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.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
Clearly Seen
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.
Friday, February 17, 2017
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
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
Thursday, February 16, 2017
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.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
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?
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?
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
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?
Monday, February 13, 2017
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.
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