Just As I Am

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Have you ever heard the hymn, "Just As I Am?" Here are the words...

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

If you have the opportunity look up this song today and read all the verses. They will all point in this direction. God will receive you just as you are! Bring your sin, your sorrow or whatever it is to the Lord today just as you are. But understand this, you will walk away different.

When we truly come with sorrow we can leave with joy. When we come with sin we walk away cleansed. When we come with chains of bondage we can walk away free. How can this be? Because we are IN CHRIST. When someone is "IN CHRIST" they are changed. Forever changed to be like Jesus and not ourselves. Some people say just stay they way you are and that God is fine with that. This is somewhat of a half-truth. We come to Him the way we are, we come to Him just as we are, but when we walk away we are changed.

What does changed mean? That the person who comes with sin will never struggle with sin again? No. It means that when they are "IN CHRIST" the desire to sin and live in sin should bring conviction. Look at what Paul said... "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; YET NOT I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME:"  He goes on to say that the only way he can walk in this flesh is to live "IN CHRIST".

What if the Christians who are saved, freed, delivered from sin and Hell continued to live like they used to before they came to Christ because someone told them that Christ didn't want to change them? Seems like many are trying that today...

Come as you are......but walk away free!

Don't Step Over Them

Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

What a privilege it is to help someone else with what they are carrying. I absolutely love to see it. Just a few days ago I was picking up some students on my bus route at the local school. As they were piling on my bus in a hurry, because they love me so much (ha), one of the girls dropped her binder and papers went everywhere. They were under the bus doorway, across the drive, they were everywhere. So this young lady knelt down to pick up her things, but remember those loving students were wanting on the bus. So they paused for about two seconds and then the unthinkable happened. Another young lady stepped over the body (right over her head) onto the step of the bus and preceded toward her seat. Then because of the one doing that all of the other sheep thought the same. Until I stopped them.

But let me say this most important part. Before I could stop them and bring their attention to the need of this young girl, another young lady knelt down beside her and helped pick up the papers. She helped the girl up and then they boarded the school bus. I commended this young lady. You know why? She helped someone with their burden.

You see a burden is bearable. When the scriptures talk about weights upon us it tells us that they are too heavy and need to be placed down. Weights are more that we can handle. But burdens are different. A mule carries a burden. A horse carries a burdensome load. We also can carry burdens. God tells us to bear our burdens but then he says to bear each other's burden. He shows us the love through the body of Christ. We should help bear each other's burdens. To fulfill the law of Christ. What is that law? That you love one another.

So don't hurriedly step over the person who has a burden just to get on the bus. Help them carry that burden and be like Christ.

Is There Not a Cause?

Ephesians 3:14
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

What is the cause of your prayers? You wouldn't believe this but many people pray. I know of people who aren't professing Christians that have prayed. I know that while I was a lost sinner I prayed. But my cause of prayer was due to my situation. It was the, "Lord, if you'll get me out of this, I'll serve you," kind of prayer. There was no conviction of who God was in my prayers. There was no meaning or truth to my prayer. It had no cause to it.

Paul has just told us in the previous scriptures that he was the least of all Christians and not worthy of what God has called him to do. He was rejoicing about the ministry of the Gospel and it caused something to happen. He said, "For this cause I bow my knees..."

Can I ask you this morning what causes you to pray? Is it a difficult situation that actually drives you to your knees? Is it a spiritual thanks that takes you there? Maybe it's a disciplined or embedded practice that is your cause today? But what is the cause? What is the reason? What is your prayer about?

Remember this today and forever, When praying...
Find the cause... "Know your reason for talking to God in prayer"
Direct the cause... "Don't direct it to others, but to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Always Pray with a cause... What is your cause of prayer today?

If we are to see a change in ourselves, our families, our churches and our world, we should find that cause in our prayers. Why don't you list some causes for your prayers right now. Just for a moment before you pray and go about your day, think of at least one cause that has brought you to your knees in prayer. Is there not a cause?

Put Down the Gun!

1 Thessalonians 4:9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

God tells us that love in the life of a Christian is everything. It's not something that comes later or secondary, but it is the very first fruit that is seen. God's word says that He is love. So if God lives inside the believer then His love is going to be the first characteristic shown. God also says in the word that he who says he loves God but doesn't love his brother is a liar. Jesus tells us that they will know us by our love for one another.

But let someone do one thing wrong and you'll see an immediate reaction of anger and almost hatred toward that person. This attitude is expected of the world because they don't know God, but it is one that has crept into much of the Christians. How could this be possible? It could be because God is not in us. It could also be that we have fed the fleshly side of us so much instead of the spiritual side that it rules our thoughts and hearts. Either way, it's a sinful and dangerous place to be. Dangerous for the lost person because of dying without Christ and sinful to the child of God because it's not of God.

If we are supposed to be know by our fruit, and our main fruit is love, then how are you known today? Do you tell those around you that you love them until they mess up? If they come against you or do something contrary to you do you immediately pick up your imaginary gun in order to take them down like some kind of bad cowboy or indian?

The truth of it all is that God shouldn't have to tell us how to love if He dwells in us. Paul shouldn't have to preach a three-point message on why we should love one another if Jesus is our Savior. Adrian Rogers shouldn't need to do a sermon series on why we should love the brethren if the Holy Spirit is our guide.

So kindly put down that gun and pick up the Bible. Read how God loves you and how He lives inside and through the believer.

Seven Times a Day

Psalms 119:164
Seven times a day do I praise thee
because of thy righteous judgments.

Think of this... How many times per day do you eat? Most would say breakfast, lunch and dinner. Three times a day would seem to be the normal. Some would say they eat five to six times per day. They will eat breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, dinner and maybe a snack before bedtime. Some will eat three large meals while others eat six small meals. Either way, they are receiving the nourishment they need to continue throughout the day.

What if you treated God in this same manner? What if you met with God seven times a day? Most of us could meet with Him seven times a day to complain about what is going on in the world. We could go on and on with needs and requests. But how many of you could stop seven times today and just praise Him for who He is?

Try it today! Try formulating a pattern today where you could stop seven times to just praise the Lord. Just take seven moments out of your day to tell God how great He is. Tell Him how great are His works. Tell Him how thankful you are for a God who is like no other. I think you will find that you could easily pass seven times a day.

Are You Going To Wear That To Bed?

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.

I love working with my hands. I love building things out of wood. Ever since I was a little boy I have always loved building. My dad would let me help him when he was a contractor. We would work all day long during the summer months. Some of the memories that I have are promotion days. I started out just as a clean up crew and then worked my way up to the cut man on the saw. Little by little he would let me do things that mom didn't necessarily want me doing. I enjoyed many, many days working on room additions or remodeling jobs.

My absolute favorite thing of the day was when we called it quits. Not because I wanted to stop, but we were so tired that we knew we had to. On the drive home from a deck job we would have the windows down. No air conditioning, "it will make you sick" he said. Back then my hair would blow in the wind so saw dust would be flying everywhere. As soon as we got home it would be time to eat but shortly after dinner would come my favorite part. Taking a shower and taking off those old clothes.

When we have surrendered our lives to Jesus, we should take off that old man and put on the new. Most people just want to jump right into bed when they get home and not even change. You would defile the bed and all the pillows if you did that. Just as well with Christians, some want Christ and the same old person they used to be. People used to say, "Come as you are." But now folks are saying, "Come as you are and stay the same cause God loves you." That's right, He loves you that's why He wants to change you. Put off those old sinful clothes today. Come and put on the new man that is created after God in righteousness and true holiness.

Surely you're not gonna wear those old dirty clothes to bed? For those of you that thought the title of this devotion would lead down a different road, call me we need to counsel. :)

You Here For The Fishing Expo?

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I can't help but laugh when I read the title the Lord gave me for this devotion. A few years ago some friends of ours went on a vacation trip with us to the mountains of Tennessee. On the first day of our trip we stopped at this gas station to get a snack and some drinks. When I walked up to the counter to pay the cashier, he asked me, "You here for the fishing expo?" To which my wife and friends busted out laughing. I should have said, "Yep, you going?"

The reason this so funny is because of the shirt I had on. It was a yellow fishing style shirt. I wore this shirt many, many times. You see I used to wear this shirt so much because it was comfortable and when a big guy finds something comfortable he will wear it out. This cashier had never seen me before and so he didn't know that I just liked the shirt. My friends on the other hand knew that I wore it, and wore it often. So automatically he tied me together with fishing and the expo that was in town.

The beauty of it all is that I would have loved to go to the expo. I love fishing. But what if this shirt would have had skulls, death, blood, cursing, profanity, naked people on it? I would have tied myself to the shirt. The Bible tells us to let our lights shine before men that they can see our good works. I was taken as a fisherman because of what I wore.

What would you be taken as if people were to evaluate your clothing? What if they understood who you were by what your conversation was about? Last of all, who would get the glory of your good works? It should be that we shine, but that we shine for Jesus and not ourselves. So where are you headed today? You here for the fishing expo? You here for the Lord Jesus Christ? Would people look at you and tie you with Jesus and His church? I understand totally coming as you are in your sins to a Savior who can and will save you. But after you have been saved you become new and you are now a representative of Jesus. The way people see Christ is through Christians (who are imitations of Christ)

Photoshop Christians

Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

From swimsuit models to hamburgers on a commercial, everything is airbrushed and photoshopped. It reminds me of the late 80's and early 90's when everyone was getting "Glamour Shots". This was a glorified photoshoot where you could put a monkey in a dress or Tshirt and it would look fabulous, well almost.

The fact of the matter is it will still be a monkey in a dress or blue jeans and Tshirt. There wouldn't be any change in what you're taking photos of, just how your looking at it.

I can remember a story of my grandad that might can help. We were building a bank in Morris years ago and PawPaw was the cut man. His job was to stand at the saw and cut boards to the measurements we would call out. My dad called out a measurement and PawPaw cut it. He put the measuring tape back on it before handing it to my dad and just shook his head. He then took it back to the saw and cut it again. While he walked over with the board he measured it one more time. Again he shook his head and then he looked at my dad and said, "Son, I've cut this board twice and it's still too short." He was being serious. It could have been the heat of that summer sun, but he was confused because of the way he was looking at things. No matter how you look at it, that board will always be too short no matter how many times you cut it.

A pig will still be a pig, even if you bath it in buttermilk and take it to the fair. A monkey is a monkey and dead men's bones are dead men's bones. You can dress up the tombs but inside of every grave is death and decay. There is no changing it. You can take a picture of a woman and airbrush away every wrinkle and freckle. Make things bigger in places and smaller in others, change the lighting and the clothing but underneath all of that stuff is the same woman. You can take a picture of a man and give him muscles and Photoshop everything about him, but underneath it's still the same man.

We should ask Christ to change the inside first! Then allow what Jesus has done on the inside to reflect on the outside. Zuckerman might have had a famous pig, washed in the finest buttermilk, but it was still just old Wilber the pig. Pray that God will continue to make you different.

It's a Bird. It's a Plane. No it's a Christian!

Galatians 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

In the early church days there was a competition between the circumcision and uncircumcision believers. The circumcised Jews were claiming to have a better walk with God because of the keeping of the law. While the uncircumcised Gentiles were standing in God's grace and mercy. Both seemed to go to the extreme of placing themselves into a greater position with God, when the truth of it all was that we all stand level at the foot of the cross.

God tells us that circumcision or uncircumcision doesn't make you a believer. Having this done or not is not the issue of being a believer. It is being a new creature. A new creation in Christ Jesus. Having old things pass away in your life and becoming new. Being different because of what Jesus has done in your life and true repentance taking place. A spiritual circumcision of the heart more so than the flesh.

Christianity is based on being different! You go from being lost to being saved, that is different. You go from blind to seeing, that is different. You go from wretched to born again, that is different. You move from sin to sanctification, that is different. Being different has nothing to do with being better than others. It's not how you are to others but the difference that is seen is before God. Changed! I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.

A problem among professing Christians today is that they declare they are different but in actions they aren't. Some still talk the same, live the same, sleep around the same, use alcohol/drugs the same, still act the same, still gossip the same... and wonder why they aren't making a difference in the lives of others with the Gospel. It's because you can't make a difference until you are different. Let me say that again, YOU CAN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE UNTIL YOU ARE DIFFERENT. You can tell me that you are Superman all day long, but until I see you flying through the sky with a cap flapping behind you... it makes no difference to me. You'll still just be Clark Kent with glasses and a suitcase. Some of us need to find a phone booth, or better yet, an altar. Be different. Be like Jesus.

Like a Corkscrew

Philippians 2:15-16
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.

I remember once my dad told me that some of those people in leadership were so crooked you would have to screw them in the ground when they die. I know it's funny, but there is some truth to that statement also. This world we live in, and the people who are of it, are crooked and perverse. The Bible tells us that we live in a crooked and perverse world but let's look at the full scripture this morning and see what we should do.

First of all He tells us to be blameless, harmless and without rebuke. How can we say that this world is crooked if we are doing the exact same thing? We must be blameless but many have traded this quality for shameless. He says also to be harmless. This doesn't mean ineffective, but to the point of not even wanting to be blamed. We must live above reproach so that we can be without rebuke. Not in perfection of body, but spiritual maturity and striving to honor God in all things.

He says we must shine as lights in the world. This world is dark and crooked, so if we are ever to be an example we must shine and walk in Christ. We can do that by "holding forth the word of life".

When we are walking among the crooked, hold on to God's Word. When we are walking among the perverse and sinful world, stand upon God's Word of life. The salvation that we have must shine unto others. You sure don't want people to say that you remind them of a corkscrew.

Now that's a Taco!!!

1 Corinthians 15:9-11

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

This man of God tells us that he is the least of all the apostles. He even feels like he's not worthy to be called an apostle. We know this man as Paul who used to be called Saul. In the beginning of his life he persecuted the church and had many Christians cast out or even killed. This was probably a constant reminder of who he used to be, which kept him humble. 

Sometimes the greatest characteristic we can have is humility. Many today feel that they are entitled or that they deserve the position that Christ has given them. There is ABSOLUTLEY no way that this attitude is from Jesus Christ. Pride is a fleshly characteristic and God will not use selfish pride. Notice what Paul says is key for him... Grace!  "By the Grace of God I am what I am..." 

Often I have told people about my past. I don't like discussing my past with people because of what I used to do and the person I used to be. My youth and teenage years are ones that I would love to erase at times. Everyone that I knew back then, and even now, called me by my nickname Taco. Principals, teachers, coaches and friends all called me this. I worked so hard at building an image of Mr. Tough guy, Mr. Popular and Mr. Fun. I hurt so many people and especially myself. 

The things that I did bring so much shame into my mind. Things I said, things I did, unholy things that I never want to remember seem to never leave my mind. Through Jesus' blood and forgiveness these sins are not held against me anymore! They are forgiven by Jesus and even the people I did those things with have forgiven me. I don't wear them as burdens of sin, but rather memories for humbleness. You see, I can't forget those things even though I am forgiven of them all and Christ will not hold them against me. They don't bring me down, they keep me humble. It is a forever reminder of God's Grace. Of all the people Jesus could have used to preach His Gospel, why would He use a boy like Taco? The answer...? Grace!  Oh, it humbles me! Grace reminds me this morning that I am what I am because He is who He is! Thank you Jesus for loving us so!

Nothing like a good seasoned Taco, especially when it's His Grace. 

Lord, I Can't Take Anything Else

Mark 16:3-4
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Have you ever found yourself like these women? Think about what they have experienced for the last few days of their lives. Their Savior has been captured by Jewish leaders and crucified by the Roman soldiers. Their hope is almost diminished to the point of no existence. The grief of sorrow and loneliness has crept its way into their hearts. For the last few days they have probably tried to eat something but then lose appetite when they think of what Christ Jesus endured. It's almost as if you took their joy-filled heart and stomped on it.

Now read as they are walking early in the morning to anoint the body of Jesus with the spices and they find that they have another problem. One woman, who was already tired and grieving because of His death, sees another obstacle. She says, "Who is going to roll the stone away from the door?" Of all the things that they could have talked about, it was one more problem. It was one more obstacle. But Praise the Lord, the stone was rolled away when they got there.

Maybe you are at the point where you think, "Lord I can't take anything else." Only to wake up and find out that you have one more problem. What if you trusted in Jesus today and find out that when you come to the problem He has solved it already? Trust and obey Him. Trusting involves you leaning not on what you think should happen but leaning totally upon Him. What these women thought was going to be one more problem turned out to be the greatest blessing ever. A huge stone door turned out to be one, big, empty tomb!!!

Can't Compare

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Stop this morning and think of all the pleasures in this life. I can name many of them. First of all, kissing my wife. Yep, that's right! There ain't nothing wrong with it either. Second, spending time with my boys, Andrew and Jacob. Watching them grow up into the men of God that they need to be is one of my greatest pleasures. There are also other things about this life that give me pleasure. Like going fishing, riding in a boat or airplane, sitting by the river in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I could honestly go on and on about this life and its pleasures. I'm so thankful for this world. I am thankful for my country in which I live. I wouldn't want to live any other place. I'm thankful for the state of Alabama. We have some of the greatest treasures right here within our state.We have mountains to the north, beaches to the south, and fishing holes to the east and west of us. 

But even as I think of all that this world, nation, and state have to offer me it can't compare to Jesus. Listen to me closely on this... Even with all the pleasure that my wife and sons give me in being a part of their lives, it can't fully compare to Jesus. The relationship that I have with my wife is a beautiful example of the love of Jesus. It is a reflection of Christ, but not Him. The relationship with my sons is the image of my Heavenly Father and me, but it's still a picture. All the things that they have done for me and the love that they show me everyday still can't fully compare to Jesus and what He has done for me.

Sure, you and I could live out the rest of our days with fishing on the lake or with family in the mountains and think we have it made in the shade. The truth of it all would still be if the only pleasure, or the only hope that we had was limited to this earth and its pleasures it brings, we would be miserable. To live with family and fun our whole life and to die without hope in Christ would be misery. A misery of eternal Hell where there will be no hope, no pleasure, no peace. 

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

Remember Art Linkletter?  He hosted a show called, "Kids say the darndest things" back in the late 90's. He brought out the truth in children. It was such a funny series. Some of the children were really shy, and some had no problem in front of a microphone. An amazing thing was how these children would open up and share the truth of the stories the only way they knew how. 

I wonder how many of these children were afraid to go on to a stage with someone they didn't know.  I wonder if some of them would cry or tell their parents that they didn't want to do it. Maybe they thought they were too little at times. 

Well, Jeremiah says those same words. He tells The Lord that he is just a child. He is trying to tell God that he can't do it but God is telling him that he can do it. God tells him that He has called him and what He calls him to do, He will equip him him to do. The Lord reminds Jeremiah that he's not just a child, but that he is a child of God. 

This morning stop being shy, being afraid, and thinking you're a child. Stand up, go out and be that child of God He has called you to be. You will find out that His kids can say some amazing things. Just speak the truth in the love of Christ! 

Jeremiah 1:7-10

But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

A Perfect Example

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Thank you Lord for the examples I've had, and have, in my life! I've had some good ones, bad ones and great ones. One of my every day prayers is to be an example unto others. I want nothing more than to be an example of a believer in Christ. In every word I speak. In every conversation I have. Through love, Spirit, faith and purity.

The night that God begin to draw me He showed me something in my life. He revealed what kind of example I was to others. Although I had friends, I was taking them to Hell with me. It really got next to me that night. I was lost in sin and headed to Hell and the whole time being an example to others that would potentially follow me. That shook me to my soul.

Even today, this morning, as I write this it shakes my soul to think of what kind of example I am to others. Especially to those that don't know Jesus. What if my actions as a Christian were their last examples of Christ in their lives? What if they were depending upon me to show them an example of Jesus?

Some try to be like preachers, other Christians, moms, dads, siblings or great people. Be the example of Jesus. That's who they need to see. If they see me, they will find fault. If they see the greats, they will find fault. But if they see Jesus in your example of Him they can find no fault.

Lord I wanna be just like you!

Counting Down

Luke 8:40
And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

A few years ago the church where I pastor at gave me a great gift. They sent me to the land of Israel. The greatest part of it that showed how much they really loved me was the fact they bought roundtrip tickets.

I can remember putting a countdown timer on my computer with the date I was to flyout for Israel. It would show a countdown of how many days, hours and seconds left until the day of the trip. Everyday I would check it. Right there on my screen...days, hours and seconds would tick away. Some days I would just stare at it while it ticked away. I couldn't wait until the day we left. When the day finally came it was indescribable. To walk where Jesus walked, to see the sights and understand the history of it all was the greatest schooling I could have ever received.

Now think this morning of our travel plans for Heaven. What greater place is there than Heaven? Since the day I trusted Jesus as my Savior I have waited and waited. Year after year, day after day, hour after hour I wait and wait.

Don't you love how our scripture says when Jesus returned that the people GLADLY received him; for they were all waiting for him? Are you looking for the return of Jesus? Will you gladly receive Him when He comes? I know one thing in my life to be true. I'm waiting!

What a glorious day that will be!

What a Greeting!

Philippians 4:21
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

As you knock on the door, those on the other side are preparing for a greeting. Some people will holler, "Come on in!" Some will walk to the door and look through the peephole. Some will stand at the door and ask, "Who is it?" Not much is different once you walk in. There is a hand shake. Maybe a hug. Usually the phrase, "Welcome, welcome...make yourself at home" is said. Either way, the greeting may be different but the meaning is mostly the same. They want to convey how welcomed you are in their home.

The other day I went to a friends house to pick up my son. I knocked on the door and heard those words, "Come on in..." Then the door opened and it was a greeting fest. My friend greeted me. His wife said, "Hey." The children said, "What's up Brother Steve?" The healthy black dog gave me a nudge and wanted me to pet her. The older golden retriever rubbed her nose against me with the expectation of some love in return. The small wiener dog was trying her best to push the other big dogs out of the way to get her loving. It was a greeting fest! I loved every minute of it.

This got me to thinking about the day I enter Heaven. I can't imagine the greeting I will receive. Can you? What if those apostles come up and say, "Welcome, welcome..."? What if Jesus is the first one that you see? What a day that is going to be.

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forever more on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see
And I look upon His face. The one who saved me by His grace.
When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Butter Churns and Nose Bleeds

Proverbs 30:33
Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Wow, what a combination that the Lord has given us this morning. In one sentence of scripture we have gone from churning milk to make butter unto busting nose and it bleeding. If I was to close my eyes I would have thought that my dad wrote this scripture. I always pick at him because of his train of thought. We could be talking about building a home one minute to catching crappie the next. Sometimes it could go from talking about a television show to talking about the Word of God. But somehow, sometimes, it all seems to come together.

What if the Lord was to leave out the last part of our scripture? We would miss the whole point. We would understand that churning milk brings butter and that a busted nose will bleed, but miss out on what God is really saying. He is doing something for us that I absolutely love. He is taking an earthly, physical illustration and giving us sound doctrine. We all understand the process of butter and busted noses. He chose these illustrations to give us the truth about stirring up strife.

What is strife? Strife is angry or bitter disagreement over an issue. What is wrath? Wrath is defined as extreme anger. Being angry is not sinful. The Bible declares that we should be angry and sin not. Wrath is a continual dwelling on anger and what others may have done unto you. Wrath is anger to the point of revenge. Our scripture tells us that forcing wrath, or revenge, brings forth strife. I know some who are so bitter in their life and you can see it in their bitter churning. Wanting others to pay for what was done to them. Can you imagine the scene at the cross of Calvary if Jesus wanted revenge on those who mocked, slapped, spit, and crucified Him? I'm glad the scene at the cross was one of Grace. They stirred up the milk and busted the nose of Jesus but yet He said, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do".

Put away the butter churn and open up your fists. Don't force wrath or revenge, but find forgiveness. You may just find out that your not so exhausted anymore from all the churning and swinging.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

Galatians 4:16
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

First of all, shame on some of you for only reading this because of the title. (Haha)

"You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!" Do you remember those words from a movie a few years ago? Seemed like everyone would go around saying that statement. Comedians were always using it for their punch lines. You could hear them say, "You can't handle the truth!" in their best Nicholson voice.

At sometime in history a few preachers thought that it would be better to be a friend who is a preacher instead of a preacher who is a friend. Also somewhere in time a few parents thought it would be better to be buddies instead of parents. So then when the time came to speak the truth to people or children they think we don't love them and have suddenly become their enemy. It is viewed as if we are now enemies because we speak the truth. Before you say it, yes I understand there is a right way to tell the truth with love. God's word tells us that we must speak the truth in love. This doesn't mean that we are to hold back from speaking the truth, but that when we speak the truth let it be wrapped in love.

Well, what is the truth? The truth is that sin will always be sin. No matter what the sin is, it will always be sin. Well, what is sin? Sin is to know to do right and not to do it. Sin is not following God's command from His word and the natural laws that are written in the heart of men and women.

Don't forget to wrap the truth in love. I think it is so funny that people don't like green beans. But during the holiday seasons the cooks will wrap them in bacon and people will devour them. Sometimes the truth of sin in our lives may seem like green beans. People will even protest the green beans. We know that they are good for us but we just don't know how to swallow it. Wrap em' up, hahaha. Sometimes truth hurts us as well. Dads, moms, preachers, leaders share the truth wrapped in grace and love. Don't diminish the truth in order to give it, just let your conversation be seasoned with grace. God's grace and love have never taken away from the truth.

I Can't Wait For Sunday!

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

We go to bed and can't sleep because of the excitement of vacation, fishing trip, shopping trip, getting married or starting a new job. We will lay out our clothes of choice that helps us to be prepared for the next days event. If it's a fishing trip, we check the weather, water reports and lay out the clothes, tackle and supplies. If it's a wedding, we plan for months, sending out the invitations, fitted for dresses and tuxedos. We don't sleep the night before because we are thinking of that special day. If it's one of those "Black Friday" shopping trips, I know people who have camped out the night before trying to save $100 on a television.

It is so amazing the preparations we will go to in order to fill our pleasure and desires. From the early rising to the staying up all night, we will do whatever it takes to get what our heart desires.

How much do you desire of God? How close to Him do you desire to be? Most people I know treat church attendance as if it's nothing big or exciting. If they go then that's fine, but if they don't go then that's fine also. I see more families fighting about going to church and just barely making it in to the service on time than I do of those coming early or staying late to enjoy the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ. The majority of church goers today get there at least five minutes after it starts and want to leave five minutes before we close.

What would happen in your walk with God if you desired the things of God? What would church be like if you felt the same way about going to church like you do a "Black Friday" shopping trip? Or a much desired fishing trip? Or the new game coming out at GameStop that you spent all night camping in front of a store for? Can I tell you that you can do more than save money on a television, Jesus will save your soul. You can do more than catch a few fish, you can become a fisher of men. Walking with God and attending His house can be more exciting than a video game.

When you roll over on a Sunday morning do you dread that awful 11:00 worship time? Or how about that dreaded 6pm evening service. I mean you have already gone once for that day, good grief. And how dare they have a Sunday School or Bible Fellowship hour at 9:45am! And we wonder why we are not hearing from God. Why our prayer life and personal Bible study time just isn't powerful. It's a reflection of our desire.

I can't wait until Sunday! I can't wait until Wednesday night! I can't wait until I can get to God's House and be with God's people. I can't wait until tomorrow morning when I can praise Him for another day. I can't wait till the next minute!