Genesis 3:8-10
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Why do we struggle with this so much? Forgiveness! A friend of mine asked me a question yesterday that involved this chapter of the Bible. She had brought to my attention that God forgave them and clothed them when they left the garden. Absolutely! This is one of the first acts of forgiveness in the Bible.
Did you notice that God pursued them? That's right. God was the one who was wronged and He was the one who pursued. Our society today teaches us that if someone does you wrong that it's not your fault. Let them come to you, because they are the ones at fault. Like kids on a playground... "I ain't apologizing to him/her, she is the one who pushed me off the swing." What if we could learn to forgive like God? Notice the word "learn".
Learning to forgive is what we need. It will not just happen or appear one day out of the clear blue sky. Yes, when we are saved by Christ Jesus we understand how to love and also understand the greatest forgiveness that there is, but how to do it is a different story. How to perform that forgiveness is a lot easier talked about than put into action.
We say, "They wronged me, let them come to me and apologize." But can't you see God saying in our scripture this morning, "They have wronged me and disobeyed me, I must go unto them and confront them in order to offer my forgiveness." Why would He do that? It's His Love! It's His Grace! It's His Characteristic" It's Him!!!!! Lord help me to LEARN to forgive. Teach me to forgive in the same manner you taught your disciples to pray.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
I'm Tired of Everyone Blaming God!
Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
First of all before you begin to hammer me about my anger understand that we can be angry as Christians, but we can't let it lead us to sin. The Bible says to be angry and sin not. Anger is an emotion that we have that could be a great tool. It's like a fire. If it's outside the engine you have a major problem and your life is in danger, but if it's inside the engine you now have a driving force. My anger comes from people always blaming God for something He didn't do. Some blame sin, death, problems, discouragement, bills and taxes on God. One thing that really gets the fire in my engine hot is the phrase... "Why would a 'LOVING' God send anyone to Hell?" They always put the emphasis on the word loving for sarcasm.
Can I tell you now and forever that God does NOT send people away to Hell! They have chosen to walk away from Him. God has absolutely no pleasure in the death of the wicked. You see you are thinking that God is much like you and thinks like you think. The way you see the wicked and those who have wronged you and the way you want them to pay for what they have done to the fullest of degrees... but God is not like you. His love is not like yours. What would God want for the wicked? That they would turn from their way and live.
He sees the end result. He sees the way that the wicked are going and He takes no pleasure in it. His desire is that the wicked turn from his way and do what? LIVE! He wanted Israel to live. He wanted the Gentiles to live. He wanted Barabbas to live, that's why Jesus took his place. He desired that Judas would live. He desires that YOU WOULD LIVE! He is not on His throne today rejoicing that people are getting what they deserved. No, He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. So please, for the Gospel's sake, get the scriptures right!
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
First of all before you begin to hammer me about my anger understand that we can be angry as Christians, but we can't let it lead us to sin. The Bible says to be angry and sin not. Anger is an emotion that we have that could be a great tool. It's like a fire. If it's outside the engine you have a major problem and your life is in danger, but if it's inside the engine you now have a driving force. My anger comes from people always blaming God for something He didn't do. Some blame sin, death, problems, discouragement, bills and taxes on God. One thing that really gets the fire in my engine hot is the phrase... "Why would a 'LOVING' God send anyone to Hell?" They always put the emphasis on the word loving for sarcasm.
Can I tell you now and forever that God does NOT send people away to Hell! They have chosen to walk away from Him. God has absolutely no pleasure in the death of the wicked. You see you are thinking that God is much like you and thinks like you think. The way you see the wicked and those who have wronged you and the way you want them to pay for what they have done to the fullest of degrees... but God is not like you. His love is not like yours. What would God want for the wicked? That they would turn from their way and live.
He sees the end result. He sees the way that the wicked are going and He takes no pleasure in it. His desire is that the wicked turn from his way and do what? LIVE! He wanted Israel to live. He wanted the Gentiles to live. He wanted Barabbas to live, that's why Jesus took his place. He desired that Judas would live. He desires that YOU WOULD LIVE! He is not on His throne today rejoicing that people are getting what they deserved. No, He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. So please, for the Gospel's sake, get the scriptures right!
Monday, June 19, 2017
Me Too?
Mark 10:23-27
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
I must confess first this morning and tell you that there were some days in my childhood that I faked being sick and stayed home. Most kids would have been bored out of their minds but I had great shows like, Leave it to Beaver, Perry Mason and Matlock (my favorites) and then the all faithful... I love Lucy. I remember one episode where Lucy was missing little Ricky. She was away and it was his birthday. A young Italian boy found out and convinced her that it was his birthday too. So Lucy threw a big party with cake and gifts for him. Well before long the little boy had rounded up all of his friends and told Lucy that "it waza theira birthaday too..."
Look at how astonished these people were when Jesus told them that it would be hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Their minds couldn't understand what He had just spoken. The rich had it all and if they didn't have it then they had the means in which to get it. But Jesus says it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (gate for persons) than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Notice something that scripture says... "they were astonished out of measure." They couldn't believe it!
It's almost as if our Lord is saying, "It's for you! You don't need money I've paid for it all." Oh how I want to be like this little boy that was on this show. I want to round up everyone that I can and share the Gospel of Jesus with them. I want to tell them that there is a man who is offering salvation and life (gifts and cake) to anyone with a birthday. Aaaaahhhh! There it is! The Key! You must have that spiritual birthday. You must be born again. It'sa Hiza Birthaday Too!
I know what you're thinking. Me too? Would God do this for me too? Yes!
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
I must confess first this morning and tell you that there were some days in my childhood that I faked being sick and stayed home. Most kids would have been bored out of their minds but I had great shows like, Leave it to Beaver, Perry Mason and Matlock (my favorites) and then the all faithful... I love Lucy. I remember one episode where Lucy was missing little Ricky. She was away and it was his birthday. A young Italian boy found out and convinced her that it was his birthday too. So Lucy threw a big party with cake and gifts for him. Well before long the little boy had rounded up all of his friends and told Lucy that "it waza theira birthaday too..."
Look at how astonished these people were when Jesus told them that it would be hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Their minds couldn't understand what He had just spoken. The rich had it all and if they didn't have it then they had the means in which to get it. But Jesus says it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (gate for persons) than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Notice something that scripture says... "they were astonished out of measure." They couldn't believe it!
It's almost as if our Lord is saying, "It's for you! You don't need money I've paid for it all." Oh how I want to be like this little boy that was on this show. I want to round up everyone that I can and share the Gospel of Jesus with them. I want to tell them that there is a man who is offering salvation and life (gifts and cake) to anyone with a birthday. Aaaaahhhh! There it is! The Key! You must have that spiritual birthday. You must be born again. It'sa Hiza Birthaday Too!
I know what you're thinking. Me too? Would God do this for me too? Yes!
Friday, June 16, 2017
The Lord is with Thee!
2 Samuel 7:3
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee.
David had become convicted about living in a house of cedar while the Lord's house was just made of curtains. He had wondered at how he could continue on knowing this. God deserved so much more than a house of curtains and David deserved so much less than a house of cedar. David was moved with humility and also with honor. He wanted God to have greater than himself.
Even today many, many Jewish followers have a portion of their home (usually by the front door) unfinished. This is to represent their devotion to the Temple. They say that their homes shouldn't be finished if God's Temple is in ruins. Regardless of what they are hoping for, their motive of the heart is great. They feel God should have greater.
Look at what was said unto David. Nathan the prophet said to David, "Go, do all that is in thine heart;" This desire that the Lord has placed on you, go and do it. My favorite part is the latter portion of this scripture, "...for the Lord is with thee." With this last part of the scripture God has now eliminated the excuses and doubt that Satan would throw at him. David could have said, "I want to do it Lord, but how? Who is going to help me? Where will we get the funds? I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing..."
God said that whatever was in his heart to do, to do it cause the Lord is with him. Aren't you glad that God is with you? Now wait a minute! What you would want to do for God must be found in the pages of His Word. He will not lead you to do something that is contrary to Him and His will. But if you are led by Him, then have faith and know that He is with you.
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee.
David had become convicted about living in a house of cedar while the Lord's house was just made of curtains. He had wondered at how he could continue on knowing this. God deserved so much more than a house of curtains and David deserved so much less than a house of cedar. David was moved with humility and also with honor. He wanted God to have greater than himself.
Even today many, many Jewish followers have a portion of their home (usually by the front door) unfinished. This is to represent their devotion to the Temple. They say that their homes shouldn't be finished if God's Temple is in ruins. Regardless of what they are hoping for, their motive of the heart is great. They feel God should have greater.
Look at what was said unto David. Nathan the prophet said to David, "Go, do all that is in thine heart;" This desire that the Lord has placed on you, go and do it. My favorite part is the latter portion of this scripture, "...for the Lord is with thee." With this last part of the scripture God has now eliminated the excuses and doubt that Satan would throw at him. David could have said, "I want to do it Lord, but how? Who is going to help me? Where will we get the funds? I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing..."
God said that whatever was in his heart to do, to do it cause the Lord is with him. Aren't you glad that God is with you? Now wait a minute! What you would want to do for God must be found in the pages of His Word. He will not lead you to do something that is contrary to Him and His will. But if you are led by Him, then have faith and know that He is with you.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
No Strength
Psalms 33:22
Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
according as we hope in thee.
If there ever was a time that we need the mercy of our Lord it's now! God, we cry out unto you for thy tender mercies. Your grace is amazing! Your love is overwhelming! Your word is so refreshing to my dry and barren soul. There are times that I feel the heat of the sun has been beating upon my life and I am in need of the water. At times I feel as if I am sinking in the waters of this world and need the security of dry land.
Isn't it crazy that we need help in every situation? We often pray for others and look after others but what about the times you get alone with God? Could you just take time this morning to ask Him for the mercy you need? David said, "Let thy mercy..." He told the Lord that he desired His mercy. David wasn't bowing down before men begging for their mercy that could only last for a moment. He wanted the mercy of God. Undeserved mercy was what he was asking for.
David said, "Let it be upon us, according as we hope in thee." God we are not putting our hope in anything else. We want your mercy and our hope is that you will send it. My hope reaches into or unto Christ Jesus. My hope for the answer is found in the manger. My hope for the sacrifice for sin is found at the cross. My hope for redemption and resurrection is found in the empty tomb. My hope for mercy is found in the merciful!
If there ever was a time I needed You before,
Lord I need You now.
And if there ever was a trial I couldn't handle on my own,
That's how this feels somehow.
If there ever was a child that was crying out for help,
That's what this songs about.
Cause if there ever was a time that I needed You before,
Lord I need You now!
Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
according as we hope in thee.
If there ever was a time that we need the mercy of our Lord it's now! God, we cry out unto you for thy tender mercies. Your grace is amazing! Your love is overwhelming! Your word is so refreshing to my dry and barren soul. There are times that I feel the heat of the sun has been beating upon my life and I am in need of the water. At times I feel as if I am sinking in the waters of this world and need the security of dry land.
Isn't it crazy that we need help in every situation? We often pray for others and look after others but what about the times you get alone with God? Could you just take time this morning to ask Him for the mercy you need? David said, "Let thy mercy..." He told the Lord that he desired His mercy. David wasn't bowing down before men begging for their mercy that could only last for a moment. He wanted the mercy of God. Undeserved mercy was what he was asking for.
David said, "Let it be upon us, according as we hope in thee." God we are not putting our hope in anything else. We want your mercy and our hope is that you will send it. My hope reaches into or unto Christ Jesus. My hope for the answer is found in the manger. My hope for the sacrifice for sin is found at the cross. My hope for redemption and resurrection is found in the empty tomb. My hope for mercy is found in the merciful!
If there ever was a time I needed You before,
Lord I need You now.
And if there ever was a trial I couldn't handle on my own,
That's how this feels somehow.
If there ever was a child that was crying out for help,
That's what this songs about.
Cause if there ever was a time that I needed You before,
Lord I need You now!
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Showing the Love
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
What would you say about this scripture? I've heard some interpret it to mean that in order for Jesus to love you, you must do and keep all the commandments. This is not true. Can I tell you that Jesus Christ loves you and showed His love for you long, long before you ever knew this commandment? God's love for you is not based on how good or bad you are. He loved you even when no one else loved you.
Many of us were unlovable huh? Well not according to the scriptures of God's Word. It tells us in the book of Romans that "While we were yet sinners...Jesus loved us." Did you read that? While we were sinners. Sinners meaning contrary to the will of God. Going against Jesus and His commandments. Sinners meaning lost in our own selfish desires of evil and wrong. God loved us even then... still loves us even now!
The scripture that we are talking about today has nothing to do with God loving us. He has loved you and continues to love you today. It has everything to do with us loving Him. Notice that it says, "If ye love me..." If we say that we love Jesus then something will be different about us. We will keep His commandments. We will strive every day to please and honor Him in everything we do or say. Why? Because we love Him!
What would you think of a married couple if they said they loved one another but lived in adultery behind each other? That will never be an example of showing the love. Showing the love is honoring your vows by keeping them, not breaking them. I know that in our society that is backwards nowadays but no matter how society defines it... God says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments". For the love, SHOW the love.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
What would you say about this scripture? I've heard some interpret it to mean that in order for Jesus to love you, you must do and keep all the commandments. This is not true. Can I tell you that Jesus Christ loves you and showed His love for you long, long before you ever knew this commandment? God's love for you is not based on how good or bad you are. He loved you even when no one else loved you.
Many of us were unlovable huh? Well not according to the scriptures of God's Word. It tells us in the book of Romans that "While we were yet sinners...Jesus loved us." Did you read that? While we were sinners. Sinners meaning contrary to the will of God. Going against Jesus and His commandments. Sinners meaning lost in our own selfish desires of evil and wrong. God loved us even then... still loves us even now!
The scripture that we are talking about today has nothing to do with God loving us. He has loved you and continues to love you today. It has everything to do with us loving Him. Notice that it says, "If ye love me..." If we say that we love Jesus then something will be different about us. We will keep His commandments. We will strive every day to please and honor Him in everything we do or say. Why? Because we love Him!
What would you think of a married couple if they said they loved one another but lived in adultery behind each other? That will never be an example of showing the love. Showing the love is honoring your vows by keeping them, not breaking them. I know that in our society that is backwards nowadays but no matter how society defines it... God says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments". For the love, SHOW the love.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
A Name on the Marquee
Psalms 115:1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
Sitting at a sporting event, there is nothing like the sound of your name being called out. Wow the adrenaline rush that flows through your body! I can remember in high school playing some football and when I would make a tackle they would call my name and number out over the loud speakers. That would make me so excited and pumped up to make another tackle.
I also recall in my high school days, and many elementary days, my name being called out over the school loud speaker... "Steve Abney, please come to the office". My stomach would turn into a thousand knots. I would think, "I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything wrong, well..." Sometimes only to find out that my mom was there to check me out of school, but not always.
In my first year of preaching the Gospel I remember pulling up to a church that I was preaching a revival at and finding my name on the marquee. Just for a moment I thought, "Wow!" Only to have the Holy Spirit convict me to my very core. As a nineteen year old preacher God really set me straight that day by asking me one question. Which name are you hear to glorify? Hopefully there is enough evidence in my life to show you the answer I gave Him.
If your name is lifted higher than the name above all names, no worries. You'll not have long in the ministry of His Gospel. Christian please listen to me this morning when I say that you could do nothing greater in this life than to exalt the name of Jesus! Make sure that when people are standing around your casket or graveside they are talking more about the name of Jesus than yours. Because a name on a marquee will die with its glory, but the name of Jesus will live throughout eternity.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
Sitting at a sporting event, there is nothing like the sound of your name being called out. Wow the adrenaline rush that flows through your body! I can remember in high school playing some football and when I would make a tackle they would call my name and number out over the loud speakers. That would make me so excited and pumped up to make another tackle.
I also recall in my high school days, and many elementary days, my name being called out over the school loud speaker... "Steve Abney, please come to the office". My stomach would turn into a thousand knots. I would think, "I'm pretty sure I didn't do anything wrong, well..." Sometimes only to find out that my mom was there to check me out of school, but not always.
In my first year of preaching the Gospel I remember pulling up to a church that I was preaching a revival at and finding my name on the marquee. Just for a moment I thought, "Wow!" Only to have the Holy Spirit convict me to my very core. As a nineteen year old preacher God really set me straight that day by asking me one question. Which name are you hear to glorify? Hopefully there is enough evidence in my life to show you the answer I gave Him.
If your name is lifted higher than the name above all names, no worries. You'll not have long in the ministry of His Gospel. Christian please listen to me this morning when I say that you could do nothing greater in this life than to exalt the name of Jesus! Make sure that when people are standing around your casket or graveside they are talking more about the name of Jesus than yours. Because a name on a marquee will die with its glory, but the name of Jesus will live throughout eternity.
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