John 3:19-21
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
I don't want you to be afraid when you go to bed tonight but have you ever thought about all those little things that come out at night? Those creepy and crawly things? We know it's true. The bugs, mice and all kinds of other things come out at night. (I kept it nice I didn't say... roaches, rats, and spiders - haha) They crawl around searching for some kind of tasty treat. It could be some crumbs that fell from the table that day or they could just be searching for some warmth under the covers with you. (OK, I'm done with the scary stories) What I'm getting at is that they do this all under the cover of the darkness.
When we hear something or feel something crawling around at night what is the first thing we do, after jumping and slinging the covers into the air? We say, "Turn on the light!!!!" When we do that what happens? Those little things are revealed and run as fast as they can to find a dark place away from the light.
Once my wife and I were woke up in the middle of the night to a sound in our bathroom. Now if it was a burglar, they had passed all the prized possessions while entering the bathroom, but maybe they had to go. Anyway, Patti nudged me and told me something was in the bathroom. So I got up and turned on the light. Remember now this was about two or three in the morning so my eyes were not adjusted just yet. There it was, over beside the bathtub, the biggest rat I had ever seen in my life! Huge! This thing was evidently eating our Wheaties cereal every night. As I approached it for the capture it started hissing at me. Then I realized this was no rat, but an opossum. This little evil thing wasn't going back to the dark without taking me with it. I would like to tell you that I called the Opossum Hunter and he safely bagged it and released it into the wild, maybe your yard, but it didn't happen that way.
Without the light I would have never seen it. Let me tell you, if I would have ventured into the bathroom that night with no light and it was just me and him, well it would have been like releasing a tornado in an open field of trees. It would have been messed up! The light showed me and continued to show me where it was. Pray this morning that the Light of the Word will show you those creepy and crawly things that you need to stay away from or get rid of in your life. Don't let them run back into the cover of darkness because as soon as the light is back off they are coming right back out. Pray that God reveals sin in your life and then confess it when He shines light upon it. Ask the Lord to turn on the light!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
I Thought Better of You
Hebrews 6:9
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
There is no statement that I hate to hear more than, "I thought better of you." Remember when you were younger and your parents would give you that line? Maybe it was when you were the older child in the bunch and you all did something foolish. Then when it came time to hand out the punishment you got that "You're older, you should have known better" speech.
Those words would make us feel horrible because we knew it was the truth. We should have set the example or the standard. Instead, we became the ring leader of it all.
God is telling us today that He desires better things of us. What do you think those things are? Fruits of the Spirit would be my guess. Fruits that accompany salvation. Remember this statement, "Why don't you act your age?" I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to say that to some folks that say they are saved. Then I realize that some can't act this way or have fruit that accompany salvation because they don't have true salvation. They can’t bear fruit because they have no good seed. Why do we want people to act saved when they could truly BE saved and have things that accompany salvation.
What are the things that accompany your life? Are they things of salvation and the actions of a child of God? What are you doing? I thought better of you. Call out to Him now and ask Him for salvation and allow Him to grow you into a fruit producing Christian.
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
There is no statement that I hate to hear more than, "I thought better of you." Remember when you were younger and your parents would give you that line? Maybe it was when you were the older child in the bunch and you all did something foolish. Then when it came time to hand out the punishment you got that "You're older, you should have known better" speech.
Those words would make us feel horrible because we knew it was the truth. We should have set the example or the standard. Instead, we became the ring leader of it all.
God is telling us today that He desires better things of us. What do you think those things are? Fruits of the Spirit would be my guess. Fruits that accompany salvation. Remember this statement, "Why don't you act your age?" I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to say that to some folks that say they are saved. Then I realize that some can't act this way or have fruit that accompany salvation because they don't have true salvation. They can’t bear fruit because they have no good seed. Why do we want people to act saved when they could truly BE saved and have things that accompany salvation.
What are the things that accompany your life? Are they things of salvation and the actions of a child of God? What are you doing? I thought better of you. Call out to Him now and ask Him for salvation and allow Him to grow you into a fruit producing Christian.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Starting Something
Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Most days we want nothing but good things to happen to us right? We are sensitive people these days and want everything to go good and accordingly. If something happens that is perceived tough or hard we feel as though someone is being mean and bullying us. When a negative comment or action comes from us or toward us we feel as if the devil is attacking us. If it persists then we get to the point where we think it must be God that is mad at us.
Doesn't this sound childish? If it doesn't it could be because you are still growing. Don't get mad. I'm not picking on you but I'm trying to help us all. If everyday is not smooth and good then we start our whining. Come on now...keep reading. Don't give up.
If everyday was positive and good what would we learn? Nothing! What if our car battery only had the positive side and no negative side? No power. Now flip that around, if we only had a negative side then the only place it would take us is misery. We must have a positive and negative side. If we are ever going to start something our lives must have a positive and negative side post. We must learn to discern both good and evil. We must learn how to live through the positive and negative things that WILL happen to us. We must grow in Christ through blessings and trials, through victories and suffering, through the positive times and negative times.
Thank you for staying to the end... Now go start something!
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Most days we want nothing but good things to happen to us right? We are sensitive people these days and want everything to go good and accordingly. If something happens that is perceived tough or hard we feel as though someone is being mean and bullying us. When a negative comment or action comes from us or toward us we feel as if the devil is attacking us. If it persists then we get to the point where we think it must be God that is mad at us.
Doesn't this sound childish? If it doesn't it could be because you are still growing. Don't get mad. I'm not picking on you but I'm trying to help us all. If everyday is not smooth and good then we start our whining. Come on now...keep reading. Don't give up.
If everyday was positive and good what would we learn? Nothing! What if our car battery only had the positive side and no negative side? No power. Now flip that around, if we only had a negative side then the only place it would take us is misery. We must have a positive and negative side. If we are ever going to start something our lives must have a positive and negative side post. We must learn to discern both good and evil. We must learn how to live through the positive and negative things that WILL happen to us. We must grow in Christ through blessings and trials, through victories and suffering, through the positive times and negative times.
Thank you for staying to the end... Now go start something!
Friday, February 16, 2018
Never Satisfied
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
You've just finished a nice dinner and are fully satisfied. Is there any better feeling than being hungry and having that hunger satisfied? Don't misunderstand me now. I'm not talking about stuffing yourself so much until you feel miserable. No I'm talking about being hungry and eating until that hunger is satisfied. That is a great feeling that not everyone has the privilege of knowing. Some never know it because of over eating. Some because they don't have anything to eat.
Let me share a story with you from when I was younger. I was the child that always wanted more. Not at the dinner table, well maybe sometimes, but in all things. If there was one of something I wanted another. Well my dad tried to whip it out of me and mom would try also but this attitude never left. My dad would always say, "Never satisfied!" To which I always rolled my eyes and thought he didn't know what he was talking about.
He was right! I was always missing something more. There were always great things happening to me but I wanted something more because it never satisfied me. I was the one who over ate on everything the world offered. I was the one who didn't eat right because I didn't have Christ. But then I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and suddenly there was a satisfaction in my soul. Sure, I still want things at times but I have found out that if it is not something needed then I will be content.
Some will tell you that you need a Snicker bar, but I know what you need... a Savior. Thank you Jesus for the satisfaction of my heart.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Part of the Family
Proverbs 18:9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
What is being slothful in work? Not being on time? Not being efficient? Yes that's what the Word of God is telling us this morning. God doesn't want us to be lazy or slothful in our working. He desires that whatever we are doing, that we would do it as if we were doing the job for Him. If you were to take a look at just these last thirty days of your life, what would you find? Would you be able to say that you have worked at all things as if you were doing it for the Lord Himself?
What about at work? Many of us today work for a paycheck and that is all. Slothfulness or laziness is constant in our routine because we only get paid so much, so we only do so much. The employer asks you to go a little farther and you say, "That's not my job". But then when the raises are handed out you wonder why you didn't get one. Sound familiar?
What about your family/marriage? How hard did you work on that the last thirty days? I understand that marriage and family shouldn't always be viewed as a job, but believe this or not...sometimes it is discipline that keeps things structured. Working at keeping your selfish desires put aside so that the desires of your spouse or children are fulfilled can be labor at times. So many dad's today think that putting in all the overtime and giving materialistic things to the family is all they need. Well that is not working out to well for the families. Many mom's think purchasing the finest clothing, keeping up with the "in" crowd is all the family needs. Again, that's not working to well. Don't be lazy in your marriage. You could be asleep one day and wake up to realize that everything or everyone is gone.
Look at the last part of our scripture. The one who is slothful in his work is a brother to him that is a waster. How true! Laziness is always accompanied by wastefulness. The scripture says that they are brothers. There have been times that people come up to me and say, "Are you so-in-so's brother?" I say, "Yes, I am. How did you know?" Most every time they answer, "Because you look alike" or "I just knew you were related".
How did your evaluation go? Who are you working for? Let Christ be the one you labor for in all things and see if He doesn't bless you in all things. Don't be related to these two brothers.
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
What is being slothful in work? Not being on time? Not being efficient? Yes that's what the Word of God is telling us this morning. God doesn't want us to be lazy or slothful in our working. He desires that whatever we are doing, that we would do it as if we were doing the job for Him. If you were to take a look at just these last thirty days of your life, what would you find? Would you be able to say that you have worked at all things as if you were doing it for the Lord Himself?
What about at work? Many of us today work for a paycheck and that is all. Slothfulness or laziness is constant in our routine because we only get paid so much, so we only do so much. The employer asks you to go a little farther and you say, "That's not my job". But then when the raises are handed out you wonder why you didn't get one. Sound familiar?
What about your family/marriage? How hard did you work on that the last thirty days? I understand that marriage and family shouldn't always be viewed as a job, but believe this or not...sometimes it is discipline that keeps things structured. Working at keeping your selfish desires put aside so that the desires of your spouse or children are fulfilled can be labor at times. So many dad's today think that putting in all the overtime and giving materialistic things to the family is all they need. Well that is not working out to well for the families. Many mom's think purchasing the finest clothing, keeping up with the "in" crowd is all the family needs. Again, that's not working to well. Don't be lazy in your marriage. You could be asleep one day and wake up to realize that everything or everyone is gone.
Look at the last part of our scripture. The one who is slothful in his work is a brother to him that is a waster. How true! Laziness is always accompanied by wastefulness. The scripture says that they are brothers. There have been times that people come up to me and say, "Are you so-in-so's brother?" I say, "Yes, I am. How did you know?" Most every time they answer, "Because you look alike" or "I just knew you were related".
How did your evaluation go? Who are you working for? Let Christ be the one you labor for in all things and see if He doesn't bless you in all things. Don't be related to these two brothers.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Are You Serious?
Psalms 37:5
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the Lord,
and thy thoughts shall be established.
What is commitment? It is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, someone, etc... This is a word that is rarely used today. The level of true commitment is drained under the disguise of pleasure. We are spoon fed a philosophy of "do what makes you happy" or "you need to make yourself happy first". I don't know about you, but I don't enjoy everything that I have to do, or should I say need to do. Let me show you some examples.
I hate, yes hate, having to eat right. I would love to drown a biscuit in some gravy. Wrap my hands around a double bacon cheeseburger. I hate having to eat salads and stay away from taters. I hate paying to have an oil change in our vehicles. Believe this or not, but some days I don't like to work. There it is, I said it! But do you know what I like? I love stepping on the scales and seeing my weight come down. I love getting in my vehicle and knowing that it will probably get me to my destination. I absolutely love getting a paycheck and purchasing things I need... and a few things I desire.
A coach once told me that sometimes you have to do the things you don't want to in order to be dedicated or committed. Are you spending your life as a Christian waiting on the Lord to take you home but yet your commitment to Him is no where to be found? Many want Heaven without repentance or a walk dedicated to Jesus. Are you serious? What if the Lord took the same interest in commitment toward you that you have toward Him? Where would that leave you?
Something to SERIOUSLY think about...
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the Lord,
and thy thoughts shall be established.
What is commitment? It is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, someone, etc... This is a word that is rarely used today. The level of true commitment is drained under the disguise of pleasure. We are spoon fed a philosophy of "do what makes you happy" or "you need to make yourself happy first". I don't know about you, but I don't enjoy everything that I have to do, or should I say need to do. Let me show you some examples.
I hate, yes hate, having to eat right. I would love to drown a biscuit in some gravy. Wrap my hands around a double bacon cheeseburger. I hate having to eat salads and stay away from taters. I hate paying to have an oil change in our vehicles. Believe this or not, but some days I don't like to work. There it is, I said it! But do you know what I like? I love stepping on the scales and seeing my weight come down. I love getting in my vehicle and knowing that it will probably get me to my destination. I absolutely love getting a paycheck and purchasing things I need... and a few things I desire.
A coach once told me that sometimes you have to do the things you don't want to in order to be dedicated or committed. Are you spending your life as a Christian waiting on the Lord to take you home but yet your commitment to Him is no where to be found? Many want Heaven without repentance or a walk dedicated to Jesus. Are you serious? What if the Lord took the same interest in commitment toward you that you have toward Him? Where would that leave you?
Something to SERIOUSLY think about...
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The Odds Are In Your Favor
Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
While Jesus was pleading for their forgiveness, they were gambling. We see in this scripture that the article they were gambling for was his garment. But if will look deeper, we will see that it was much more than that. They were gambling with their lives.
The Son of God was right above them. He was praying that his Father would forgive because they were ignorant of what they were doing. He was giving his life for theirs. He would have clothed them with righteousness instead of those old rags they cast lots for. If only they would have looked up. If only they would have thrown themselves upon Jesus. He would have given them the greatest riches that this world has ever known.
Think with me of that scene... Pharisees crying out for the death of Jesus, some followers weeping about Jesus, Roman soldiers giving out commands and now find themselves sitting down at his feet gambling for his clothes. If only they knew.
Are you gambling at his feet today? So many come so close to God and then walk away with some type of garment, but never receive that righteous robe and glorious crown. Come to Jesus now! Realize right now how close you are to the Savior. Let me finish by saying... "These odds are in your favor"
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