Romans 12:17-21
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
In high school, one of my activities was football. I can remember many, many instructions that coaches would instill in us. Some a little more than others. One of the rules I remember was, "If someone hits you after the whistle blows, take it." This would sometimes result in a penalty against the team doing the late hitting, but not always.
Being a lineman, we had certain missions. First, find the football. Second, destroy the man who had the football. Third, and never really taught but certainly a rule, if anyone sucker punches or basically whips you in your position...seek and destroy. I can remember getting hammered by a sucker hit on a play and recording the guys number in my mind. I knew there would come a time when he wasn't paying much attention to me. You see I was lining up across from him the whole game. So every play he knew where I was and what was expected. Until coached called for second string kickoff team. Finally, my turn! I scanned the field and found him in my sights (all the way on the other side).
Now my position I was in didn't call for me to block him. So rules number one and two were not in effect. No, rule number three had become my top priority! The ball was away and so was I. I was running as fast as I could. He was looking back to where the ball was fielded, which was on the other side of the field from him. (I hope you are getting this... The ball was kicked to my side of the field and I could have been in on a genuine tackle but I was on the other side of the field fulfilling my mission three) No one was on our side now, just me and him. He was blindly running toward his ball carrier when out of the blue... BAM! The greatest and hardest hit all night! Justice has now been served! I said nothing. I just stood over him with that "Remember me?" glare.
Then that's when it happened... A bright yellow flag hit me in my helmet. The referee was shouting something about unsportsmanlike conduct, you know how crazy those zebras can be. If he would have only known the whole story. This guy cheap-shotted me first! As I was coming off the field, now my coach is yelling at me and asking me why in the world would I do something so stupid. "But coach, he had it coming. He hit me first."
This morning maybe you've recorded the number of the one who has done you wrong. Maybe you're lined up against them right now and you're thinking of a way to retaliate. Allow Christ to move upon your heart right now. Give the hurt and pain to Him. Don't be charged with a late hit. Believe me, It's not worth the fifteen yards or standing on the sidelines the rest of the game because you couldn't control your temper. God can handle them as well as you.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Friday, July 8, 2016
The Itsy Bitsy Liar
Proverbs 12:19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever:
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.
So the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
This was a nursery rhyme when we were children. Don't get me started on our nursery rhymes. Wow, they were crazy and scary. I can see you right now. You were reading the lyrics and singing along. Maybe even some of you were doing the motions with your fingers.
Some people say, "It's only an Itsy Bitsy Spider". No harm can come from a small spider right? I mean it's just trying to build a web. Well as a child I heard this rhyme over and over again. But as I grew older I heard a new phrase. It goes something like this... Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.
I find it so amazing that it's just a small spider. It's just an Itsy Bitsy Spider. It couldn't harm anyone. No damage could ever come from this web. It reminds me of a lie, an Itsy Bitsy Lie. If they never see it, it will never effect them. Well I know this is not the truth. Many years ago I knew a beautiful woman who made her living selling women's cosmetics and jewelry. She was bitten by a brown recluse spider. A spider that is about the size of a penny, legs and all. Surely nothing this small could harm anyone. But those bitten would share a different story. My friend was bitten right in the center of her hairline of the forehead. A huge patch of her hair died and rotted out. She struggled so much during this time. Because of her beauty and business, she battled hard.
Just as my friend gave no thought to this small spider the day before she was bitten, many people give no thought to the lies they speak and it's damage. Count the damage of lies. It would be more than hurricanes, tornadoes or tsunamis. The devastation is terrible. Be changed by Christ today! Truth will stand forever, while lies last but a moment but leave destruction in its path.
The other day I thought of a new nursery rhyme we should share:
The Itsy Bitsy Liar spewed out his sinful spout.
Then came the pain and destroyed the liar's house.
Out came the Son and took away His shame.
And the Itsy Bitsy Liar through Christ is not the same!
The lip of truth shall be established for ever:
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.
So the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
This was a nursery rhyme when we were children. Don't get me started on our nursery rhymes. Wow, they were crazy and scary. I can see you right now. You were reading the lyrics and singing along. Maybe even some of you were doing the motions with your fingers.
Some people say, "It's only an Itsy Bitsy Spider". No harm can come from a small spider right? I mean it's just trying to build a web. Well as a child I heard this rhyme over and over again. But as I grew older I heard a new phrase. It goes something like this... Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.
I find it so amazing that it's just a small spider. It's just an Itsy Bitsy Spider. It couldn't harm anyone. No damage could ever come from this web. It reminds me of a lie, an Itsy Bitsy Lie. If they never see it, it will never effect them. Well I know this is not the truth. Many years ago I knew a beautiful woman who made her living selling women's cosmetics and jewelry. She was bitten by a brown recluse spider. A spider that is about the size of a penny, legs and all. Surely nothing this small could harm anyone. But those bitten would share a different story. My friend was bitten right in the center of her hairline of the forehead. A huge patch of her hair died and rotted out. She struggled so much during this time. Because of her beauty and business, she battled hard.
Just as my friend gave no thought to this small spider the day before she was bitten, many people give no thought to the lies they speak and it's damage. Count the damage of lies. It would be more than hurricanes, tornadoes or tsunamis. The devastation is terrible. Be changed by Christ today! Truth will stand forever, while lies last but a moment but leave destruction in its path.
The other day I thought of a new nursery rhyme we should share:
The Itsy Bitsy Liar spewed out his sinful spout.
Then came the pain and destroyed the liar's house.
Out came the Son and took away His shame.
And the Itsy Bitsy Liar through Christ is not the same!
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Taking Grace Into Our Own Hands
Romans 5:20
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
"He's too bad to be saved. There is no hope for that boy. Will she ever be saved and surrender to God?" Do these things sound familiar? They should. Many of these statements are spoken at dinner tables, on car rides and even on the front steps of our churches.
There is no doubt that sin is prevelant and abounding. Everywhere we turn and everywhere we look, there is sin and the temptation to sin. It is so much easier to commit sin in our sin-soaked society. Even the internet makes it simple for someone to satisfy their addiction. Ordering online alcohol, drugs and even sexual satisfaction is very real and very easy. Sin is truly abounding! A true sign of abounding sin is when society fails at understanding that it's sin.
My favorite part of this scripture today... "But". But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. What is grace? The best description of grace is found on a hill called Calvary. The Son of God stretched out his hands on an old rugged cross and offered grace. God literally took matters of grace into His own hands.
Our offer of grace, that comes from His hands, should be offered just as He offered. Sometimes I'm guilty of taking grace into my own hands and for this Lord I'm sorry and repent. It's your grace and I'll offer it the way I received it.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
"He's too bad to be saved. There is no hope for that boy. Will she ever be saved and surrender to God?" Do these things sound familiar? They should. Many of these statements are spoken at dinner tables, on car rides and even on the front steps of our churches.
There is no doubt that sin is prevelant and abounding. Everywhere we turn and everywhere we look, there is sin and the temptation to sin. It is so much easier to commit sin in our sin-soaked society. Even the internet makes it simple for someone to satisfy their addiction. Ordering online alcohol, drugs and even sexual satisfaction is very real and very easy. Sin is truly abounding! A true sign of abounding sin is when society fails at understanding that it's sin.
My favorite part of this scripture today... "But". But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. What is grace? The best description of grace is found on a hill called Calvary. The Son of God stretched out his hands on an old rugged cross and offered grace. God literally took matters of grace into His own hands.
Our offer of grace, that comes from His hands, should be offered just as He offered. Sometimes I'm guilty of taking grace into my own hands and for this Lord I'm sorry and repent. It's your grace and I'll offer it the way I received it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Settled On It Since Yesterday, Today and Forever
Hebrews 13:7-9
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Why is the Bible different from any other book that you've read? Why does it stand out? I mean the word "Bible" is defined as the "books". Isn't it just a series of books that have been compiled by men? Isn't it full of allegories and historical stories? How can it be different and why?
The answer is... It is God's Word. As a believer or non-believer we must decide on this issue. It is either God's Word or it isn't. A book that was written over centuries and centuries apart but has the same central theme of Jesus Christ woven through it convinces me. The fact that over forty different writers spread out over this time span hold the account of Christ in the same context and truth also convinces me. The most convincing would be the Holy Spirit.
You may not believe this but I am in a constant battle, daily, for the truth. I live in a society and nation that always questions the truth. I don't mean researches truth, I mean questions it. If speed limits are posted at seventy, most see that as a partial truth and drive eighty and eighty-five. If something is free and has a sign posted above it, "Take One", that is a suggestion not a truth or command.
God's Word is either God's Word or it's not! Jesus Christ is either the same yesterday, today and forever or He's not. Watch out for those who are trying to convince you that God's Word is changing or evolving to meet culture. God's Word has always met culture right where it is. Be careful of those who are convincing you that God's Word is old fashioned, out of date, or written with errors by men. It's either His Word for us or not. I'm settled with it. Since yesterday, today and forever.
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Why is the Bible different from any other book that you've read? Why does it stand out? I mean the word "Bible" is defined as the "books". Isn't it just a series of books that have been compiled by men? Isn't it full of allegories and historical stories? How can it be different and why?
The answer is... It is God's Word. As a believer or non-believer we must decide on this issue. It is either God's Word or it isn't. A book that was written over centuries and centuries apart but has the same central theme of Jesus Christ woven through it convinces me. The fact that over forty different writers spread out over this time span hold the account of Christ in the same context and truth also convinces me. The most convincing would be the Holy Spirit.
You may not believe this but I am in a constant battle, daily, for the truth. I live in a society and nation that always questions the truth. I don't mean researches truth, I mean questions it. If speed limits are posted at seventy, most see that as a partial truth and drive eighty and eighty-five. If something is free and has a sign posted above it, "Take One", that is a suggestion not a truth or command.
God's Word is either God's Word or it's not! Jesus Christ is either the same yesterday, today and forever or He's not. Watch out for those who are trying to convince you that God's Word is changing or evolving to meet culture. God's Word has always met culture right where it is. Be careful of those who are convincing you that God's Word is old fashioned, out of date, or written with errors by men. It's either His Word for us or not. I'm settled with it. Since yesterday, today and forever.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Hasty Tongues
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Our mouths are dangerous members of the body. It gets us into more trouble and sin than anything else. There is nothing that fights against us as much as our mouths. Now I understand that it speaks that which is in the heart and mind but remember it is the instrument that allows it to flow. Many, many times in my life I wish I could have kept quiet. I've even thought in my mind, "Steve, shut up."
In another scripture the Word tells us that the tongue is set on fire from Hell. It is a builder or a destroyer. More times than others it is the latter of these two. Oh, Lord teach me to be quiet. Help me study to be quiet and a listener.
One thing we should especially keep in mind this that when we tear down others we could very well be them tomorrow. Take heed of your words you speak of those walking with, or not walking with Christ because you may be where they are someday soon.
God, please forgive me of my hasty words. Forgive me for talking too much. Forgive me for my many words in prayer sometimes. I spend too much time telling you of my situation or quoting Your scripture to you and not listening like I should. I have missed out many times in your answers because I can't close my mouth. I come this morning with my ears open and my mouth closed... I'm listening.
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Our mouths are dangerous members of the body. It gets us into more trouble and sin than anything else. There is nothing that fights against us as much as our mouths. Now I understand that it speaks that which is in the heart and mind but remember it is the instrument that allows it to flow. Many, many times in my life I wish I could have kept quiet. I've even thought in my mind, "Steve, shut up."
In another scripture the Word tells us that the tongue is set on fire from Hell. It is a builder or a destroyer. More times than others it is the latter of these two. Oh, Lord teach me to be quiet. Help me study to be quiet and a listener.
One thing we should especially keep in mind this that when we tear down others we could very well be them tomorrow. Take heed of your words you speak of those walking with, or not walking with Christ because you may be where they are someday soon.
God, please forgive me of my hasty words. Forgive me for talking too much. Forgive me for my many words in prayer sometimes. I spend too much time telling you of my situation or quoting Your scripture to you and not listening like I should. I have missed out many times in your answers because I can't close my mouth. I come this morning with my ears open and my mouth closed... I'm listening.
Monday, July 4, 2016
It's God's Word
2 Peter 1:16
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Do we look at the Word of God as a history book or a story book? I'm afraid that among many Christians today we see it as a book full of stories. Not able to differ between a Chinese proverb or the book of proverbs. A sad truth is that among many believers, young and old, there is a struggle in identifying scripture or stories.
Peter declares that he hasn't followed cunningly devised fables. This isn't a devised story, but it is the truth. Truth that has been seen with Peter's own eyes.
My fear for believers in today's society is an absence of scripture. A pattern among some is to read one scripture and build a sermon around an idea instead of building it upon the text given to us by God. It is rare to find someone who would read the text, preach the text and lead to the cross of Jesus through the text and then to an invitation.
Remember when reading your Bible this morning, and everyday, that you hold in your hand the infallible, inerrant and Holy word from God. It's no story book! It's not Mother Goose! It is, and will always remain, God's word. It needs no additive or complementary addition. It needs to be read as an eyewitness account of what took place and what will take place.
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Do we look at the Word of God as a history book or a story book? I'm afraid that among many Christians today we see it as a book full of stories. Not able to differ between a Chinese proverb or the book of proverbs. A sad truth is that among many believers, young and old, there is a struggle in identifying scripture or stories.
Peter declares that he hasn't followed cunningly devised fables. This isn't a devised story, but it is the truth. Truth that has been seen with Peter's own eyes.
My fear for believers in today's society is an absence of scripture. A pattern among some is to read one scripture and build a sermon around an idea instead of building it upon the text given to us by God. It is rare to find someone who would read the text, preach the text and lead to the cross of Jesus through the text and then to an invitation.
Remember when reading your Bible this morning, and everyday, that you hold in your hand the infallible, inerrant and Holy word from God. It's no story book! It's not Mother Goose! It is, and will always remain, God's word. It needs no additive or complementary addition. It needs to be read as an eyewitness account of what took place and what will take place.
Friday, July 1, 2016
My "Good Thing"
Matthew 19:16
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
A rich young man once came to Jesus. "What good THING shall I DO, that I may have eternal life?" he asked. Maybe Jesus could have told him to go feed and clothe the poor. He could have commanded him to wash or baptize himself in a certain spot of water. He could have told him to read his scrolls, pay his tithes and attend the synagogue daily. But Jesus chose to tell him to sell all that he had, give it to the poor and to come follow Him.
Is this the "good THING" that we all have to do to inherit eternal life? No. There is no "good THING" that we could do. This young rich man's mind was set on doing more or accomplishing more in order to have more. He was deceived into thinking that there could be one task or a "good THING" to do. Christ is the "good THING"! Eternal life is through belief in and a life surrendered to Him.
So why did Jesus tell him to sell all that had, give it to the poor and come follow Him? Because through believing in Jesus we must surrender our lives to Him. We must deny what our "good THING" is and know that it's Him. He knew that this young rich man loved what He had more that what He was asking for. If we love our sin, which is separating us from God, more than we love Jesus and His payment for our sins then eternal life with Him will not be. Our God is not against riches. It is by Him that we are blessed. He is against that which keeps us from Him. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die so that we could have access to Him and eternal life with Him.
Do you think that there is a "good THING" you are doing that is giving you or keeping you in His salvation? You're wrong. You could never preach enough, sing enough, serve enough or give enough to be saved. There is no "good THING" in us. The "good THING" was given to us and it is salvation through this man named Jesus!
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
A rich young man once came to Jesus. "What good THING shall I DO, that I may have eternal life?" he asked. Maybe Jesus could have told him to go feed and clothe the poor. He could have commanded him to wash or baptize himself in a certain spot of water. He could have told him to read his scrolls, pay his tithes and attend the synagogue daily. But Jesus chose to tell him to sell all that he had, give it to the poor and to come follow Him.
Is this the "good THING" that we all have to do to inherit eternal life? No. There is no "good THING" that we could do. This young rich man's mind was set on doing more or accomplishing more in order to have more. He was deceived into thinking that there could be one task or a "good THING" to do. Christ is the "good THING"! Eternal life is through belief in and a life surrendered to Him.
So why did Jesus tell him to sell all that had, give it to the poor and come follow Him? Because through believing in Jesus we must surrender our lives to Him. We must deny what our "good THING" is and know that it's Him. He knew that this young rich man loved what He had more that what He was asking for. If we love our sin, which is separating us from God, more than we love Jesus and His payment for our sins then eternal life with Him will not be. Our God is not against riches. It is by Him that we are blessed. He is against that which keeps us from Him. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die so that we could have access to Him and eternal life with Him.
Do you think that there is a "good THING" you are doing that is giving you or keeping you in His salvation? You're wrong. You could never preach enough, sing enough, serve enough or give enough to be saved. There is no "good THING" in us. The "good THING" was given to us and it is salvation through this man named Jesus!
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