Jeremiah 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
When we were kids our favorite game to play was hide and seek. We especially loved to play it when it had gotten dark outside. It was much easier for a chubby kid as myself to hide in the dark. I can remember all the counters leaning against a tree with their eyes closed and counting out loud. "1...2...3...4...5...20...21...22...25...Ready or not, here I come!" Then the search began. Around the sides of the house we would run. Scanning everywhere for a the ones that were hiding. Stopping every now and then to listen for the giggles of those who just couldn't be quiet. We would always stay close to the counting tree though because it was base and eventually those hiding would have to make it to the tree in order to be safe.
Maybe this morning you have leaned against the tree, counted out your prayers and now you are seeking for God. Let me tell you that He is not hiding. He has told us this morning that we shall seek Him, and FIND HIM. God has given you a promise. A promise is His commitment. It's His word and He will keep it. But don't just stop at the beginning of our scripture. Look at the most important part, which is at the end. "...when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
Do you remember those kids who played hide and seek with you that would count, look for a minute or two, and then give up to go in the house? They wouldn't seek for us. They would love for you to seek them. They could hide forever, but when it came their time to count and come find you they would quit. Seemed like they always wanted to make up another game when they had to seek. Their hearts weren't in it. Maybe because the seeking part of the game was difficult or took effort.
You have closed your eyes, prayed your prayer, and now you wait for God to stick His head out and say, "I'm right here, do this...." What about seeking Him and the answer in His Word? Are you seeking Him with all your heart? Seriously, all of it? Or is that just too difficult and you want to change the rules up? God has given you a promise and it says that when you seek Him that you will find Him, when you seek Him with all your heart. My joy today is knowing that God isn't hiding from me! When I seek Him, He is found.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Thursday, August 3, 2017
A Spirit-Filled Reminder
1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up on the words of faith and of good doctrine, where unto thou hast attained.
Some people tie a string around their fingers so that they don't forget something important. Many set an alarm or reminder because they are so busy and never want to forget an appointment. The Word of God reminds us of something today.
First of all it reminds me to put the brethren in remembrance of these things. What things? All things! I should remind the body of Christ (Christians) every day of the words of our Lord. We should remind one another of what Christ has told us to do. We should set an alarm so that we are sure to be awake and doing the work of the Lord until He comes. Another thing, and sometimes difficult, is that we should remind one another that we are not our own but we are bought with a price. If we see a brother or sister in Christ doing something that is against or contrary to Christ, we should remind them. So many times we are guilty of reprimanding them instead of reminding them.
What if you were to remind them instead of reprimanding them? Maybe show them in the scriptures where God has said to abstain or depart from whatever it is that Satan has convinced them is okay? I wonder what kind of reaction and responses we would get if we would be those who reminded people of their commitment to Christ? It could be that they realize the death found in that sin and repent.
Do you know how many times that I had to remind my boys of something dangerous? Even today, as they are a little older, I still remind them of certain dangers. I still remind them of commitments. I still even remind them to take out the trash! I have been guilty at times of not reminding them in the mornings and come home to reprimand them. What if I take the time to remind and bring it to their attention every day? What have I wasted? Nothing! I have actually headed off some heartache when I come home from work in the evenings.
Don't wait until people are waist deep in their sin to reprimand them for their Christian walk. No, remind them today that they are bought with the precious blood of Jesus and should strive to live holy until He comes. You know what you'll be if you do this? A good minister of Jesus Christ and that's all I've ever wanted to be since the day He saved me.
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up on the words of faith and of good doctrine, where unto thou hast attained.
Some people tie a string around their fingers so that they don't forget something important. Many set an alarm or reminder because they are so busy and never want to forget an appointment. The Word of God reminds us of something today.
First of all it reminds me to put the brethren in remembrance of these things. What things? All things! I should remind the body of Christ (Christians) every day of the words of our Lord. We should remind one another of what Christ has told us to do. We should set an alarm so that we are sure to be awake and doing the work of the Lord until He comes. Another thing, and sometimes difficult, is that we should remind one another that we are not our own but we are bought with a price. If we see a brother or sister in Christ doing something that is against or contrary to Christ, we should remind them. So many times we are guilty of reprimanding them instead of reminding them.
What if you were to remind them instead of reprimanding them? Maybe show them in the scriptures where God has said to abstain or depart from whatever it is that Satan has convinced them is okay? I wonder what kind of reaction and responses we would get if we would be those who reminded people of their commitment to Christ? It could be that they realize the death found in that sin and repent.
Do you know how many times that I had to remind my boys of something dangerous? Even today, as they are a little older, I still remind them of certain dangers. I still remind them of commitments. I still even remind them to take out the trash! I have been guilty at times of not reminding them in the mornings and come home to reprimand them. What if I take the time to remind and bring it to their attention every day? What have I wasted? Nothing! I have actually headed off some heartache when I come home from work in the evenings.
Don't wait until people are waist deep in their sin to reprimand them for their Christian walk. No, remind them today that they are bought with the precious blood of Jesus and should strive to live holy until He comes. You know what you'll be if you do this? A good minister of Jesus Christ and that's all I've ever wanted to be since the day He saved me.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Fidget Spinners and Bell Bottoms?
Colossians 2:6-7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Having been a preacher of the Gospel now for close to twenty-three years, let's just say I've seen a lot of things. Things that people call God, the Spirit, an answered prayer, a movement, etc... Some of them I believe were that very thing, but some of them were just the next big thing.
Have you ever stopped and taken notice of how our society runs? We seldom go back to things of the past unless they are revamped or revitalized. Sure, bell bottoms may have come back but thank the Lord they are gone again. Actually, I'm praying that these "skinny-jeans" find their way to the back of peoples closets. But seriously, we are designed as a people of society to jump on board with the next big thing. The biggest thing in 2017... a fidget spinner. People have gone absolutely crazy over these things. Only to find out that next year there will be something else that classifies as the "Next Big Thing".
I've seen people, who I believe are truly saved and disciples of God, allow themselves to do this very thing with their walk in Christ. They hop from ministry to ministry, church to church, pastor to pastor... in following the next big thing. In God's Word, He teaches us many times to be "rooted", "built up" and "established..." He tells us that the wicked are like the troubled sea. Wave after wave, big thing after big thing. They are always searching. He tells us that we shouldn't be this way. We shouldn't be searching for every new wind of doctrine, but be grounded and rooted.
Sometimes I want to tell these Christians to STOP! Be still for just one moment and listen to the Lord's calling on your life. There is nothing wrong with trying to find what God wants you to do, but once you know it... then do it. Stop always looking for the next big thing to come your way. Stop looking for the next big ministry, the next big church, the next big pastor or preacher. Stop looking for big positions to serve God in because if you haven't been faithful in the small positions He has given you then you will never be faithful, rooted, grounded, established and fruitful in the next thing He calls you to. Stop moving from place to bigger place, position to bigger position, ministry to the next big ministry. Get your eyes off of being the "next big thing". If you don't, you'll be nothing more than a forgotten fidget spinner or a pair of bell bottoms that people talk about. "They sold like crazy when they came out. They were the next big thing, but not anymore." You'll be discussed as a big thing of the past and not something that is rooted and grounded in God's work today.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Having been a preacher of the Gospel now for close to twenty-three years, let's just say I've seen a lot of things. Things that people call God, the Spirit, an answered prayer, a movement, etc... Some of them I believe were that very thing, but some of them were just the next big thing.
Have you ever stopped and taken notice of how our society runs? We seldom go back to things of the past unless they are revamped or revitalized. Sure, bell bottoms may have come back but thank the Lord they are gone again. Actually, I'm praying that these "skinny-jeans" find their way to the back of peoples closets. But seriously, we are designed as a people of society to jump on board with the next big thing. The biggest thing in 2017... a fidget spinner. People have gone absolutely crazy over these things. Only to find out that next year there will be something else that classifies as the "Next Big Thing".
I've seen people, who I believe are truly saved and disciples of God, allow themselves to do this very thing with their walk in Christ. They hop from ministry to ministry, church to church, pastor to pastor... in following the next big thing. In God's Word, He teaches us many times to be "rooted", "built up" and "established..." He tells us that the wicked are like the troubled sea. Wave after wave, big thing after big thing. They are always searching. He tells us that we shouldn't be this way. We shouldn't be searching for every new wind of doctrine, but be grounded and rooted.
Sometimes I want to tell these Christians to STOP! Be still for just one moment and listen to the Lord's calling on your life. There is nothing wrong with trying to find what God wants you to do, but once you know it... then do it. Stop always looking for the next big thing to come your way. Stop looking for the next big ministry, the next big church, the next big pastor or preacher. Stop looking for big positions to serve God in because if you haven't been faithful in the small positions He has given you then you will never be faithful, rooted, grounded, established and fruitful in the next thing He calls you to. Stop moving from place to bigger place, position to bigger position, ministry to the next big ministry. Get your eyes off of being the "next big thing". If you don't, you'll be nothing more than a forgotten fidget spinner or a pair of bell bottoms that people talk about. "They sold like crazy when they came out. They were the next big thing, but not anymore." You'll be discussed as a big thing of the past and not something that is rooted and grounded in God's work today.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
A Threefold Plan
Titus 2:6-8
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Isn't it funny that all of us can identify the problem with young men, but never give the solution? Well God gives a threefold plan for us today. Although this scripture applies to the young men, we could all learn a valuable lesson from it.
First He tells us that we should live right. We should be sober minded. Live in the Spirit and not in our own thinking and ways. In all things show a pattern of good works. This means to live according to God's Word in all things. Giving God glory in everything we do.
Second, we should be sound or grounded in doctrine. In our lessons of faith we should be established firmly and forever. Don't be corrupt in doctrine, but be sure, steadfast and unmovable. We should study the Word of God and its doctrine so that we understand how to live in Him. Think right!
Last and the most important, finding the words to say can be the hardest thing to do. How to say it or what to say. We could over think it at times and then again we could not think about it enough. The words we speak are so powerful! They have the power to build or break. They have the potential to be heard or ignored. Sometimes the words we choose to speak could be a matter of life or death. So God says let your speech be sound, not able to be condemned and speech that you will not be ashamed of that gives someone the oppotunity to say something evil about you.
It's a simple threefold plan laid out for us. Live right! Think right! Speak right! This is God's desire for us all. If you are a young man, remember this plan. When you don't know exactly what to do, follow these three steps.
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Isn't it funny that all of us can identify the problem with young men, but never give the solution? Well God gives a threefold plan for us today. Although this scripture applies to the young men, we could all learn a valuable lesson from it.
First He tells us that we should live right. We should be sober minded. Live in the Spirit and not in our own thinking and ways. In all things show a pattern of good works. This means to live according to God's Word in all things. Giving God glory in everything we do.
Second, we should be sound or grounded in doctrine. In our lessons of faith we should be established firmly and forever. Don't be corrupt in doctrine, but be sure, steadfast and unmovable. We should study the Word of God and its doctrine so that we understand how to live in Him. Think right!
Last and the most important, finding the words to say can be the hardest thing to do. How to say it or what to say. We could over think it at times and then again we could not think about it enough. The words we speak are so powerful! They have the power to build or break. They have the potential to be heard or ignored. Sometimes the words we choose to speak could be a matter of life or death. So God says let your speech be sound, not able to be condemned and speech that you will not be ashamed of that gives someone the oppotunity to say something evil about you.
It's a simple threefold plan laid out for us. Live right! Think right! Speak right! This is God's desire for us all. If you are a young man, remember this plan. When you don't know exactly what to do, follow these three steps.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Greener Pastures
Ecclesiastes 6:9
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
"The grass is greener on the other side..." I'm sure that you have heard this statement many times throughout your life. Without being rude or uncouth let me tell you that in all pastures, there are cow patties. Satan would love for you to think that something else is always better. Listen to me this morning, If you are a child of God and have been saved by your Savior Jesus Christ, what could be better?
One of the saddest things I've read in scripture is how Jesus told the Pharisee's that if they have known the Father that they should know Him. If they had seen Him then they have seen the Father because they two are one. What is so sad is that they couldn't even see Him. Why? Because they were looking for something better. They were looking for a greener pasture. Surely this man, Jesus, couldn't be the one they looked for. One man said, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Sad isn't it? There stood the very Son of God, the Lamb and Savior of the world right in front of them and they couldn't see it.
Our scripture told us today that better is the sight of our eyes than the wandering of desire. In other words, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. What we have in our lives is so much better than what we think we deserve or desire. Stop this morning and praise God for the blessings that you have. You may say, "How can I do that? You don't know my situation." You're right! I don't know your pasture and you don't know mine. At the same time, you don't want my pasture and I don't want yours.
How can we praise God in our small pasture, our hard dirt pasture, our dry pasture, our pasture filled with holes? How do you know yours is small, hard, dry or filled with holes? It's because you have been looking at other's pasture. Why are you comparing your life with theirs? Praise Him today for YOUR life. Problems, yes... Hardness, yes... Dryness, yes... Holes, yes... But God help me today to praise You and You alone. For I know that no matter what, You are with me. God I don't want another pasture or field, I want You to walk with me through this one.
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
"The grass is greener on the other side..." I'm sure that you have heard this statement many times throughout your life. Without being rude or uncouth let me tell you that in all pastures, there are cow patties. Satan would love for you to think that something else is always better. Listen to me this morning, If you are a child of God and have been saved by your Savior Jesus Christ, what could be better?
One of the saddest things I've read in scripture is how Jesus told the Pharisee's that if they have known the Father that they should know Him. If they had seen Him then they have seen the Father because they two are one. What is so sad is that they couldn't even see Him. Why? Because they were looking for something better. They were looking for a greener pasture. Surely this man, Jesus, couldn't be the one they looked for. One man said, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Sad isn't it? There stood the very Son of God, the Lamb and Savior of the world right in front of them and they couldn't see it.
Our scripture told us today that better is the sight of our eyes than the wandering of desire. In other words, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. What we have in our lives is so much better than what we think we deserve or desire. Stop this morning and praise God for the blessings that you have. You may say, "How can I do that? You don't know my situation." You're right! I don't know your pasture and you don't know mine. At the same time, you don't want my pasture and I don't want yours.
How can we praise God in our small pasture, our hard dirt pasture, our dry pasture, our pasture filled with holes? How do you know yours is small, hard, dry or filled with holes? It's because you have been looking at other's pasture. Why are you comparing your life with theirs? Praise Him today for YOUR life. Problems, yes... Hardness, yes... Dryness, yes... Holes, yes... But God help me today to praise You and You alone. For I know that no matter what, You are with me. God I don't want another pasture or field, I want You to walk with me through this one.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
What It All Boils Down To
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
The President comes across the screen of our televisions and begins his speech. He addresses the concerns and needs of America. So many times I get lost in the wording of it all. The swelling adjectives and over emphasized wording can confuse us and we could miss the point. Don't you just want to yell at the television and say, "Get to the point! What does all this boil down to?"
Then you go over to the news broadcasts about his address in hopes of a simpler explanation. There it is again... wording and jargon. Endless questions and never a clear answer. Seems like a bunch of ideas have been thrown into a pot and people just continue to stir and stir. We have to wait until it all boils down in order to see what it really is. Many ideas have started out with high hopes, but then as it has boiled down... Well, we had to throw it out.
What we desire as people is to know what's expected of us and what we need to do. It's really that simple. We want to understand our value and position in this life. We have a strong urge to find out where we fit in and what our mission in life is. What does our lives boil down to? What does God desire of my life? Now that I am a Christian, what should I be doing?
God gives us, through the preacher of Ecclesiastes, the conclusion of the matter. He brings everything to a boil. We should... Fear God! This means to reverence Him, not be scared of Him. To honor and respect Him in every action and decision we make. Second, keep His commandments. When we keep the commandments of God we show Him, and mainly others, that we love the Lord. This is the whole duty of man! Did you hear that? He has plainly pointed out our duty, calling and purpose. What should we expect of God? That He will bring every work into judgment. Every secret thing will be brought to light, whether it be good or evil, God will judge every work.
So it all boils down simply doesn't it? Love, Honor and Serve God and be ready to give an account for it all. Remember now, this will be the conclusion of every man and woman.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
The President comes across the screen of our televisions and begins his speech. He addresses the concerns and needs of America. So many times I get lost in the wording of it all. The swelling adjectives and over emphasized wording can confuse us and we could miss the point. Don't you just want to yell at the television and say, "Get to the point! What does all this boil down to?"
Then you go over to the news broadcasts about his address in hopes of a simpler explanation. There it is again... wording and jargon. Endless questions and never a clear answer. Seems like a bunch of ideas have been thrown into a pot and people just continue to stir and stir. We have to wait until it all boils down in order to see what it really is. Many ideas have started out with high hopes, but then as it has boiled down... Well, we had to throw it out.
What we desire as people is to know what's expected of us and what we need to do. It's really that simple. We want to understand our value and position in this life. We have a strong urge to find out where we fit in and what our mission in life is. What does our lives boil down to? What does God desire of my life? Now that I am a Christian, what should I be doing?
God gives us, through the preacher of Ecclesiastes, the conclusion of the matter. He brings everything to a boil. We should... Fear God! This means to reverence Him, not be scared of Him. To honor and respect Him in every action and decision we make. Second, keep His commandments. When we keep the commandments of God we show Him, and mainly others, that we love the Lord. This is the whole duty of man! Did you hear that? He has plainly pointed out our duty, calling and purpose. What should we expect of God? That He will bring every work into judgment. Every secret thing will be brought to light, whether it be good or evil, God will judge every work.
So it all boils down simply doesn't it? Love, Honor and Serve God and be ready to give an account for it all. Remember now, this will be the conclusion of every man and woman.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The Babbler's Bite
Ecclesiastes 10:11
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
The old slithering serpent crawls upon his belly searching for the next thing to sink his teeth into. Some will tell you today to just leave them alone and they won't bother you. These are also the same ones who will tell you that a shark isn't looking at you as a piece of food. You were just in their territory and they didn't know what harm you would bring. Well don't worry about me swimming in their territory, they can have it. Hahaha.
Just like the snake that slithers and has a deadly bite without even provoking it, so bites the babbler. Thanks to social media and the Internet today we get to see these babblers. It's kinda like going to the zoo and beholding animals that you normally wouldn't see because they hide in the cover of the wild. Well now thanks to technology we can see the ever present babbler. Tucked away in a room with a computer or tablet, they search for food. Scanning news articles and posts from those who are happy and peaceful. Then without notice.... Pow! The babbler strikes. Injecting their venom of bitterness and hatred. Pumping into all that have been bitten the poison of lies.
What does the babbler look like you say? They come in all forms. Some wear stunning clothing with detailed makeup stripes, while others could be so friendly and seem so tame that they could be sitting right beside you and you never know it until the day your struck. What can we do about the babbler? The Bible says to rebuke the gainsayer. To flee from wickedness. We should avoid the babbler at all costs. It is a snake that can't be held or toyed with. If you do see one, point it out to others and stay away or they could bite you.
The worse part of it all is that they don't kill you as some normal snakes, no they inject you with their disease. Their bitterness becomes yours, their anger and lies become the things you spew out to others. Before long you begin to grow fangs and search for someone to inject. No, you don't want any part with the babbler. Watch out because they could be anywhere... News, radio, facebook, twitter, church, work, home and the most deadliest place...in you. If you have been bit, ask Christ today for the remedy. Ask for forgiveness and allow Him to inject into you His peace, mercy, longsuffering and joy.
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
The old slithering serpent crawls upon his belly searching for the next thing to sink his teeth into. Some will tell you today to just leave them alone and they won't bother you. These are also the same ones who will tell you that a shark isn't looking at you as a piece of food. You were just in their territory and they didn't know what harm you would bring. Well don't worry about me swimming in their territory, they can have it. Hahaha.
Just like the snake that slithers and has a deadly bite without even provoking it, so bites the babbler. Thanks to social media and the Internet today we get to see these babblers. It's kinda like going to the zoo and beholding animals that you normally wouldn't see because they hide in the cover of the wild. Well now thanks to technology we can see the ever present babbler. Tucked away in a room with a computer or tablet, they search for food. Scanning news articles and posts from those who are happy and peaceful. Then without notice.... Pow! The babbler strikes. Injecting their venom of bitterness and hatred. Pumping into all that have been bitten the poison of lies.
What does the babbler look like you say? They come in all forms. Some wear stunning clothing with detailed makeup stripes, while others could be so friendly and seem so tame that they could be sitting right beside you and you never know it until the day your struck. What can we do about the babbler? The Bible says to rebuke the gainsayer. To flee from wickedness. We should avoid the babbler at all costs. It is a snake that can't be held or toyed with. If you do see one, point it out to others and stay away or they could bite you.
The worse part of it all is that they don't kill you as some normal snakes, no they inject you with their disease. Their bitterness becomes yours, their anger and lies become the things you spew out to others. Before long you begin to grow fangs and search for someone to inject. No, you don't want any part with the babbler. Watch out because they could be anywhere... News, radio, facebook, twitter, church, work, home and the most deadliest place...in you. If you have been bit, ask Christ today for the remedy. Ask for forgiveness and allow Him to inject into you His peace, mercy, longsuffering and joy.
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