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. :)
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
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)
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)
Friday, March 17, 2017
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.
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.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
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.
Nothing like a good seasoned Taco, especially when it's His Grace.
Monday, March 13, 2017
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!!!
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!!!
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