Psalms 61:1
Hear my cry, O God;
attend unto my prayer.
What is your biggest concern in prayer? Is it an answer? Most every Christian comes to prayer seeking an answer. We want an immediate response as if God is a magic eight ball or Siri. We live in a world of quick responses and even quicker results. We want our food faster. Our diets more effective with less effort. We desire more for our dollar and all knowledge thanks to Wikipedia. We are going about this all wrong! Prayer is not to be used as a hotline of blessings or information. It is our communication of a blessed relationship with God.
David was at a place where his concern was God just simply hearing his prayer. Have you ever just stopped and said, "God, I don't want to ask anything of you. I just want you to hear me today. I just want you to know me. Know that I love you. Know that I need you. Know that I can do nothing without you."
If we are not careful we can come to prayer with an answer to that request already in place within our minds. Then our prayers can be altered by telling God what we think we need. If we could only understand the power of prayer when we come empty and dependent! We should be more concerned that He hears us than what we think He should do.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Fill In The Blank
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
"O ________, keep that which is committed to thy trust..." Fill in that blank with your name. How good of a job are you doing at keeping the truth of God's Word? Not just in your life, but also in keeping it the pure and true knowledge in the days which we live?
Our lives, as disciples of Christ, have been deposited with the goods. The goods being the truth of the Word through the Holy Spirit. We have the highest valued deposit in our hearts and lives. How are you keeping it?
Many want the government to keep up with it. Some want the Pastor and the church to keep up with it. But God has trusted you with it. We are to keep it secure! If feels like too many have Barney Fife guarding the goods. (Like the time the gold was coming through Mayberry) Maybe it's because we don't see the value of what is in this deposit. We tend to entertain profane and vain babbling. We sit at the table of the so called educated that ridicule and despise our Lord and Savior. We should be making some deposits. We should speak the truth of the Word of God in Love to a world that is heading to Hell.
Now, read it again and place your name there in the blank. I'm not gonna ask you how you were keeping it this time. No, that's already been asked. I want you to answer two things for yourself.
1 - How valuable is the deposit of grace, salvation and truth that God has placed in me?
2 - What can I now do to keep it? Not keeping for salvation or keeping it to yourself, but guarding it from sin in your own life and sharing it with others.
It is too valuable of a treasure to keep to yourself or for others to trample on
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
"O ________, keep that which is committed to thy trust..." Fill in that blank with your name. How good of a job are you doing at keeping the truth of God's Word? Not just in your life, but also in keeping it the pure and true knowledge in the days which we live?
Our lives, as disciples of Christ, have been deposited with the goods. The goods being the truth of the Word through the Holy Spirit. We have the highest valued deposit in our hearts and lives. How are you keeping it?
Many want the government to keep up with it. Some want the Pastor and the church to keep up with it. But God has trusted you with it. We are to keep it secure! If feels like too many have Barney Fife guarding the goods. (Like the time the gold was coming through Mayberry) Maybe it's because we don't see the value of what is in this deposit. We tend to entertain profane and vain babbling. We sit at the table of the so called educated that ridicule and despise our Lord and Savior. We should be making some deposits. We should speak the truth of the Word of God in Love to a world that is heading to Hell.
Now, read it again and place your name there in the blank. I'm not gonna ask you how you were keeping it this time. No, that's already been asked. I want you to answer two things for yourself.
1 - How valuable is the deposit of grace, salvation and truth that God has placed in me?
2 - What can I now do to keep it? Not keeping for salvation or keeping it to yourself, but guarding it from sin in your own life and sharing it with others.
It is too valuable of a treasure to keep to yourself or for others to trample on
Monday, April 2, 2018
Show Them The Gospel
Titus 2:7-8
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.
Are good works important in the life of a Christian? Sure they are. It is the fruit that hangs from our tree. It is the Gospel in action many times. We understand that it is possible to say whatever we want but to be what we say we are is much different. You could stand in the garage and say you are a car, but you would never be a car. You could say that you start on the offensive line for the best NFL team in the nation and come game time you would never be found. Even on the roster. Saying one thing and being one thing are very different.
Look at what God tells us... In all things show a pattern of good works. Why? Because when Christ saved you, He created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). In doctrine, we should show a grounding and sincerity in the truth and in our speech. Why? So that no condemnation or questioning of our life would be held against us.
Did you notice "show" was a theme in these verses? We can say many things, but showing is much more effective. Spread the Word of God today. Tell them every scripture, every commandment and every truth. Don't forget to show it with every ounce of grace, mercy and love that you can.
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.
Are good works important in the life of a Christian? Sure they are. It is the fruit that hangs from our tree. It is the Gospel in action many times. We understand that it is possible to say whatever we want but to be what we say we are is much different. You could stand in the garage and say you are a car, but you would never be a car. You could say that you start on the offensive line for the best NFL team in the nation and come game time you would never be found. Even on the roster. Saying one thing and being one thing are very different.
Look at what God tells us... In all things show a pattern of good works. Why? Because when Christ saved you, He created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). In doctrine, we should show a grounding and sincerity in the truth and in our speech. Why? So that no condemnation or questioning of our life would be held against us.
Did you notice "show" was a theme in these verses? We can say many things, but showing is much more effective. Spread the Word of God today. Tell them every scripture, every commandment and every truth. Don't forget to show it with every ounce of grace, mercy and love that you can.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Look, Wait and Pray
Micah 7:7
Therefore I will look unto the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation:
my God will hear me.
Stop, Drop and Roll was the slogan back in my elementary school days. It was to teach us about fire procedures. If there was any chance of you or your clothing were on fire you Stop! Drop! Roll! It is something that I have always remembered. Step one, two and three. Very simple and easy.
This morning our scripture is just as simple and easy to remember. Look, Wait and Pray. To understand it we must understand what was taking place around these scriptures. Micah was speaking of not being able to trust in a friend or a guide. Son's were dishonoring their fathers and daughters were rising up against their mothers. There seemed to be a blazing fire all around Micah.
Then the scriptures break into this plan. Pray! In everything we do we should pray. Look! Look unto Jesus. Ask Him everyday to help you stay focused upon Him and His perfect will. (This is my biggest struggle...keeping my eyes off of others and on Jesus). Then the grand finale! Wait! What? Oh, this is the hardest. Pray, Look and Wait. I almost had them all down to an art until that last one was placed in there.
God, teach me to pray. Teach me to look. Teach me to wait. Sounds like a simple plan of action. So let's never forget it and actually do it.
Therefore I will look unto the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation:
my God will hear me.
Stop, Drop and Roll was the slogan back in my elementary school days. It was to teach us about fire procedures. If there was any chance of you or your clothing were on fire you Stop! Drop! Roll! It is something that I have always remembered. Step one, two and three. Very simple and easy.
This morning our scripture is just as simple and easy to remember. Look, Wait and Pray. To understand it we must understand what was taking place around these scriptures. Micah was speaking of not being able to trust in a friend or a guide. Son's were dishonoring their fathers and daughters were rising up against their mothers. There seemed to be a blazing fire all around Micah.
Then the scriptures break into this plan. Pray! In everything we do we should pray. Look! Look unto Jesus. Ask Him everyday to help you stay focused upon Him and His perfect will. (This is my biggest struggle...keeping my eyes off of others and on Jesus). Then the grand finale! Wait! What? Oh, this is the hardest. Pray, Look and Wait. I almost had them all down to an art until that last one was placed in there.
God, teach me to pray. Teach me to look. Teach me to wait. Sounds like a simple plan of action. So let's never forget it and actually do it.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Good Manners
Acts 17:2-3
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
Did you love the beginning of this scripture as much as I did? Look at it... "Paul, as his manner was,..." I want you to think about something this morning. Let's think about the testimony of Paul. Hopefully you have read or heard of this man. He used to be called Saul, but now is called Paul.
While He was Saul, what did he do? He grew up understanding about God and the Holy Scriptures. He was well versed in the Old Testament and the keeping of the law. Saul grew up a good man and probably with good manners. I'm almost certain that most people would have said great things about young Saul. The older crowd loved him and influenced him apparently because we find him standing with the crowd that stoned Stephen to death. Saul then took on the role of an upholder of the law and persecutor of the Christian church.
But something happened to Saul one day while traveling to his next persecution. The Lord Jesus met him on the way and saved him. Saul was never the same since that day. Even in his name, Paul was changed. He studied the scriptures more and more. He began to see Jesus Christ in all things. God moved upon Paul and changed his manners. Some would say that Paul was a good mannered boy his whole life, but now he is a great mannered man.
"As his manner was...." He went to the places that needed Christ. He spoke with these Jews for three sabbath days. Most would have given up, but Paul's manner was to reason with them. Look at how he accomplished this... "opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered," He showed them that the Christ (Messiah) in the word of God must have suffered, and that He would rise again from the dead. Then he reasoned with them about the fact that this Christ (Messiah) is Jesus.
Do you have the manners that Paul had? Are you willing to reason with people about Jesus? Tell the world you come in contact with today that "this Jesus" is the Christ.
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
Did you love the beginning of this scripture as much as I did? Look at it... "Paul, as his manner was,..." I want you to think about something this morning. Let's think about the testimony of Paul. Hopefully you have read or heard of this man. He used to be called Saul, but now is called Paul.
While He was Saul, what did he do? He grew up understanding about God and the Holy Scriptures. He was well versed in the Old Testament and the keeping of the law. Saul grew up a good man and probably with good manners. I'm almost certain that most people would have said great things about young Saul. The older crowd loved him and influenced him apparently because we find him standing with the crowd that stoned Stephen to death. Saul then took on the role of an upholder of the law and persecutor of the Christian church.
But something happened to Saul one day while traveling to his next persecution. The Lord Jesus met him on the way and saved him. Saul was never the same since that day. Even in his name, Paul was changed. He studied the scriptures more and more. He began to see Jesus Christ in all things. God moved upon Paul and changed his manners. Some would say that Paul was a good mannered boy his whole life, but now he is a great mannered man.
"As his manner was...." He went to the places that needed Christ. He spoke with these Jews for three sabbath days. Most would have given up, but Paul's manner was to reason with them. Look at how he accomplished this... "opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered," He showed them that the Christ (Messiah) in the word of God must have suffered, and that He would rise again from the dead. Then he reasoned with them about the fact that this Christ (Messiah) is Jesus.
Do you have the manners that Paul had? Are you willing to reason with people about Jesus? Tell the world you come in contact with today that "this Jesus" is the Christ.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Do You Recall?
Lamentations 3:21
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
Waves are beating against the ship. You are struggling between fear and fight. Boards are cracking and the sails are torn. Over one wave and through the next! Minute after minute and hour after hour this goes on. A storm of a lifetime is having its way! At that moment it seems as if there is nothing but the fear of death, and even death itself, on your mind. Those around you yell, "We're not gonna make it!"
What do you do in these moments? You knew the storm was coming. You did everything possible to prepare for it. You made sure the ropes were in good condition. Anchors were set and ready. You knew that this storm was forecast to be a bad one. You made sure your prayers were up-to-date and favorite Bible verse was in place at the stern. But you had no idea that it was going to be like this!
All of the sudden a wave tackles the boat and you're rocked across the bow. You think for a moment... "What do I do?" Struggling to get back to the wheel at the stern you see it. There it is. Fastened to the stern. That scripture. No matter what book or verse it is taken from, there it reads as if the light of the Holy Ghost is shining on it. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all..." "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him..." "Let not your heart be troubled..." "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not..." "giveth peace that passeth all understanding..."
No matter which one you choose we can be like Jeremiah today and say, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Jeremiah was remembering God's faithfulness. In every storm recall His words and call out to the Savior, Jesus Christ.
MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS,
THAN JESUS' BLOOD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS!
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
Waves are beating against the ship. You are struggling between fear and fight. Boards are cracking and the sails are torn. Over one wave and through the next! Minute after minute and hour after hour this goes on. A storm of a lifetime is having its way! At that moment it seems as if there is nothing but the fear of death, and even death itself, on your mind. Those around you yell, "We're not gonna make it!"
What do you do in these moments? You knew the storm was coming. You did everything possible to prepare for it. You made sure the ropes were in good condition. Anchors were set and ready. You knew that this storm was forecast to be a bad one. You made sure your prayers were up-to-date and favorite Bible verse was in place at the stern. But you had no idea that it was going to be like this!
All of the sudden a wave tackles the boat and you're rocked across the bow. You think for a moment... "What do I do?" Struggling to get back to the wheel at the stern you see it. There it is. Fastened to the stern. That scripture. No matter what book or verse it is taken from, there it reads as if the light of the Holy Ghost is shining on it. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all..." "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him..." "Let not your heart be troubled..." "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not..." "giveth peace that passeth all understanding..."
No matter which one you choose we can be like Jeremiah today and say, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Jeremiah was remembering God's faithfulness. In every storm recall His words and call out to the Savior, Jesus Christ.
MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS,
THAN JESUS' BLOOD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
All We Need Is Love
1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Years ago, across radio waves, a song came through...
There's nothing you can make that can't be made
No one you can save that can't be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy
All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need
The Beatles wrote and sang this song. As you can now guess, love was the central theme to this song. It told us that what the world could use was love and that it was all we really needed. How true!
But this love is not a worldly defined love. The love the world offers must have something in return. There must be some type of return or payment for its love. This is not so with the love of God. When we love as God loved there is "no one you can save that can't be saved".
Lord, teach me to love the adulterer that was thrown at your feet. Teach me to love the priest that walked by the man beaten half-to-death on the side of the road. Teach me to love the murderer that you swapped places with, realizing it was me the whole time. Teach me to love the religiously proud leader who blindly can't see who you really are. Finally, teach me to love the vilest of sinners and the righteous of saints.
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