have received through the gates of our eyes and place it on and in ourselves.  Sometimes we read books but never absorb what they are telling us.  Although Garfield was being lazy as usual, there is a great lesson in absorbing God's Word into our hearts.  

What about you today?  Are you observing God's Word or ABSORBING it?  I believe absorbing would mean that you are applying it.  Kinda like strapping it on your head, but really strapping it to your heart so that you can withstand the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.