Matthew 9:2
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Lyrics from a song that I used to sing were...
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows, Are you tired of spinning round and round
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life at the feet of Jesus lay them down
CHORUS
Give them all, Give them all, Give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, Wounded hearts, Broken toys
Give them all, Give them all, Give them all to Jesus
And he will turn your sorrow into joy
He never said you’d only see sunshine, He never said there’d be no rain
He only promised a heart full of singing about the very things that once caused pain
Sometimes we have no idea what we should do. We know as Christians where to go. We know what to pray, and even if we don't know what to say we know that God will understand us through the Spirit and our groanings. But sometimes we are at a loss for words and wisdom and we don't know what to do. Kinda like when you were a child and had that new toy. It broke and all you knew to do was take it to your dad and see if he could fix it.
Can I help you today? Take whatever the broken thing is in your life and carry it to Jesus. Did you notice that the friends of this man sick with the palsy brought him to Jesus. They picked him up and brought him to the only man they knew who could heal him. The only one who could comfort him.
Bring all those broken pieces and bring them to Jesus.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Monday, May 8, 2017
"Cut That Grass For Free..."
Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Years ago a movie came out that some of you may know of called, "Forrest Gump". In that movie he was paid to cut the grass of the Alabama football field but then he came into money from a fruit company and he never had to work again. He then made the statement, "And cause I was a gazillionaire, and I liked doing it so much, I cut that grass for free."
Is it the awards you are seeking in serving God? The accolades and trophies? David was anointed to be the King over all of Israel. He had the position of leadership. Awards and praises were a part of his everyday life. He was the one the people praised and said that Saul had slain his thousands and David his ten-thousands. Can't you hear the story of how he faced Goliath being told unto all the children of Israel time and time again? His days of being a shepherd to his now being the King?
But David says in our scripture today, "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand..." One day in your house God is better than a thousand in the field of battle. It is better than standing on an awards block and receiving a gold medal of valor. Then he said, "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Just a doorkeeper! Wait a minute, Just a doorkeeper? You are satisfied with just being a servant? Holding the door?
What about you this morning? Have you realized that being in the house of God for a day is better than a thousand days of praise and pampering? Is being a doorkeeper at the house of God is enough? Is serving God your goal, or is being noticed and praised in your serving what you seek?
You can have this world, it's wealth and riches
I don't need earth's power.
It's my desire, to live for Him
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Years ago a movie came out that some of you may know of called, "Forrest Gump". In that movie he was paid to cut the grass of the Alabama football field but then he came into money from a fruit company and he never had to work again. He then made the statement, "And cause I was a gazillionaire, and I liked doing it so much, I cut that grass for free."
Is it the awards you are seeking in serving God? The accolades and trophies? David was anointed to be the King over all of Israel. He had the position of leadership. Awards and praises were a part of his everyday life. He was the one the people praised and said that Saul had slain his thousands and David his ten-thousands. Can't you hear the story of how he faced Goliath being told unto all the children of Israel time and time again? His days of being a shepherd to his now being the King?
But David says in our scripture today, "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand..." One day in your house God is better than a thousand in the field of battle. It is better than standing on an awards block and receiving a gold medal of valor. Then he said, "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Just a doorkeeper! Wait a minute, Just a doorkeeper? You are satisfied with just being a servant? Holding the door?
What about you this morning? Have you realized that being in the house of God for a day is better than a thousand days of praise and pampering? Is being a doorkeeper at the house of God is enough? Is serving God your goal, or is being noticed and praised in your serving what you seek?
You can have this world, it's wealth and riches
I don't need earth's power.
It's my desire, to live for Him
Friday, May 5, 2017
The Living Dead
James 2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
It seems that our society is overwhelmed with zombies and death nowadays. In the 70's a movie came out called "The Night of the Living Dead". This movie was about dead people coming out of the ground and feasting on the brains of the living. I remember thinking that we could have solved this problem by sending them all to DC. They would have starved to death looking for brains there, hahaha.
God is telling us this morning that we can't say we are alive and still be dead. Many Christians are living in this nation who are professors of salvation but lack the Spirit. James says you cannot profess the Spirit and have no works. Our works are what shows our salvation unto others. If they don't see our works then how will they see salvation?
How could a faith that can't bring you twenty miles down the road to worship Christ who saved you take you to Heaven? How can a faith that can't bring you to glorify Him through your words and actions bring you into everlasting life with God?
Let me ask you a question... What about your life? It really doesn't matter about others, only you. You are probably alone reading this, so answer it truthfully. Are you walking through life still dead in sin? Are you trying to become something called a Christian, or have you surrendered your life to the master potter who will form and create you into a true Christian? Like a zombie, do you continue to search and search, wondering around? Mindlessly walking about with your arms stretched in front of you but still dead? No life? No breath? No direction? No rest or peace?
Come to the only one I know who can raise the dead unto life. His name is Jesus!
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
It seems that our society is overwhelmed with zombies and death nowadays. In the 70's a movie came out called "The Night of the Living Dead". This movie was about dead people coming out of the ground and feasting on the brains of the living. I remember thinking that we could have solved this problem by sending them all to DC. They would have starved to death looking for brains there, hahaha.
God is telling us this morning that we can't say we are alive and still be dead. Many Christians are living in this nation who are professors of salvation but lack the Spirit. James says you cannot profess the Spirit and have no works. Our works are what shows our salvation unto others. If they don't see our works then how will they see salvation?
How could a faith that can't bring you twenty miles down the road to worship Christ who saved you take you to Heaven? How can a faith that can't bring you to glorify Him through your words and actions bring you into everlasting life with God?
Let me ask you a question... What about your life? It really doesn't matter about others, only you. You are probably alone reading this, so answer it truthfully. Are you walking through life still dead in sin? Are you trying to become something called a Christian, or have you surrendered your life to the master potter who will form and create you into a true Christian? Like a zombie, do you continue to search and search, wondering around? Mindlessly walking about with your arms stretched in front of you but still dead? No life? No breath? No direction? No rest or peace?
Come to the only one I know who can raise the dead unto life. His name is Jesus!
Thursday, May 4, 2017
It Ain't You
Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
From Dr. Phil to Oprah, we hear that the power to do or the power to change is inside of us. We are told that we need to love ourselves and find our strength within us. A "pick yourself up by the boot straps" ideology. But God's Word speaks a different message.
Zerubbabel was a man of God who helped Joshua rebuild the altar of the Lord and then began work on the Temple. He became governor and was a leader to look up to. One day God sent a messenger to speak unto him about things in his life. This angel said, "Look at this lampstand". Zerubbabel did and told him of everything he saw. He said that there was a lampstand that went up and branched out into seven lamps. Think about Zerubbabel seeing these lamps burning and wondering what in the world God was trying to tell him. Then God sent His Word. Did you notice that this Word from God was straight to Zerubbabel? God said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit..."
Do you see it yet? In the image God shared with Zerubbabel there was a lampstand with seven lamps. These burning lamps were made of gold from the hands of man. They had wicks that were made and trimmed by the hands of man. Lastly they had oil inside of them that was poured by the instruments of men, but was made and given by God Almighty. Sure we plant the seed, water the ground, and pick the harvest. Sure we beat the olives until the oil pours from their brokenness. But the truth is and always will be, God is the one who has made and given the oil.
He was saying to Zerubbabel, "You are the wick that gives off my light, but I am the oil that supplies the flame". It's not our might, or our power, but the Holy Spirit of God who is inside of us that allows us to shine so brightly. Do me a favor this morning... Take the batteries out of the flashlight and let me know how bright it is. Take the oil from this lampstand and you will not have any light.
If you try to receive salvation without the Spirit you're just as dark and dim. If you try to do ministry on your own you will quit because it ain't in you, IT'S THROUGH YOU that He works. Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord!
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
From Dr. Phil to Oprah, we hear that the power to do or the power to change is inside of us. We are told that we need to love ourselves and find our strength within us. A "pick yourself up by the boot straps" ideology. But God's Word speaks a different message.
Zerubbabel was a man of God who helped Joshua rebuild the altar of the Lord and then began work on the Temple. He became governor and was a leader to look up to. One day God sent a messenger to speak unto him about things in his life. This angel said, "Look at this lampstand". Zerubbabel did and told him of everything he saw. He said that there was a lampstand that went up and branched out into seven lamps. Think about Zerubbabel seeing these lamps burning and wondering what in the world God was trying to tell him. Then God sent His Word. Did you notice that this Word from God was straight to Zerubbabel? God said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit..."
Do you see it yet? In the image God shared with Zerubbabel there was a lampstand with seven lamps. These burning lamps were made of gold from the hands of man. They had wicks that were made and trimmed by the hands of man. Lastly they had oil inside of them that was poured by the instruments of men, but was made and given by God Almighty. Sure we plant the seed, water the ground, and pick the harvest. Sure we beat the olives until the oil pours from their brokenness. But the truth is and always will be, God is the one who has made and given the oil.
He was saying to Zerubbabel, "You are the wick that gives off my light, but I am the oil that supplies the flame". It's not our might, or our power, but the Holy Spirit of God who is inside of us that allows us to shine so brightly. Do me a favor this morning... Take the batteries out of the flashlight and let me know how bright it is. Take the oil from this lampstand and you will not have any light.
If you try to receive salvation without the Spirit you're just as dark and dim. If you try to do ministry on your own you will quit because it ain't in you, IT'S THROUGH YOU that He works. Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord!
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
He-Loves-Us Salvation Club
Acts 11:16-18
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
I made a statement the other day about an episode of the "Little Rascals" and their He-Man Woman Haters club. As I was studying the scriptures this morning, God put this in my studies. Now you remember the club right? Spanky was their fearless leader but he wanted Alfalfa to be the president of the club. He said that no one hated women more than his buddy Alfalfa. But we know this wasn't true. Alfalfa was in love with Darla, dear sweet delightful Darla. When the others found out about this love he had they wanted him removed from the club and wanted justice.
Well if you were to take the time this morning to go back and read the whole chapter of Acts 11 you could see this same scenario. Peter had been with the Gentiles and his Jewish friends wanted to know what in the world he was doing with them. How could he have had fellowship with such a people like the Gentiles? Peter begins to explain what happened when he preached unto them. He said when he preached unto them about Jesus that the Holy Ghost fell on them just like it had fallen upon Peter and the others in the beginning.
Then read again what Peter said, "Then remembered I the word of the Lord,..." He recalled the words of Jesus. Jesus told them that John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. When we receive Jesus Christ as our savior, through the preached word of God, we are baptized with the Holy Ghost. We receive the Holy Ghost when we believe.
Peter is basically telling his friends, "How could I not let them in the club? Can I withstand God, or can I stop God?" When the Jewish believers heard this, they stopped their talk and praised God for what He has done.
Lord, I want to take the time this morning to tell you thank you for letting me in the family. Thank you for your salvation and adoption of me. Thank you Holy Ghost for in-dwelling my life every since the day I believed. I'm very proud to be a part of the He-Loves-Us Salvation Club. Been a member for twenty-two years now. How long have you been in the family?
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
I made a statement the other day about an episode of the "Little Rascals" and their He-Man Woman Haters club. As I was studying the scriptures this morning, God put this in my studies. Now you remember the club right? Spanky was their fearless leader but he wanted Alfalfa to be the president of the club. He said that no one hated women more than his buddy Alfalfa. But we know this wasn't true. Alfalfa was in love with Darla, dear sweet delightful Darla. When the others found out about this love he had they wanted him removed from the club and wanted justice.
Well if you were to take the time this morning to go back and read the whole chapter of Acts 11 you could see this same scenario. Peter had been with the Gentiles and his Jewish friends wanted to know what in the world he was doing with them. How could he have had fellowship with such a people like the Gentiles? Peter begins to explain what happened when he preached unto them. He said when he preached unto them about Jesus that the Holy Ghost fell on them just like it had fallen upon Peter and the others in the beginning.
Then read again what Peter said, "Then remembered I the word of the Lord,..." He recalled the words of Jesus. Jesus told them that John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. When we receive Jesus Christ as our savior, through the preached word of God, we are baptized with the Holy Ghost. We receive the Holy Ghost when we believe.
Peter is basically telling his friends, "How could I not let them in the club? Can I withstand God, or can I stop God?" When the Jewish believers heard this, they stopped their talk and praised God for what He has done.
Lord, I want to take the time this morning to tell you thank you for letting me in the family. Thank you for your salvation and adoption of me. Thank you Holy Ghost for in-dwelling my life every since the day I believed. I'm very proud to be a part of the He-Loves-Us Salvation Club. Been a member for twenty-two years now. How long have you been in the family?
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
What Just Happened?
1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
It was my 12th birthday. I'll never forget it, even though it was twenty-six years ago. Mom and dad gave me a party at the church where we attended. It was in the park the church owned below the church building and I invited everyone I knew. My birthday cards were awesome and I received $92.00 from family and friends, which was really good back then. But then my dad pulled up with my brand new motorcycle. Baby blue, Yamaha 80, street and dirt edition. Oh, it had a headlight, turn signals, chrome details. It was an unforgettable birthday. But that wasn't why it was so unforgettable.
I remember begging them to let me get that motorcycle off of the truck and ride it through the field at my party. Dad said, "No buddy, you can ride it when we get home there is too many kids here." I answered with, "I know what I'm doing, I ain't gonna run over anyone." But he held his ground, as he always did, and needless to say I didn't ride my motorcycle at the party.
As soon as we pulled into our driveway at the house I started. I jumped out of the truck and started unstrapping that bad boy. Got my helmet on and fired it up like it was a Harley. I remember hearing my mom and dad, mom mostly, saying something about taking it easy and being careful. I think I heard something about paying attention as I crossed our street into the church yard across from us. Man I was gettin' it! Switching gears like a pro. Checking out all my switches and knobs. I had it down pat and was only on it for a few minutes. BAAAAAAAAAAMMMMM!
Something threw me off the bike, I flew backwards and my bike hit the telephone pole. I still think it was a Sasquatch that threw me off of the bike, because I had everything in control. I never saw that guide wire. I hurt myself and busted the left turn signal off of my brand new motorcycle.
You know what? You may think you have it all together this morning. Life is good and you are in total control. Why would I need Jesus, church or a Bible study? You don't understand Steve, things in my life are okay and I've got this...BAAAAAAAAMMMM! Watch out for those guide wires. Take heed lest you fall. Tomorrow you could be saying, "What just happened?"
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
It was my 12th birthday. I'll never forget it, even though it was twenty-six years ago. Mom and dad gave me a party at the church where we attended. It was in the park the church owned below the church building and I invited everyone I knew. My birthday cards were awesome and I received $92.00 from family and friends, which was really good back then. But then my dad pulled up with my brand new motorcycle. Baby blue, Yamaha 80, street and dirt edition. Oh, it had a headlight, turn signals, chrome details. It was an unforgettable birthday. But that wasn't why it was so unforgettable.
I remember begging them to let me get that motorcycle off of the truck and ride it through the field at my party. Dad said, "No buddy, you can ride it when we get home there is too many kids here." I answered with, "I know what I'm doing, I ain't gonna run over anyone." But he held his ground, as he always did, and needless to say I didn't ride my motorcycle at the party.
As soon as we pulled into our driveway at the house I started. I jumped out of the truck and started unstrapping that bad boy. Got my helmet on and fired it up like it was a Harley. I remember hearing my mom and dad, mom mostly, saying something about taking it easy and being careful. I think I heard something about paying attention as I crossed our street into the church yard across from us. Man I was gettin' it! Switching gears like a pro. Checking out all my switches and knobs. I had it down pat and was only on it for a few minutes. BAAAAAAAAAAMMMMM!
Something threw me off the bike, I flew backwards and my bike hit the telephone pole. I still think it was a Sasquatch that threw me off of the bike, because I had everything in control. I never saw that guide wire. I hurt myself and busted the left turn signal off of my brand new motorcycle.
You know what? You may think you have it all together this morning. Life is good and you are in total control. Why would I need Jesus, church or a Bible study? You don't understand Steve, things in my life are okay and I've got this...BAAAAAAAAMMMM! Watch out for those guide wires. Take heed lest you fall. Tomorrow you could be saying, "What just happened?"
Monday, May 1, 2017
Waiting on God to Move
2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Do you remember what the Bible says in the very beginning? It says that God moved upon the face of the deep. God moved! I don't believe you're understanding this morning, God moved... I love it when God moves. I have read in the scriptures where people had no hope or answer for their situation and God moved upon their lives and rescued them.
Think about it... Moses and the people of Israel were standing with a great sea in front of them and a horrible army behind them. Then God moved... Joshua and these same children of God were standing before high walls of Jericho and were told to march around and around them. Then God moved... Gideon was facing over 190,000 enemies of God with his 300 men and then, yep, God moved... The world was full of sin and denial of God and His glory so He sent His Son to redeem sinful man and we saw God move... Soldiers were guarding a grave of a man that had lived like no other man, a man that had loved like no other man, a man that had died like no other man. Then it happened... God moved! With the greatest love we could ever know, He moved that stone away from the door and brought out His Only Begotten Son that we could have life! Amen!
At times in my life, when I feel that I need God to move, He doesn't do it in a whirlwind, earthquake or etc... It's in His Words. Thank you Lord for moving upon these holy men of God. Thank you for the sweet Holy Spirit that moved upon their lives, hearts, ears and pens as they wrote down the infallible word of God. Please move upon me and these others as we read it again this morning. You may be waiting on a spiritual song, spiritual sign, or etc... to happen in your life. Can I tell you that it's a shame for us to beg God to move in an awesome way in our lives while holding a closed Bible? Open it and let Him move.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Do you remember what the Bible says in the very beginning? It says that God moved upon the face of the deep. God moved! I don't believe you're understanding this morning, God moved... I love it when God moves. I have read in the scriptures where people had no hope or answer for their situation and God moved upon their lives and rescued them.
Think about it... Moses and the people of Israel were standing with a great sea in front of them and a horrible army behind them. Then God moved... Joshua and these same children of God were standing before high walls of Jericho and were told to march around and around them. Then God moved... Gideon was facing over 190,000 enemies of God with his 300 men and then, yep, God moved... The world was full of sin and denial of God and His glory so He sent His Son to redeem sinful man and we saw God move... Soldiers were guarding a grave of a man that had lived like no other man, a man that had loved like no other man, a man that had died like no other man. Then it happened... God moved! With the greatest love we could ever know, He moved that stone away from the door and brought out His Only Begotten Son that we could have life! Amen!
At times in my life, when I feel that I need God to move, He doesn't do it in a whirlwind, earthquake or etc... It's in His Words. Thank you Lord for moving upon these holy men of God. Thank you for the sweet Holy Spirit that moved upon their lives, hearts, ears and pens as they wrote down the infallible word of God. Please move upon me and these others as we read it again this morning. You may be waiting on a spiritual song, spiritual sign, or etc... to happen in your life. Can I tell you that it's a shame for us to beg God to move in an awesome way in our lives while holding a closed Bible? Open it and let Him move.
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