Acts 20:27
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
As you approach the witness stand you are met with the bailiff who asks you this question... "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" Although through the years this oath or promise has been altered it is still basically the same everywhere. It's a question to your witness of the truth.
Well there would be no need to ask the Apostle Paul this question. In the scriptures he has already stated that he told every truth that he knew of God. As Paul is about to board a ship and depart he reminds the people of what his mission was unto them. With every ounce of Spirit inside him he never shunned or missed an opportunity to tell them all the counsel of God. Letting them know always of the truth that had set himself free from sin.
I wonder if Paul were permitted to approach us today with the question, "Did you tell them?" what would be our answer? Notice that God chose the word have not "shunned" to declare unto you... You see when we aren't willing to tell the truth then we are leaving the people in darkness. We are really shunning them when we don't reveal the light and life of truth unto them. Some today believe that you are shunning them or even downing them when you call the truth to their lives, but the scripture teaches us that to not tell the truth would be shunning them.
God has called us to speak the truth of His counsel unto the people today. Can you answer this for me? Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? What is your answer? Lastly, don't attempt to share your version of the truth. Do as they say and "Just state the facts for us..."
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Using a Proper Tool
Philemon 1:11
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
As a child every time my dad would go outside and work on something I was there right beside him. I have always been interested in how things work. One of my favorite things is tools, especially new tools. I can remember when dad would say, "Go get me the split-ring pliers." I would have absolutely no clue what he would be talking about but then he would show them to me and I would remember for the next time. Some of the memories that I have is using all those tools in the yard for digging and my experiments. Dad would go looking for those tools and he couldn't find them and then all of the sudden I would remember that I used them last. I would run out, find them and bring them to him. (not much has changed today except he is the one getting the tools now, haha)
I remember once we were changing the brakes on a vehicle and dad asked me for the "brake tool". This is a funny shaped tool that is used for adjusting the brakes in a wheel drum. There is absolutely no other use for this tool than adjusting the brakes in these drums. Sure you could open a paint can lid with it but that's really not it's purpose. As I read the scripture this morning I recall how many times we pulled out that "brake tool". Out of all my life it has probably been used five to ten times. In all of our working together, and in all of our building things together, it was never really profitable unto us.
You know, there are days that I am sure I was of no use. Things that God needed done, and I was unprofitable. You see I haven't always been the choice tool. But what fills me with joy this morning is that although at times I was unprofitable, or not the tool of choice that day, God finds me profitable today and hopefully chooses to use me. Can you just imagine all of us in a giant tool box together? God searching for that perfect tool to use and fix a broken heart or life?
Maybe it's you today! Maybe you're the tool of choice. You know that the Bible says... "some plant, some water, but God gives the increase." Like a song that my friend sings, "Lord, let me be the glove in which you place your hand."
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
As a child every time my dad would go outside and work on something I was there right beside him. I have always been interested in how things work. One of my favorite things is tools, especially new tools. I can remember when dad would say, "Go get me the split-ring pliers." I would have absolutely no clue what he would be talking about but then he would show them to me and I would remember for the next time. Some of the memories that I have is using all those tools in the yard for digging and my experiments. Dad would go looking for those tools and he couldn't find them and then all of the sudden I would remember that I used them last. I would run out, find them and bring them to him. (not much has changed today except he is the one getting the tools now, haha)
I remember once we were changing the brakes on a vehicle and dad asked me for the "brake tool". This is a funny shaped tool that is used for adjusting the brakes in a wheel drum. There is absolutely no other use for this tool than adjusting the brakes in these drums. Sure you could open a paint can lid with it but that's really not it's purpose. As I read the scripture this morning I recall how many times we pulled out that "brake tool". Out of all my life it has probably been used five to ten times. In all of our working together, and in all of our building things together, it was never really profitable unto us.
You know, there are days that I am sure I was of no use. Things that God needed done, and I was unprofitable. You see I haven't always been the choice tool. But what fills me with joy this morning is that although at times I was unprofitable, or not the tool of choice that day, God finds me profitable today and hopefully chooses to use me. Can you just imagine all of us in a giant tool box together? God searching for that perfect tool to use and fix a broken heart or life?
Maybe it's you today! Maybe you're the tool of choice. You know that the Bible says... "some plant, some water, but God gives the increase." Like a song that my friend sings, "Lord, let me be the glove in which you place your hand."
Friday, April 14, 2017
You Mad?
John 8:45
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
Jesus was having a very hard conversation with these people. He was trying to show them the error of their ways. Jesus told them that they could not see the truth because they were blinded by their sins. He said that if they would listen to the truth that it could set them free but because they wouldn't listen they had become angry with Jesus.
Isn't it just like us to get angry with people when they tell us the truth? It is probably because we know that it's the truth. You see people lie everyday just to make others happy. Husband's tell their wives, "Yes, you look great" only because they want them to hurry. Wives tell their husbands, "No that shirt isn't tight." What happens when you actually tell them that they couldn't possibly be ready yet or that the shirt isn't tight but that it's their belly poking out? We get angry because of the truth.
The truth brings us to an action to do right or do the right thing. This is why the people hated Jesus. When He spoke the truth, it caused the people to see themselves in light of what God sees. They saw their flaws and sins. The truth revealed their wrongs and their wrongs brought them to repentance or rejection. In this case the people rejected Jesus and notice how they turned the tables. They said Jesus must have a devil in Him.
One of the funny things in the life of a preacher is that when truth is read or spoken from God's Word people will either respond in repentance or rejection. They will either trust that God sent them help for their lives or they will completely reject it and turn their anger toward the messenger. You ask how I would know this? Let me just say that I know it all too well. So can I remind you today that when you speak truth, let it first be filled with love and lastly be finished in grace. Speak the truth as though you are speaking it to yourself and then leave it alone. Some will repent, some will reject but all will respond.
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
Jesus was having a very hard conversation with these people. He was trying to show them the error of their ways. Jesus told them that they could not see the truth because they were blinded by their sins. He said that if they would listen to the truth that it could set them free but because they wouldn't listen they had become angry with Jesus.
Isn't it just like us to get angry with people when they tell us the truth? It is probably because we know that it's the truth. You see people lie everyday just to make others happy. Husband's tell their wives, "Yes, you look great" only because they want them to hurry. Wives tell their husbands, "No that shirt isn't tight." What happens when you actually tell them that they couldn't possibly be ready yet or that the shirt isn't tight but that it's their belly poking out? We get angry because of the truth.
The truth brings us to an action to do right or do the right thing. This is why the people hated Jesus. When He spoke the truth, it caused the people to see themselves in light of what God sees. They saw their flaws and sins. The truth revealed their wrongs and their wrongs brought them to repentance or rejection. In this case the people rejected Jesus and notice how they turned the tables. They said Jesus must have a devil in Him.
One of the funny things in the life of a preacher is that when truth is read or spoken from God's Word people will either respond in repentance or rejection. They will either trust that God sent them help for their lives or they will completely reject it and turn their anger toward the messenger. You ask how I would know this? Let me just say that I know it all too well. So can I remind you today that when you speak truth, let it first be filled with love and lastly be finished in grace. Speak the truth as though you are speaking it to yourself and then leave it alone. Some will repent, some will reject but all will respond.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Always and by All Means
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Do you see the key word today? It's "all". Keep that in mind as we look at the rest of the scripture.
God's Words says, The Lord of Peace HIMSELF..." First of all thank you Lord for the fact that it's you. You didn't send someone else to give us peace but you brought it yourself. Thank you Jesus for not sending another messenger because they weren't recieving it from them. Thank you for not sending another sign because the people, like myself, were blinded by those same signs. Thank you so much for coming yourself. Thank you for bringing me Your peace, delivered by your own nail pierced hands.
Second, look at what He is giving. It's His peace! This is what the world is looking for and coming up short so often. What is peace? Never having a problem and a life full of ease? No, it's knowing that through all the struggles and problems, He is the greater answer. Peace is knowing that God is there, that He cares and understands what our pain and hurt is. It's knowing that He has the answer and that He is with us every step.
Third, notice how often He will give us this peace... "Always by all means". No matter what, God will give us His peace ALWAYS and by ALL means. This tells me that God is ready to give you peace right now and in any way possible. Ask Him!
God, through your Son Jesus, please give us the peace that passes all of our understanding. Please send us the peace that only you can give. God for the one thinking that they can't handle another problem or situation, give them peace. Lord, just like the demonic man in the graveyard who couldn't find any rest, give them that kind of peace as they fall down before you right now.
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Do you see the key word today? It's "all". Keep that in mind as we look at the rest of the scripture.
God's Words says, The Lord of Peace HIMSELF..." First of all thank you Lord for the fact that it's you. You didn't send someone else to give us peace but you brought it yourself. Thank you Jesus for not sending another messenger because they weren't recieving it from them. Thank you for not sending another sign because the people, like myself, were blinded by those same signs. Thank you so much for coming yourself. Thank you for bringing me Your peace, delivered by your own nail pierced hands.
Second, look at what He is giving. It's His peace! This is what the world is looking for and coming up short so often. What is peace? Never having a problem and a life full of ease? No, it's knowing that through all the struggles and problems, He is the greater answer. Peace is knowing that God is there, that He cares and understands what our pain and hurt is. It's knowing that He has the answer and that He is with us every step.
Third, notice how often He will give us this peace... "Always by all means". No matter what, God will give us His peace ALWAYS and by ALL means. This tells me that God is ready to give you peace right now and in any way possible. Ask Him!
God, through your Son Jesus, please give us the peace that passes all of our understanding. Please send us the peace that only you can give. God for the one thinking that they can't handle another problem or situation, give them peace. Lord, just like the demonic man in the graveyard who couldn't find any rest, give them that kind of peace as they fall down before you right now.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
But Ye, Brethren...
2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
But Ye... But Ye... Brethren. Before you can understand this scripture you must understand that it's not to the world, but to the church people. It's not to the person in the White House, but unto you. It's not to the leader of the Hells Angels, but unto you. It's not even to the person sitting beside you in the pew or the one behind the pulpit, but it's to Ye!
Now that God has your attention listen to what He is trying to tell us. "Be not weary in well doing..." God doesn't tell us that we shouldn't be weary. Jesus himself was weary and sat on a well one time. Weariness will come in our lives daily. We come home from working a full day and all we can do is pass out every night because we are tired. Weariness will come!
But He says to not be weary in in well doing. Now some have never gotten tired of well doing, but I must confess that I have. So what is well doing? It is righteousness. It is seeking God or sharing God. He is reminding us today that we should not let ourselves get tired of seeking God. We should not let ourselves get tired of sharing God. Oh, but we do don't we?
The truth is that we all can become weary in serving and sharing. The reason for our weariness is that sometimes we depend upon our own strength and our own wisdom. God tells us that when we are laboring in the Lord that we must depend on the Lord for the strength. Today, put your strength away and rely on Jesus. Put away your wisdom and pick up His Word.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
But Ye... But Ye... Brethren. Before you can understand this scripture you must understand that it's not to the world, but to the church people. It's not to the person in the White House, but unto you. It's not to the leader of the Hells Angels, but unto you. It's not even to the person sitting beside you in the pew or the one behind the pulpit, but it's to Ye!
Now that God has your attention listen to what He is trying to tell us. "Be not weary in well doing..." God doesn't tell us that we shouldn't be weary. Jesus himself was weary and sat on a well one time. Weariness will come in our lives daily. We come home from working a full day and all we can do is pass out every night because we are tired. Weariness will come!
But He says to not be weary in in well doing. Now some have never gotten tired of well doing, but I must confess that I have. So what is well doing? It is righteousness. It is seeking God or sharing God. He is reminding us today that we should not let ourselves get tired of seeking God. We should not let ourselves get tired of sharing God. Oh, but we do don't we?
The truth is that we all can become weary in serving and sharing. The reason for our weariness is that sometimes we depend upon our own strength and our own wisdom. God tells us that when we are laboring in the Lord that we must depend on the Lord for the strength. Today, put your strength away and rely on Jesus. Put away your wisdom and pick up His Word.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Something To Build On
Habakkuk 2:12
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!
The Babylon that Nebuchadnezzar built was one of great beauty. The walls, gates, and streets of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon were a tribute to the king’s love of beauty and its magnificent hanging gardens were one of the wonders of the ancient world. The people built this city on the plundering and pillaging of other cities, even Jerusalem. The saddest part of it all is the fact that it fell to the Medes and the Persians. Babylon was great and beautiful but built from sin and blood. It's destruction was in its foundation.
Few people today attempt this same construction work. They believe by tearing down others that it will establish them more. How is this done? Many people do their most destructive work with their tongues than a hammer. When someone finds out that another person has sin in their lives they pillage off of them. Word after word, they lay a foundation of other peoples faults so that their own lives seem equal or better.
Do you remember getting in trouble as a child? Dad would call your name out and you would listen to him correct you and just before the discipline time would come you would say, "Clint did it too". A call out for justice and equality right? No! You just wanted someone else to go down with you. You saw the crack in your foundation and was ready to point out the one that someone else had in theirs.
Stop building your home or life on the faults and blood of others. Stop laying blocks that are not even yours. Start your foundation off on the only foundation that is laid in truth, righteousness and salvation. This foundation is Jesus!
1 Corinthians 3:9-11
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!
The Babylon that Nebuchadnezzar built was one of great beauty. The walls, gates, and streets of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon were a tribute to the king’s love of beauty and its magnificent hanging gardens were one of the wonders of the ancient world. The people built this city on the plundering and pillaging of other cities, even Jerusalem. The saddest part of it all is the fact that it fell to the Medes and the Persians. Babylon was great and beautiful but built from sin and blood. It's destruction was in its foundation.
Few people today attempt this same construction work. They believe by tearing down others that it will establish them more. How is this done? Many people do their most destructive work with their tongues than a hammer. When someone finds out that another person has sin in their lives they pillage off of them. Word after word, they lay a foundation of other peoples faults so that their own lives seem equal or better.
Do you remember getting in trouble as a child? Dad would call your name out and you would listen to him correct you and just before the discipline time would come you would say, "Clint did it too". A call out for justice and equality right? No! You just wanted someone else to go down with you. You saw the crack in your foundation and was ready to point out the one that someone else had in theirs.
Stop building your home or life on the faults and blood of others. Stop laying blocks that are not even yours. Start your foundation off on the only foundation that is laid in truth, righteousness and salvation. This foundation is Jesus!
1 Corinthians 3:9-11
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Something You Can Be Sure Of
Numbers 32:23
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
What a word of God this morning. If we will not obey, behold, it is sin against the Lord:... But look at that last part...and be sure your sin will find you out. Man what a strong word of God. So strong that it shakes our foundation, or at least it should.
When I was growing up in my teenage years my parents would give me that speech before I went out on a Friday night. You know the one... "Son, I'm trusting you to do the right thing. If you don't, then know this... I will find out." In the beginning I would be terrified. I was trying my best to do the right thing and make the right decisions. Then the weekend came that my choices were not so good, as a matter of fact they were very, very sinful. When I came home that night no one caught me. Hmmmm, I had gotten away with it! So that next time I got the "talk" I kinda thought, "Yeah right, I know, I know...you'll find out."
Then it happened. My sinful choices brought the law into action (literally). My phone call home that night was one that I never wanted to make (and thank God that I have never made again). But my sins had finally caught up with me. The police had a list of three different laws broken against me. There was no hiding anymore. I'll never forget waking up the next morning and answering the telephone. My grandmother was on the other end asking what I had done. I said, "How do you know?" She told me that she heard about it somewhere (beauty shop!).
Monday morning when I walked into school people were pointing and eventually asking me about it. How did these people know all this stuff? It found me! No, all the stuff that I had done up until that point never found me out, but this one did. Look at the scripture one more time with me this morning. "BE SURE" your sin will find you out. God says you can count on it.
How do we deal with this? Confess your sin and don't cover your sin. God says you will be blessed when you confess your sins.
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
What a word of God this morning. If we will not obey, behold, it is sin against the Lord:... But look at that last part...and be sure your sin will find you out. Man what a strong word of God. So strong that it shakes our foundation, or at least it should.
When I was growing up in my teenage years my parents would give me that speech before I went out on a Friday night. You know the one... "Son, I'm trusting you to do the right thing. If you don't, then know this... I will find out." In the beginning I would be terrified. I was trying my best to do the right thing and make the right decisions. Then the weekend came that my choices were not so good, as a matter of fact they were very, very sinful. When I came home that night no one caught me. Hmmmm, I had gotten away with it! So that next time I got the "talk" I kinda thought, "Yeah right, I know, I know...you'll find out."
Then it happened. My sinful choices brought the law into action (literally). My phone call home that night was one that I never wanted to make (and thank God that I have never made again). But my sins had finally caught up with me. The police had a list of three different laws broken against me. There was no hiding anymore. I'll never forget waking up the next morning and answering the telephone. My grandmother was on the other end asking what I had done. I said, "How do you know?" She told me that she heard about it somewhere (beauty shop!).
Monday morning when I walked into school people were pointing and eventually asking me about it. How did these people know all this stuff? It found me! No, all the stuff that I had done up until that point never found me out, but this one did. Look at the scripture one more time with me this morning. "BE SURE" your sin will find you out. God says you can count on it.
How do we deal with this? Confess your sin and don't cover your sin. God says you will be blessed when you confess your sins.
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