Preacher's Blog

The Son of the Vomiter? Huh?

2012-01-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

A first glance at the primary verse of the thirtieth chapter of Proverbs may cause some confusion. If Solomon wrote the Proverbs, who could this Agur person be? And who is the Jakeh from which he came? Who are Ithiel and Ucal to whom he is speaking these words?

We have to remember that Proverbs is one of the five books of poetry in the Bible, along with Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. All of which Solomon had a hand in writing. Like his father David, Solomon was given to aesthetics. Unlike David, he was not a fighter, but like dad, he was a lover. I mean, 700 wives and 300 concubines? He knew the best pick-up lines, how best to phrase them and when to use them. "I compare you, oh my love, to a company of horses." (Canticles 1) What potential concubine wouldn't fall for that line!

Being a man of descriptive words, Solomon gives us some very interesting descriptors in verse one.

Here is how the Latin Vulgate gives this verse:
Verba congregantis filii vomentis: visio, quam locutus est sir, cum quo est Deus, et qui Deo secum morante confortatus, ait.

And now, the translation: “The words of the collector, the son of the vomiter: the vision of the man who has God with him, and who is fortified by God dwelling with him, saith.”

Strong's defines our four entities as:
Agur - gathered
Jakeh - obedient
Ithiel - God has arrived
Ucal - devoured

Hence, Solomon has gathered this prophecy in obedience upon the arrival of the Lord (in His wisdom) and has meditated on them. From this wise prophecy, Solomon then shares it with us.

What have we gathered from the Lord? Having meditated upon what we have received, will we be obedient to the message His Spirit has given us?

Investigator Howe, Rest in Peace

2012-01-26T06:39:00.001-08:00

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Late last evening, our Senior Chaplain called me with some tragic news and asked me to come in to police headquarters to help minister to the officers who minister to us.

Investigator Tony Howe was tragically taken from us last night in an auto accident which occurred while travelling on the Interstate from York to Lincoln where he has worked for the past 8 years with LPD. He had previously served with the York Police Department and the York County Sherriff’s Office. At one time he was a K-9 officer.

Our prayers are with his young wife and three young children and his LPD family.

Tony was greatly loved and respected by our department and will be greatly missed.

Tony, RIP.

Fearing Man or Trusting God

2012-01-25T06:18:00.000-08:00

J. Frank Norris

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Great freedom ensues when we give up our fear of man and trust God comepletely.

Daniel threw open his windows and prayed when the law said it was illegal. Down into the lion's den he went for his disregard of the king's decree. But God took good care of the man who feared only Him.

Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego stood firm in defiance of the command to do obeisance to the idol when the music played. Into the furnace they went for their lack of fear of the king. But God walked in the fire with them and not a hair of their heads was seared.

Pharaoh’s chariots bore down upon the Jews as they stood on the shore of the Red Sea, but Moses, who had met God at the burning bush, would not fear the Egyptian armies. Instead, he raised his cane over the sea and proclaimed, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!" The waters parted, Israel crossed over on dry ground and their assailants were drowned as the waters returned.

The Disciples preached when the magistrates told them they couldn't. "We ought to obey God rather than men." they replied and then preached to the very ones who told them they couldn't. They sought to slay them but God used Gamaliel to speak up on behalf of the Disciples. They were beaten and released. But the Apostles went on their way rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus' name. The result... "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."

It was said of J. Frank Norris, the old time, fighting fundamentalist, that he feared nothing or no man, only God. He accomplished amazing things that no lily-livered preacher could ever dream of.

Harvey Springer, while preaching the gospel, had a shotgun aimed at his chest by a man who hated him. He approached the man, put the barrel to his chest and said, "Go ahead and pull that trigger, God isn't through with me yet." The man pulled the trigger and the gun misfired.
Mordecai Ham was threatened relentlessly by his detractors, especially those of the liquor industry, yet he preached in power and their threats and attempts on his life failed each time. He brought over 61 thousand people to the Lord in Texas and almost 56 thousand in Tennessee.
But, how we cower in a corner when some little namby-pamby limp wrist shoots us a scornful look. We shrink from sharing the gospel. When are we going to realize that "God plus me is a majority!"?

The problems ensue and the snares come, not from us disobeying man, but from us shrinking from boldness in the faith.

Stand up for God today. Let the world know that the Bible is true, Jesus saves and you cannot be silenced.

Say with the three Hebrew children, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Dan 3:16-18

Control Yourself!

2012-01-24T04:52:00.000-08:00

Pro 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Reactions can be very telling. People who lack self-control can wind up saying words they may have to eat.

We are in the midst of debate season as one political party is narrowing down their candidates toward selecting their nominee to run against the incumbent from the other party.

In every debate, at least one candidate allows others to get under their skin and then says something that hurts them in the polls, something they wish they had never said.

Fact is, it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. So we ought to keep a close guard on what is in our heart and what we think about, because it is going to escape from our lips when the pressure is on.

Besides reacting with our words, we may also let our uncontrolled spirit spill out in other negative ways. Pride, lust and anger may overflow from a spirit that we fail to rule and the result is likened to a broken down city left defenseless.

God has gifted us with passion, some much more than others, but we must keep a bridle on those passions. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to help us control an unruly spirit within us.

Guard your heart today, tame your tongue, temper your thoughts, rule your spirit. Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit and have His way in you.

Practice Making Your Angry Face

2012-01-23T06:03:00.000-08:00

Prov 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Back-stabbers, Back-biters, Back-Sliders. Sure, they need grace and forgiveness. But what they really need is to get back right with God! Proverbs tells us to give them a displeased look of anger to put a stop to their hurtful ways.

You know the look. It's the one you got when you accidentally taped over your wedding video. It's the one you received when you forgot your child's school concert.

Give that same look to the guy or gal going around separating one friend from another with their razor sharp, poison dipped tongue. Let them know that your ears are not going to be a dumping ground for their garbage. The responsibility to stop the sowing of discord is ours and it is a simple as an angry countenance.

Feeding Your Enemy

2012-01-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

Pro 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Can you honestly say that if you found your enemy in need of sustenance you would be willing to feed him or her?

I have known supposed Christian people who are wont to be pretty cruel and uncaring about those with whom they have locked horns in the past.

A preacher I once knew had this to say about a former staff member, "If he was on fire, I wouldn't walk across the street to p** on him to put him out." I wonder, if since, he has said the same about me.

Where is the humanity and where is the Christianity? When we see another person suffering and in need, how can we not have compassion on them, in spite of what they might have done to us in the past?

I can think, even now, about some folks who would consider me their enemy. Yes, sweet, loveable me! But I really don't care to count myself as an enemy to them. If they found themselves down and out, I would be more than happy to buy them a meal and help them get back on their feet. This is just the Christian thing to do.

Who knows, in showing undeserved kindness, there just might be a chance for reconciliation or for winning them to Jesus. And that, Paul says, is to be our ministry, reconciliation.

There is a reward from the Father promised if we seize the opportunity to be kind to those who are counted as opposition.

Alas, perhaps our enemy may be family!

Consider the account of the song "Taps"
"TAPS" is the song a bugler plays for a military funeral.

We have all heard the haunting melody of "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be pleased to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who was severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.

Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward the encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son.

The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was denied since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.This wish was granted. The haunting melody, which we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals, was born.

TAPS

Day is done Fading light Thanks and praises
Gone the sun Dims the sight For our days
From the lakes And a star Neath the sun
From the hills Gems the sky Neath the stars
From the sky Gleaming bright Neath the sky
All is well, From afar As we go
Safely rest. Drawing nigh This we know
God is nigh. Falls the night God is nigh.

Choose Your Words Carefully

2012-01-21T08:05:00.000-08:00

Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Isn't this just one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible? As the Holy Spirit inspired this verse, as the writer penned it and as the translators gave it to us in our tongue, each must have considered this verse as words fitly spoken.

I remember the days when I was weekly ministering on the Ute Indian reservation in Colorado. To speak to these folks could be very frustrating. They generally studied the floor during the entire sermon as if they were ignoring the message. When you talked to them one on one, they were very slow to respond. The extended dead air that hung between my comment and their reply was extremely uncomfortable.

Finally, someone explained to me how their culture dictated that they think deeply on a matter before answering. I was made aware that they were listening intently to every word, but it would be considered impolite to immediately respond. That would be indicating that they weren't really considering the matter. Therefore, no "amens" were offered during the sermons.

By the way, another cultural more’ was that they should not look a stranger in the eye, especially for more than a moment. The reason being that said stranger might be a witch and exercise control over them in that moment of exchanged gazes.

Meanwhile, back at the farm…

We tend to shoot off at the mouth without really putting those apples of gold into their pictures of silver. In our culture, we start our response before our counterpart has even finished his sentence. Rude, rude, rude.

You've seen it on the cable news programs. The host won't even allow his guest to answer the question before they begin opining. If the guest calls them on the carpet for their lack of consideration, they spout back, "It's my show, not yours!" How discourteous!

What we need is less monologue and more dialogue. Words can have great power. But they can also be completely meaningless. Some tend to have diarrhea of the mouth (Yikes! Talk about words fitly spoken!)

So, slow down, be more contemplative. Encourage, teach, edify with carefully chosen words. Allow your speech to be helpful and meaningful rather than blah, blah, blah.

Will a Man Contend with God?

2012-01-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

Job 9:1 Then Job answered and said,
Job 9:2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
Job 9:4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?
Job 9:5 Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.
Job 9:6 Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.
Job 9:7 Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
Job 9:8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.
Job 9:9 Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.
Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.
Job 9:11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not.
Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?
Job 9:13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
Job 9:14 How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?

The word “contend” in verse 3 means to grapple, or wrestle, whether physically or mentally, such as in a debate of controversy.

Imagine that, a person debating God! Can you conceive of an individual in a physical match with the Universe’s Creator. What a complete mismatch! As the heavens are high above the earth, so much higher are His ways than ours, His thoughts than ours.

Fighting or arguing with the Lord would be akin to Einstein matching wits with a little baby, or Mike Tyson squaring off in a ring against a quadriplegic. Could you imagine Michael Phelps in a pool racing against Donald Trump? Or Donald Trump bidding against a beggar at an art auction? Do you get the idea? Let’s match up the champs of the Super Bowl on a gridiron with the Pee Wee champs of Paducah, Kentucky. It just wouldn’t be a fair game.

We chuckle at the attempts of the likes of Richard Dawkins, Bill Maher and Christopher Hitchens to tangle with God, but, for heaven’s sake, tell my why in the world we who are believers would go toe to toe daily against the Lord? Why do we try to match wits with the one whom verse 3 says we wouldn’t prevail against in even one out of a thousand questions in a game of Trivial Pursuit?

He laid out the stars, we lay eggs (figuratively, of course). Hey spoke the worlds into existence, I get tongue tangled talking to myself. He invented physics, gravity, the laws of nature, I have invented…well, nothing. He stretched out the neck of the giraffe, I can only stretch the truth. He loved the world, I have a hard time loving my neighbor (don’t be too hard on me, you don’t know my neighbor!).

So why do I think I am going to win a wrestling match with the Lover of my Soul? I am not, but, like Jacob of old, I will wrestle all night with Him until I am crippled. Finally, I let go and let God and, like Jacob, I am blessed.

We lowly humans are so pumped up with pride and ego. Even though our win/loss record in contending with the Father currently tallies about 1,416,327 to 0, we still answer the bell for the next round and another slaughter.

So Job considers the greatness of God and His matchless ability: He moves mountains, shakes the earth, tells the sun when to shine, puts the stars in place, walks upon the seas, designs the Zodiac, He gives and takes away.

How are you going to contend with that? Rather, just get on His side, report for duty and do His will. It is best to side with a winner.

Moving On Up!

2012-01-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Up is better than down, forward is better than backward, progress is better than regress.

The second law of thermodynamics, increasing entropy, states that everything tends toward decay. The rubber on your tires never increases as you drive. Lincoln's head will never go deeper into the tread after a cross country trip. Unfortunately, this regression can sometimes apply to our careers, relationships and even our "get up and go." Be honest, has your get up and go got up and went?

My encouragement is that we set realistic goals in life, pace ourselves, stay the course and keep moving forward. One step forward and two steps backwards will never win the race.

In our day of instant gratification, young people are conditioned to think they should have it all right off the bat. They don't realize that those who went before them started at the bottom and worked their way up. Nice cars and homes were only a dream at the beginning. They had to work hard for what they have and it took years, even decades to achieve "success." But the younger set wants it all right now. That's not the way it works.

It is better to advance in life, peak at the right time and then bask in the rewards of accomplishment.

Let's relate that to spiritual things. We dare not be spiritual flash in the pans. How many newbies in the faith start out with a bang but finish with a whisper? Paul tells us to run the race with patience. It is a marathon, not a dash. Our goal is to continue to grow in grace as days, months and years pass. Regression in the spiritual life is called backsliding - an Old Testament word and a New Testament practice! Not a good thing.

Folks, the best call is the call to come up, the call to move forward.

And one glad day we will hear the blessed call "come up hither" from our Lord and off to glory we will go into the presence of the Prince Whom our eyes will see!

Luke 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Be Patient!

2012-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Pro 25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Being born sinners, we are all a long way from perfection. I can assure you that my silver still has a lot of dross to be scraped away by the Finer, the heavenly Silver Smith.

It takes a lot of heat to melt silver, 1763.474 °F, and to boil silver, 4013.6 °F. This intensity is beyond my feeble comprehension. Yet, that kind of fire is what is needed to separate the good stuff from the dross. The end result is pure, precious silver, ready to be shaped into beauty and use.

The fire hurts tremendously, but the refining of the silver is a must if the beautiful desired product is to be achieved.

Our progress through this life is fraught with heartache and pain. Attacks and temptation are unleashed upon us by the imps of hell. Trials and tests are allowed by heaven. But the Lord has one major purpose in them all, separation of dross from precious metal so it can be made into something glorious.

On the part of the metal, patience is required. The Refiner wishes to destroy only the dross, not the silver. The fire is a friend, not a foe. We must hang in there with great patience, learning that the Son of God still accompanies His children through the fires. He assures them that only their bonds will be burnt away and the smell of smoke will not be on them when they emerge from the furnace.

Be patient in your struggles, God is watching you with great compassion and care, and has your finished product in mind.

The Ogallala Aquifer and the Glory of God

2012-01-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Pro 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

There is a concealed thing underneath us. It ranges from 100 to 400 feet below Nebraska and 7 other Mid-Western states. It is called the Ogallala Aquifer and is basically an underground lake with a depth of anywhere between a few feet to almost 1000 feet.

I have always scratched my head when considering this body of water underneath what was once called the Great American Desert. Our area is now call "flyover country" by the movers and shakers from the coasts of the US. But a hundred and 50 years or so ago, it was called a desert. People had no idea that these treeless plains would be the bread basket of the world with some of the richest, most productive soil.

Only God knew of the vast resource, a hidden sea, below our feet, that would provide drinking water and irrigation to millions. I glorify our great Creator, Who has wondrously concealed this amazing lake many fathoms beneath our homes, roadways, cities and farmlands.

I wonder what other amazing things God has concealed, waiting for kings and others to search out.

Here are a few things that have not yet been disclosed:

1. The great and marvelous works of God
Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: 9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: 10 Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: 11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

2. God's greatness.
Psa 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

3. Space, inner-earth, men's hearts.
Pro 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4. The wisdom and knowledge of God.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

5. The Riches of Christ.
Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Don't Celebrate Too Soon

2012-01-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

Pro 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

When the bad guy is going down, don't throw a party. If he is imploding, don't interrupt the process. The righteous Judge of all the earth will do right, in His good time. But we can short circuit God's justice if our heart is in the wrong place, rejoicing at their downfall.

Though God is angry with the wicked everyday (Ps 9:5), He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek 33:11). Your enemies, God's enemies are souls for which Jesus died. They will pay dearly for their blasphemy and their mistreatment of God's anointed. But they are His creation and the target of His salvation.

WHAT IF your ungodly enemy repents and becomes a great servant of the Lord? Have you given that any thought? “Well, they’ll never do that!” you say, but YOU DID! (Didn’t you?)

It is best to leave the evil doer in the hands of the Just One. Our wrath worketh not the righteousness of God, James 1:20.

So, when the bad guy's going down, don't party, just get out of God's way and let the Sovereign Lord have His will and way.

A Key to a Successful Christian Life

2012-01-12T06:51:00.000-08:00

Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:

It is a "not if, but when" proposition when it comes to a Christian falling down. But, what we do once we fall is vital. We can continue to beat ourselves up, bemoaning what wicked sinners we are (which is true!) and stay down. Or we can immediately get right with God, accepting His pardon and grace, wipe off the seat of our pants, learn our lessons and go on to greater service for Christ.

Staying down when we have fallen does some serious damage. We need to walk with God, which we can't do lying in the gutter. We cannot be effective if we remain down. There is no joy in Mudville. We won't know the sweetness of victory or the riches of His grace until the Lord has lifted us from sin.

Staying down, once we have fallen, thwarts the purpose of the Lord for our lives, perpetuates bad spiritual discipline and gives a victory to the enemy.

What keeps us down when we have fallen is false humility, rooted in pride. We feel that our misery is greater than His mercy, that our groveling is better than His grace, that our fallen state trumps His forgiveness. We act as if we don't deserve His pardon (what was your first clue?) and so we don't want to bother him for a tow out of the ditch. Our idea is to just lay there in the wallow a while.

What an affront to Jesus! His death and resurrection are so complete. His mercy, grace and forgiveness are so abundant. We need not to stay on the bottom for 10 seconds. He knows the stuff we are made of and what our poor choices would be. His plan, the tow package that would drag our sorry carcasses out of the muck, covers all our sin, past, present and future.

A just man, that is, the justified person, made so only by Christ's righteousness, learns to get up immediately after he has fallen and move on, no matter how many times they get stuck in the muck.

The key to successful Christian growth, when (not if) you fall, get right back up. Don't stay down! God’s tow truck is on the way as soon as you make the emergency call.

Garbage Dumps and Cesspools

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Pro 22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. 24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

I just wasted about 20 minutes of my life listening to a self-important atheist, Penn Jillette, droning on and on, impressed with the sound of his own voice as he spewed his incredulity about us whack-job Christians. Please, pass me an aspirin! They so like to hear themselves. I wonder how advanced their "free thought" would be if it weren't for the internet, which they do their best to dominate.

Have you noticed, the negative, narcissist nay-sayers are under as many rocks as mully-grubs? And not just the hatetheists, but also people at our jobs, in our schools, even in our families and churches who can find nothing better to do than spout ugliness and scorn. I am thinking of one gal who calls herself a believer, but must be loved like one would a rattlesnake, from a distance!

There is so much for which we can praise God, why all the negativity? And that brings me to my point, I chose to listen to this buffoon blathering his vitriol. He dragged me down and I let him. (Thanks for letting me confess!)

Scorners need receptacles for their verbal garbage, any willing ear will suffice. Any time we allow our ears to be their garbage dump, our hearts will start to become a cesspool of waste.

It is wise to avoid these angry souls (angry at themselves, at God, at anyone relying on Him) and, instead, fill our hearts and minds with praiseworthy thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Now, it is time for me to cast out the words of the scorner Penn and contemplate the words of godly men who penned the Holy Scripture. I will call it taking out the garbage and draining the cesspool.

Breaking Free From the Financial Slave Masters

2012-01-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Pro 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

I don't think it is a sin to loan money, nor is it necessarily a sin to borrow, but there are better ways. (For example, doing without, saving for your needs, finding ways to increase your income, etc.) In our society, it is difficult to buy a home or a decent car without borrowing. But we must realize the negative aspects of lending and borrowing.

I am amazed and appalled at the Jeckyl/Hyde personalities of most lenders. When they are wooing the fly into the spider web, they are plenty accommodating and nicey-nice. But when the borrower is a bit late on a payment, watch them turn into rude, unkind, uncaring authoritarians.

On the other side of the borrowed coin, borrowers must realize that his or her current status, as far as income, employment and outgo is not guaranteed. Things change, accidents happen, the worm turns. How will your obligations be met when the unexpected knocks at your door?

We have personally been very blessed. Through several decades of life's inevitability, we have never knowingly missed or been late on a payment to our lending overlords. We live by the principle that we are to owe no man anything except the gospel. When we are late one day on a payment, we owe that person, and that's not something we are comfortable with.

Also, our testimony, and, in a sense, God's testimony is on the line when it comes to our personal financial dealings. We believe God's promises concerning the tithe (Malachi 3:8-10, Prov 3:9-10, Luke 6:38). We feel we are extremely blessed financially because we honor God by putting Him first in our finances and believe that He honors His promises to us. By neglecting our obligations, we show those we owe that our God does not supply all our needs according His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19

We no longer have debtor's prison, but our culture has its own version of the same. Once you get turned upside-down financially, you are very much in a debtor's prison. Getting ahead is nigh unto impossible. Digging out of debt is a constant heartache. The burden of being behind the proverbial 8 ball is akin to slavery - financially and emotionally. Indeed, you will feel like you owe your soul to the company store!

Borrow wisely. Yield not to the temptation to borrow on depreciating items. Cars may be the exception because of the necessary use of a vehicle. Never borrow for things that won't last; clothing, vacations, meals, services, etc. Only use credit cards IF you can pay them off each month. Don’t get on the carousel of credit card debt!!!

If you are already in trouble, if you are servant to a lender, get some wise financial advice and devise a plan to break free from debt. Remember how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time, and that is key to digging out of debt.

Know this, you need God's help. Start honoring Him, realizing you cannot out give the Lord!

As the great E.V. Hill said, "When your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall."

May God bless you as you make a firm decision to get things turned around. When that day comes that you are finally free, you will feel an exhilaration that is unmatched by anything in this world!

Train Up a Child

2012-01-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Surely, you have asked if this verse can be true, and if it is, "There has to be some meaning to it that I don't understand."

The verse means just what it says. It is not the Word of God that is suspect, but our parental aptitude. We wonder how we could have taken our kids to church week in, week out since they came home from the hospital nursery, prayed over every meal, given them all the tools to be a good Christian and then, when they move out of the house, they go wild.

I have a couple of questions. Were they raised around a TV set? Did the family have daily devotions?

Hollywood and the dominant media hate the nuclear family. They are no friend of Christianity and do all they can to steal the souls of Christian children. The ear and eye gates of innocent kids are bombarded and crashed by the garbage of godless entertainment and carnal misinformation for hours each day.

Parents, not the church, not the school, not the government and surely, not the TV, have been given the charge of bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Successful Christian parenting is as simple (not easy, but simple) as the following:
Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

We are raising secular children by pouring into their malleable minds profane and irreligious information and then hoping dinner and bedtime prayers, coupled with an hour of God on Sundays will make them strong Christians.

Let's not cast aspersion on the promise of God's Word because our kids are the obvious product of what they've been taught by the world. Rather, let's shoulder the blame and commit to diligently teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord.

The Maker of Us All

2012-01-08T05:01:00.001-08:00

Pro 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

I received three preaching invitations this week. They were in the following countries, India, Kenya and Mexico. Unless the Lord were to do something really special, I won't be able to accept any of the invitations. Were I to go to any of these places, I know I would be met by many very poor people in church and worshiping God.

We have it made here in America. We drive our nice cars on paved roads to nice heated and air conditioned buildings with plush seating. We have loads of personal space as we sit comfortably in Sunday school or in the worship service. The baptisteries are full of warm water. The bulletins are full color. Large screens show the words to the songs and choruses. Power Point presentations keep us focused on the message. Our services are short and concise so as to not keep people too long. Then, we all head home or to an eatery for roast beef, roast pork and roast preacher.

American Christianity! They say that the most segregated hour in America is on Sunday Morning at 11:00.

It would be a blessing if we could go out and win some people to Christ who aren't like us. Whose economic status is quite different, whose skin pigmentation is vastly different. And then, compel them to attend church and sit side by side with us to worship the One Who is the Maker of us all. What a blessing when the rich and poor meet together.

Up on the Rooftop

2012-01-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

Pro 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Ancient Jewish culture made vast use of the rooftop. In fact, the law required that roofs be equipped with a railing to keep guests safe. Deu 22:8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

It is one thing to have a luxurious, large home, but if it comes with the cost of a spouse who does nothing but nit-pick and nag and fight and curse, it is best to go upstairs and dwell in a tent on the corner of the roof.

As humbling as that may sound, there are several reasons for use of the rooftop.
1) It effectively doubled the square footage (or cubitage) of the dwelling.
2) It provided for a better vantage of the area, giving a better perspective.
3) It was a nice place to catch a cool breeze in the mornings and especially the evenings.
4) The rooftop was an excellent place for entertaining. It provided an open space conducive for fellowship.

You will recall that David was on the roof of his palace in the evening when he began ogling Bathsheba's movements next door.

Rahab, the harlot, hid the spies on her roof and covered them with flax.

You will remember that many of those killed in Samson's last great display of strength were those partying on the roof.

During the feast of tabernacles, many would erect their booths or tents on their roofs.

I can think of a few couples who might do well to add roof access to their homes.

Excuses!

2012-01-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Pro 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

There are those who make things happen, those who wish they could make something happen and then there are those who simply ask, "What happened?"

In our increasingly entitled society in which we depend more and more on the government and charities and less and less on God and our work ethic, laziness has been greatly encouraged. Why work when you can be a couch potato, watching your stories, the game shows. Ellen and Dr. Oz, eating bon-bons? Meanwhile, that same person will continue increasing in girth, sensing that the diabetes, heart disease and bad knees that will certainly ensue from this slothful lifestyle will be taken care of by family, namely, Uncle Sam and Big Brother.

These same sloths vote for the candidate who is most likely to redistribute the wealth to benefit them.

Of all the false gods that people worship, one of the most insidious is the god of laziness. You and I both know a lot of people who are not only lazy, but they so worship their right to laze about that they get angry when they are called upon to do the simplest of tasks. It seems as if their existence is infringed upon when you compel them to lift a finger.

When compelled to search for a job, take a walk, or simply get their backside to church, the excuses start.
"I would, but my lumbago is acting up."
"It's a bit cold out, I may do it when it warms up a bit."
"I'm going to visit my grandma."
"The cable man is coming today or tomorrow, or maybe the next day, and I have to be home when he gets here."
"I am waiting for my check to come in the mail."

Solomon nailed it when he made this little quip about lazy people, they'll use anything as an excuse, but in the end, they will end up with nothing. And when we come before the Heavenly throne, the just Judge will have one of two declarations in summation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou in to the joy of thy Lord.” Or “thou wicked and slothful servant, why didn’t you at least do something? Take from him what he has and give it to the industrious servant.”

Nanny Nanny Boo Boo

2012-01-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

There are an increasing number of voices joining the chorus promoting moderate drinking. Preachers and church folk are getting on board this band wagon, or rather, are falling off the wagon.

How foolish! They have been deceived and have forsaken the wisdom of the Word. Alcoholic wine and strong drink are repeatedly forbidden in God's Word.

Those who are greatly ignorant of the Bible say foolish things like, "Jesus drank wine" and "Jesus served wine at the last supper." Chapter and verse please?

But lately I am hearing people who ought to know better succumbing to this folly. The truth remains, wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and WHOSOEVER is deceived thereby is not wise!

Don't touch the stuff, don't even look at it, as the Word says.

A Wife: A Good Thing, The Lord's Favor

2012-01-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Paul tells us that marriage is honorable in all. Sad, though, how society thumbs its nose at God, thinking it has a better plan than He does for an orderly society, perpetuity of the race and contentment in life.

Sure, traditional marriage can have its challenges, every one of them does. But it is the best of all options, check that, it is the only option.

Only those specially gifted by God dare to stay single, for it is not good for a man to be alone. That is why God made a help meet for man, the woman.

Enter man's feeble options: 1) Cohabitation without benefit of clergy, 2) Fornication, 3) Homosexuality, 4) Polygamy, 5) Adultery, and the list goes on. All of these are weak or immoral substitutes, and some even crimes against nature and society.

And so we find, once again, that God's way is not the best way, it is the only way. Marriage is not meant to be a piece of paper, but heaven on earth. It is not intended to be a ball and chain, but a blessing.

The spouse that God gifts to a person is to be considered a good thing and ought to be treated as such. God has smiled on the union of the home He has ordained.

What I have written thus far, though Biblical, may sound merely theoretical. The practical side of things is that the God-favored marriage, that "good thing" that God has ordained, requires hard, determined, tenacious work. Love, understanding, forgiveness, patience, selflessness, kindness, humility and trust must be employed daily. A couple must never let up. Their marriage must be nurtured, prayed for, supported, counseled, guarded, recommitted and revived. Adjustments must be made on a regular basis as we move through the seasons of life.

Good and worthy tools ought to be employed to enhance the marriage, such as marriage workshops and seminars, Bible studies and marriage and family strengthening movies.

Loving words and healthy communication are of utmost importance in keeping that good thing that God has given in great shape.

May God's blessing be upon you, dear reader as you seek His leadership in the matters of marriage and family.

Words

2012-01-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

Pro 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Words have meaning! You remember the ad, "When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen!"? And so it was every time heaven thundered forth a message. "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased" etc. When Jesus spoke, necks craned and ears strained. People hung on every word. Folks came from far and wide to give audience to David and Solomon. John the Baptist spoke so convincingly that soldiers and sinners, magistrates and men of the cloth came from all quarters just to listen to him preach.

In more recent years, we contemplate the masses which flocked to listen to the wit and wisdom of D.L. Moody, who slaughtered the King’s English, but pierced hearts and minds. C.H. Spurgeon, conversely, was a master of language and the house never failed to be full whenever he preached.

Wise men, wise women's words are valued at a premium because of their depth. I troll through social media and other venues searching for these nuggets mined from the depths of good hearts and minds to reuse them in sermon and script. I do so because they are wellsprings of life and health.

Then there are the foolish words of the foolish people who have nothing of value to say. They merely spew what proceeds from wicked, selfish, godless hearts.

It has been said, "Great minds discuss great ideas, visions and possibilities, average minds speak of things and events, weak minds talk about other people."

What makes the difference between a wise individual and a fool? It all begins with our view of the Lord, or our disregard of God. The Bible is clear, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God."

Our outlook depends on our worldview. If we have a secular worldview, God really never enters into our dialogue except as a curse word. In the end, we are mere fools and destruction is our destination. Our words will tend to be contentious and our cause deserving of strokes (corporal punishment.)

If ours is a Biblical worldview, then God is the foundation for the building of each phrase, sentence and paragraph. They are deep, ponderous words, wellsprings of wisdom resulting in a river of wealth and health.

Choose your words carefully, but choose your God even more so.

Crouton Anyone?

2012-01-02T07:58:00.001-08:00

Prov 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

It cracks me up to see all those single people wishing they were married and all the married people wishing they were single! Why is this?

Fact is, people need to start considering God in that whole marriage and family equation. If a person ever needed Heaven's wisdom in anything, they'd better pay strict attention to the Spirit of God when it comes to a life's mate. Buyer beware!

I think of my blog from a few days ago (A Little or a Lot) and the peace of that man (represented by a quite a few folks I have known) possessed, and I contemplate how God has a perfect plan for each of His children concerning their family life.

Indeed, God needs a much more prominent role in family life. Imagine the joy of the family where each individual seeks to please God first, then considers others ahead of themselves.

Sadly, most homes are full of strife but devoid of serenity. They have all the goodies, but little godliness. They may eat steaks and burgers, but they don't sense the presence of their unseen Guest. Regretfully, I am talking about so-called "Christian" homes. The TV seems to be the God of the home, followed by the computer, video games and other lesser gods. But please, let me just see a Bible and some people praying. Let's witness some loving people talking face to face without raising their voices in anger. Let's see selflessness replacing self-centeredness.

Otherwise, pass the croutons and give me a quiet corner!

How Powerful are Pleasant Words!

2011-12-31T06:42:00.000-08:00

Pro 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Whether we speak or write, our words powerfully affect those in our realm of influence. I know I tend to have a sharp, critical tongue if I am not careful. I need to be filled with the Spirit of God so that He is in control of my words. I also must be careful to filter what comes into my thinking though the gates of my eyes and ears, because the mouth speaks what the heart has been pondering.

How do you feel when the boss is in a good mood, saying complimentary things to you about your work? What happens when your spouse speaks loving words to you, encouraging you? You just want to be the best you can be. You are more productive, life is just a bit easier, you even feel better.

You have that power over people with whom you deal... your children, co-workers, spouse, neighbors, parents. They yearn for you to speak pleasant words to them.

Today, just be nice to people, give them a nice compliment, say something pleasant. Like honey, it is sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

Drive Between the Lines!

2011-12-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

Pro 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Many, but not all of our problems are self-inflicted. The highway of life keeps us moving steadily and speedily toward success, but our sin and lack of wisdom bog us down in the roadside muck.

It is then we only have ourselves to blame for our lack of progress.

So, keep the vehicle between the lines today for some nice progress. Be careful of the common pitfalls; distracted driving, roadside hazards and falling asleep at the wheel.

A Little or a Lot

2011-12-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

Pro 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

Picture a gent hunched over his pock marked little table in his modest little home, eating a bowl of Ramen noodles. The hovel is quiet except for his slurping of the soup. A kitty squeezes between the table leg and his, wanting a little human interaction.

The man's Bible is open to the Psalms where he has just read about the goodness of the Lord. He is quietly giving thanks for his blessings.

According to the world's standards, the man is a loser. He has no set of wheels that would turn heads, no bank account to speak of, no large screen TV, no gaming system.

But he has the Lord, his well-worn Bible and assurance of eternal life. He never misses a meal, his work has been steady, his church is small but loving, supportive and very inspirational. Health ain't all that bad either.

Considering the options, if you offered him a fortune, he'd probably give it all away anyhow. His church would get that badly needed Sunday school addition, he'd see to it the pastor got a livable wage, the missionaries would be greatly blessed and his extended family would get some help. He'd be the first to say that a big house would mean a bigger tax burden and more to take care of. His old truck is all he needs to get from home to church, the grocery, work and the hardware store.

So, when everything is considered, this man is better off than the ultra-rich rap star who just passed away with a heart malfunction. He is really happier than the hotel heiress that is super famous for being famous, partying hard every night and shopping with a vengeance every day. He has more deep down joy than the rich folks a couple of neighborhoods over who have huge houses echoing with bitter words and selfish arguments.

It isn't so much about what you have as it about how you got it and what you plan to do with it. Be content with such things as you have and don't concern yourself with ill-gotten gain.

Choose Wisely!

2011-12-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

Pro 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

HATCHED IN HELL
Deep in the bowels of the nether regions, imps and emissaries of evil continuously plot fiendish blueprints to foil the good and the right at every juncture.

Destruction, darkness and doom feed their vile imaginations. Leprous bile flows through their veins. Ghastly wisps of breath pour from their mouths and nostrils as they hatch unimaginable strategies against the human wretches and their Creator.

Their pitch-black fantasies imagine burning babies, drunken sots lying in vomit at the curb, sin-hardened women vying for the erotic fancies of imprudent men. They envision broken homes, wayward children, carnal churches, corrupt governments, duplicitous preachers and slothful saints. Their wicked goal is to steal, kill and destroy. They seek the annihilation of humanity and the overthrow of heaven.

Yet, God in His heaven will have them chasing their pointy little tails, dizzied by their maneuvers. He will laugh at them as they are foiled repeatedly, knowing that they will have their day, or rather, eternal night. He made them for such a time. He fashioned them with their impish appearance, foul odor, devilish imagination, sulfurous breath and pea-sized hearts and brains that they might have a ministry. They even have the ability to dress up their darkness to appear as light. They are able to morph from demon to delight.

OPTIONS
God created man with the capacity of choice. Man opts to love God or not. But God refuses to bribe man with overwhelming goodness and blessing. That is too easy. Love is not love unless it is chosen and the choice cannot be a set up. He has also provided the flip side, the false advertising of hell, so that man could have a volitional option; good or evil, life or death, the true God or false pleasure.

IN A NUTSHELL
Jesus condensed the choice in the following verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

THE PLOT THICKENS
Both sides, clamoring for your loyalty, go to great lengths for your allegiance. Hades crossly offers you that which it can't deliver. Heaven offers deliverance by a cross. The wolves prepare to devour the sheep. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep. Satan offers you heaven and gives you hell. The Savior went through hell to secure your heaven.

You stand at a crossroads. Glitzy, glamorous billboards on a wide boulevard hail you toward destruction. A rocky narrow path beckons you to find abundant and eternal life.

CHOOSE WISELY!

If Heaven's Happy, Everybody's Happy

2011-12-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Do you know how to please the Lord? Really, there is a verse that is very clear on this. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you want to please the Lord, have faith! Not faith in your own abilities, not faith in faith, but faith in the promises and ability of the Lord.

I often hear people bragging about faith. "I have my faith." "I have a strong faith." Well, bully for you! Faith has a lot to do with God and not so much to do with us. Yet, it is our part of that equation which pleases God. Someone said, "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me." Well the truth is, it ought to be, "God said it and that settles it." But that, "I believe it" is the part that proffers God's favor upon us.

Once we have trusted God, believing on His promises, then our ways will align themselves according to that belief. For instance, if we believe God's promises concerning our finances, we will be faithful in our tithes and missions giving. If we believe God's Word concerning the rapture, we will live in the light of His coming by being pure, holy and trying to bring others to Him.

This is how God is pleased, by expressing our faith. And once we have accomplished this, we get a bonus...even our enemies will get along with us.

Now, I'm a nice guy. If you don't believe me, just ask me and I'll tell you. :<) But, believe it or not there are some people out there who just despise me. They don't like it that I smile a lot. They say, "He's got to be faking it." They hate it that when I sing for the Lord, I sing from my heart and my face shows it. They say, "He's just too dramatic, every song has to be some huge production." They don't like my preaching because, "He's not even qualified to be preaching." One guy hates me because his step-daughter ran away and we helped the police find her! Imagine that! I know another preacher hates me because, well, he hates everyone who doesn't dot their I's like he does. I know he pops into my blogs now and then to look for other reasons to be my enemy, Hi Todd!

Now, don't get me wrong, I want to please the Lord first, foremost and always. But I like it when people like me, even if they are jerks. :<) So I am going to make it my goal to please the Lord so much that these people can't help but say, "Hey, he ain't so bad a guy after all." So, time to me to put all my trust in the Lord like never before and live accordingly.

And that's that!

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

2011-12-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

I read this awhile back and wanted to share it today. Merry Christmas!

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Preparation of the Heart

2011-12-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Don't judge a book by its cover. That's the old adage. I still do! I'm just saying...

God does His work from the inside out. Men look on the outside of a person. That is what is evident and easy to discern. But God prepares the heart first.

CHOOSE THE RUNT
The prophet Samuel was tasked to search for the next Israeli king among the sons of Jesse. But God cautioned him to be careful not to dwell on the outward appearance too much. It is the heart, that which God discerns, which matters most. David, being the youngest brother, didn't have the brawn to be the king, but God knew he had what it took to lead.

OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART
Once the heart of an individual has been prepared, it is evidenced by the answer of the tongue. And we know that what proceeds from the mouth has been prepared in the heart.

The Lord taught us in Luke 6:45, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Slips of the tongue are generally just overflow from the heart. Usually, we say it because we thought it.

PARDON MY FRENCH
As a preacher, I get the following a lot, "Oh, pardon my French!" Well, it is evident the heart has been dwelling on the French language lately and has not been prepared properly.

That which we think upon is going to evidence itself eventually. The prophet Isaiah had been ushered into the presence of the Almighty in a vision. He was concerned that he'd misspeak because he dwelt in the midst of an unclean people (no offense to the French people intended). He recognized the possibility that he might use vulgar language before the Lord.

GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT
If you've ever worked construction or in a factory or served in the armed forces, you know exactly how Isaiah felt.

Therefore, we must pray with the Psalmist, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." And we need to determine that, "My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding."

It is one thing to guard our words, yet it is a better thing to guard our hearts.

THINK ABOUT THE GOOD THINGS
Psalm 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Home Builders vs the Wrecking Crew

2011-12-21T05:08:00.000-08:00

Pro 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Hearts ache, homes break and lives take a turn for the worse whenever a home is overcome by the foolish actions of selfish people.

Nobody wins when prideful, foolish individuals break their holy vows because they don't get their way at every turn. The only part of the vows they meant were, "For better, for richer, in health, until my lawyer says differently." In their ring vow, "with all thy worldly goods, endow me!"

The emotional, physical and spiritual damage that is done by foolish folks who tear their homes apart piece by piece leaves every loved one toting baggage they will never be able to fully unpack.

A successful home is built with wisdom, selflessness, deference to others and hard, hard, hard work. It doesn't come easy and it doesn't come right away, it takes years of persistence. I Corinthians 13, the charity chapter, must be employed many times daily.

We must continually be in building mode, adding, repairing and improving. We must never allow tearing down, disassembly and destruction.

A wise woman, or a man or child for that matter, needs to be patient, kind, loving, selfless, encouraging, forgiving, constantly building... day in, day out, week in, week out, month in, month out, year in, year out, decade in, decade out. The home building program is never complete.

How is your project coming along?

To the Regions Beyond

2011-12-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

2Cor 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

In a previous blog, I shared with you the amazing story of the dear little Huichol Church near Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. There was one other thing that I learned down there that greatly impacted my ministry.

One young man who lived in a village about 14 miles away was also brought to Christ by the outreach of these faithful and evangelistic missionaries and the aged national pastor. He felt a burden for the people of his remote village, so he walked those 14 miles every Sunday to soak in all the Lord had for His people in the aforementioned village church. What he learned on Sunday morning and evening, and any material he could get his hands on, he then took the back home to his people to study during the week. He encountered grave dangers in doing so. There were others of the Huichols who were not pleased with this missionary work which made threats and there were the dangers of the jungle itself, pumas and the like. Yet, his indigenous tribe heard the Gospel of Christ.

Friends, this is pioneer missions work to the regions beyond . What are we doing to get the Gospel to the world?

Those Rich Poor People

2011-12-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

Pro 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

3 decades ago, I was able to take a fascinating missions trip deep into the jungles of Nayarit, Mexico. I and our little missions team were led into the remote, mountainous back country that could only be reached by train, then trail. The area was beautiful. Citrus trees were everywhere. Parrots called from other treetops. Palm trees swayed lazily in the breeze.

And then we met the people, short, happy little folks dressed in colorful garb and friendly as can be. We were introduced to Juan, the 80 something year old, shriveled up little pastor of the village. He radiated Christ. Soon, the church services would begin and I would witness things I could never have imagined.

Try to picture this service. Ladies began indiscreetly breast feeding their little ones on benches hewn from local trees. Chickens were scurrying about inside the thatched hut. We were even visited by a piglet who came in to enjoy some of the song service.

A man began strumming a homespun guitar and singing to the glory of God. He was perhaps the greatest Christian I will ever meet. Here's the deal. This brother was reached for Christ in a distant village. Since the church was planted in this particular locale, he had to walk 7 miles through the jungle to attend. He would come on Sunday morning, stay the day so he could attend the Sunday evening services and then traverse the seven miles back through jungle trails to his village. He made the same trek on Wednesdays for prayer meeting.

A person would think that to be pretty amazing, even a little far-fetched. But his dedication to the Lord and God’s house is really astounding when you find that the man is totally blind AND crippled! His feet were actually turned up-side-down AND backwards! He had made special sandals to conform to his twisted feet. He had marked the trees along the trail in the jungle by notching them with his machete so he could make his way to church. (Isn’t it strange how a little rain or a few snowflakes can keep so many of God's choice "servants" home on a Sunday morning! But I digress.)

After the soulful singing of the hymns going on concurrently in three languages, the guest preacher from our team was introduced. get this, He spoke in English, a translator then spoke the words in Spanish to the old Huichol preacher who gave the words in the Indian dialect of the people and all were blessed!

I don't suppose there were more than 25 people in that little hut, but I know that God was there just as much or more than He is in a lot of our dignified church services with padded seating, A/C and no livestock.

That afternoon, our little team took turns with an old spade digging a large hole in the ground, then mixing concrete on the ground and troweling the floor and walls of the outdoor baptistery. Before the concrete was even cured, water was added and saints were following the Lord in believer's baptism.

These were, by far, the poorest people with the least amount of worldly goods I have ever met. And yet, they were richer than Bill Gates' and Warren Buffet's combined bank accounts. And so, for these past thirty some years, I have made it a practice of getting to church, no matter what, every Lord’s day. (I will tell you of the few occasions where “God was not willing” in another blog.)

Hey, if a crippled blind man can make it seven miles through the jungle on foot twice a week, I can surely crawl out of my comfortable bed, take a warm shower, hop in my nice car and make the short drive on paved roads to the plush church and park my backside on a posh pew chair to hear the Word clearly spoken in my own language.

May we find our riches in Jesus Christ alone.

It's Not All About the Benjamins!

2011-12-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

Pro 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

A terrible time is coming upon the earth. It is called "Jacob's trouble," "the tribulation," "the day of the Lord," and "the day of wrath."

In that day, paper money might as well be used for toilet paper. Pricey art will mean nothing. A Lamborghini won't run without gas. Riches, in that day will profit nothing.

Therefore, it is wise to heed the words of Jesus in Mt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The Bible does not teach against people having riches, but it warns against riches having them. There is nothing wrong with being "well-to-do," but we are encouraged "to do well" to others with what we have. God bless those folks to whom He has given the gift of giving. He enriches them to be a blessing to others. These kindS of riches are called "durable riches and righteousness." Proverbs 8:18.

Invest in eternity by winning souls, supporting missions, blessing others, helping the poor, visiting widows and orphans in their need, etc. God will bless you in this life and in the life to come.

Crucifying the “I” in Pride.

2011-12-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

Pro 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Do you know what really puts the kibosh on God's blessings? Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Do you know what starts every fight, what is the cause of every war? Why each divorce is initiated? Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Do you realize what brings a person low? Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Do you know what comes on the heels of pride? Pro 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame:

Do you understand what brings any person down? Pro 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low:

There you have it. We thought all our problems are due to the idiots that surround us. We figured others were to blame for our lot in life. Know we know, our own pride is keeping us from prospering. As long as we retain the title "Captain of my own soul, Master of my own ship" we will flounder.

But if we will relinquish the throne of our heart to the Lover of our soul, we will find life a much easier and a more enjoyable go.

God, you know how full of myself I am. Though I don't say it out loud, I scream it within all the time, "I want..." Lord, it's not about me and what I want, it's all about you. With Paul, I wish to crucify my flesh today and yield my members to your leadership. I trust in your plan today, claiming your grace, seeking your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Stay in Balance

2011-12-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Pro 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

It just seems inherent with fundamentalists to get out of balance. So many have gone out on the proverbial limb, only to see the lumberjack with his saw doing his thing to the base of the limb.

Whether it be Bible versions, styles of music or pet doctrines such as hyper-grace, hyper-soul-winning or hyper-Calvinism, preachers get themselves out of balance and lose their effectiveness. We have all heard about ministers that have gone overboard on issues like; not paying taxes, whether to incorporate the church, KJVO, date-setting for the rapture, etc.

I don't think God wants us to be weak-kneed compromisers. We ought to know what we believe, have good reason for believing it and then commit ourselves to stand for those truths. But we dare not go to seed on issues.

So many are straightening the pictures on the walls while the house is burning down around them. It is better to stay focused on the task the Lord has called us to as contained in the Great Commission, than to fight battles nobody even cares about.

Let's stay in balance and have a fruitful ministry.

Casting Pearls

2011-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

Pro 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Throw a pearl to someone with their head screwed on straight and you get appreciation, even if that pearl is a bit of wisdom given to help someone who has made a mistake.

Throw that same pearl to some overgrown sow with tusks and she'll have absolutely no idea of its value, but she will try to chase you down and rip your leg open. Interesting, the word "scorner" means to make faces, especially with the mouth. Hmmm

Jesus said that! Here Solomon is trying to teach us the same thing.

In short, you can try to correct a wicked person, but all you will get is scorn. If you do the same to the godly person who has made a mistake, they may gladly accept the reprove, learn from it and become a better person.

The able minister has this charge: 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

If you possess wisdom from God and you know of someone in need of, and will benefit from reproof, seek God's leadership in approaching that person in humility. Otherwise, let God deal with them.

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom

2011-12-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

Pro 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

I. Fear of the Lord Ps 111:10, Pro 1:7
II. Understanding Pro 4:7
III. True Riches Pro 8:11, 16:16, 23:23
IV. Discretion (carefully chosen words) Pro 10:13, 31, 18:4
V. Humility 11:12, 15:33
VI. Patience 11:12
VII. Righteousness Pro 15:21

These are the pillars of a good life. As Jesus said, the wise man built his house upon the rock. Building on any thing else is foolish. Build your house on the foundation of Christ and using the pillars of wisdom.

Pro 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

A Good Day in the House of the Lord

2011-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Psalm 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

It is such a blessing to be part of a lively church in which the Spirit of the Lord is present, where His honor dwells.

I am cognizant that multiplied millions of dear souls are subjugated to regularly gather in cold cathedrals, boring basilicas, lackluster churches, and all sorts of mind-numbing religious venues to light candles and hear a bunch of irrelevant mumbo-jumbo. Prayers come from a book rather than from the heart. Sermons emanate from a lectionary instead of Spirit-filled study. The music is ineffective. The congregants leave without change or challenge.

If a person is going to devote their day of worship week in, week out, year in year out, decade after decade, to a house of God, then each experience ought to count. They ought to feel as if they truly encountered God, that He spoke to their heart, that He challenged them to elevate their salvation, service, spirituality and sanctification.

And what a bonus when a believer lingers to fellowship with the family of God! How blessed is the body of Christ when a saint shares testimonies and prayers with the brethren? How wonderful to be inspired by soul-stirring music that grips the heart? How awesome to hear straight Bible preaching that piques the whole range of emotions and demands response?

The local church is the Bride of Christ. No doubt He desires an energetic, active bride which is passionate, not passive, about her Groom.

I hope your church is alive. I desire that every pulpit burn with holy fire. I pray that your altars are packed with penitents and pray-ers. Oh that our pews will be filled with missons-minded, soul-winning worshipers who are growing in grace and itching to serve God inside and outside of the church.

Adultery, Jumping Off a Cliff

2011-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Pro 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Pro 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

Down, down, down. This is the direction of the adulterer. A few moments of pleasure or the intrigue of a fling cannot hold a candle to the sorrow, heartache, guilt, and brokenness that are as sure to follow as thunder follows lightening.

Oh, the devil is so clever with his little lies. "The grass is greener...", "Nobody will know.", "It won't hurt anyone else.", "God understands your frustration.", etc.

His billboards never show the backside. The crushed family, divorce court, ruined lives, destroyed trust.

The scarlet letter comes only in CAPS and one screaming color. The wound that you will receive and the wounds that you will inflict in others never heal. Adultery not only breaks God's seventh commandment, but it smashes any hope you will ever have of a happy life.

Don't fall prey to the devilish device of lust. You cannot come away a winner.

Stay safely away from the precipice, for once you go over the edge, you will never stop falling. Keep your eyes focused, your feet on the right path and your heart set on the right person.

Pro 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

The Black List

2011-12-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

I am a list person. I like lists like: “Ten best cities in America to live.” “Ten strategies to better your (fill in the blank).”

Here is a list to which we must pay heed. God's list of the things He hates. They are as follows:

1. A proud look - you know the look! It is that expression that either says, "I am better than you," or maybe, "I will not accept responsibility," Or even, "It will be a cold day where the boogie man lives before I talk to her again." etc. We know that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

2. A lying tongue – Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Lying sets itself in opposition to God. Lying is a source sin. If you lie, you will cheat. If you will cheat, you will steal. If you will steal you will kill. Lying is born of the evil one and is a jumping off sin. Like smoking leads to drinking or drugs, lying leads to other wickedness. God hates lying of all kinds, little white lies not excluded.

3. Hands that shed innocent blood - What is more destructive or hurtful than the taking of an innocent life? It is unconscionable that civilians lose their lives during war, collateral damage notwithstanding. We recoil in horror at the pictures or film clips of Jews dying at the hands of the Nazis. Who hasn't been saddened and sickened by the pictures of the mounds of skulls of innocent Cambodians slain by Pol Pot's wicked regime. And most horrific is the modern American holocaust of the unborn. 4,000 innocent lives a day are snuffed out by those clinician's hands which shed innocent blood. God hates those hands, which are connected to bodies, which house very dark hearts.

4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations - Has there been a generation more characterized by evil imaginations than ours? With the proliferation of media, imagination has been piqued to the highest, perhaps I should say, the lowest level ever. Minds are dragged to the gutter at every turn. TV, movies, radio, internet, magazines, texting, tweeting, etc., are tools that can bless or curse. Because of man's degenerate state, they are most often used to foist the produce of evil imaginations.

5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief - Let's be honest, people need to get a good job, a godly family, a decent hobby and serve God. Then, they won't have time or interest to run to mischief (moral evil).

6. A false witness that speaketh lies - a healthy society depends upon the honesty of its citizenry. A true witness is necessary to ensure proper judgment. False witness tends to wrong that which is right and excuse that which is wrong. God's ninth commandment orders that we must not bear false witness against our neighbor. The breakdown of an orderly society will result from false witness.

7. He that soweth discord among brethren - some commentators infer that this seventh item is the one that ultimately morphs the list from "hatred" to "abomination." Hatred is a strong emotion of distaste against an enemy. An abomination is something considered morally disgusting. Pitting a believer against a believer rates "abomination" status with the Lord.

May the items on this list never once be named among believers.

Coming Soon!

2011-12-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Almost daily, I text my wife to find out when she will be home. Work, for her, has become somewhat unpredictable from day to day. Each day brings different challenges with new deadlines. Therefore, her departure from work and her arrival home is varied.

I do get anxious for her to be home. When she gets in, the family is together, we all talk about our day and then we sit together around the supper table to partake of some delectable creation.

Well, the text - the Bible - alerts us that our Lord will soon be on His way and when he comes it will be quickly. Once we all get together, it is on to the Bema where we will talk about how our day was. Then, the family will gather together around the table for the marriage supper. Oh, what a day that will be!

Until then, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will be with us all.

The Secret to Happiness

2011-12-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Everybody is intrigued by secrets. Just look at the magazines next to the Tic-Tacs at the checkout in the grocery store. They all offer up secrets in bold headlines: "THE SECRET TO HOLLYWOOD WEIGHT LOSS," "THE SECRETS TO A BETTER LOVE LIFE," "SECRET WISHES OF YOUR LOVER," ad nauseam. Now, I would NEVER buy one of those wicked magazines! But I sure would peruse one while waiting in that line. :<)

One kid defined a secret as something you tell to only one person at a time. Perhaps you remember what happens when E.F. Hutton talks?

Well, what I am about to write is really no secret at all, it has been available to us for a long time, but maybe I piqued your curiosity . So here it is, the secret to happiness... wait for it...

Perform God's commandments!

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments...

And what are His commandments? Simple, all the law and the prophets are summed up in 2 commands, 1) love God with all you heart, soul and mind, 2) love your neighbor as yourself.

Aha! The secret is out. You will be blessed (made happy) by keeping these commandments of God, do what He says. Jesus told us that if we love Him, we would keep His commands. John emphasized that commandment to love one another.

Your happy life can begin even now as you read this. Part of the secret is this, you cannot find true and lasting happiness in making a good living, by acquiring things, by landing that perfect person as your significant other, or a thousand other things. You have to love God and love your neighbor. Jesus described who that neighbor is, by the way. It is the person God places in your path who is in need of your compassion.

So now you know the secret to happiness. Time to get started.

Other secrets to happiness:
Psa 2:12 Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Psa 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psa 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Psa 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Psa 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Psa 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Isa 30:18 blessed are all they that wait for him.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn:
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek:
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful:
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart:
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers:
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
Mat 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Luk 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:
Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Eternity's Greatest Moments, The Final Chapter: All Things New

2011-12-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Creation, Exodus, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Rapture, Armageddon, Coronation... these are some of the red letter days of eternity. But once all has been said and done and the clock of time, as we know it, is stopped, then it is out with the old and in with the new. A total makeover of creation will take place on this happy day. The new Jerusalem will descend down to the new earth, its beauty incomparable. Tears will forever be banished. Evil will be destroyed. The relationship between God and His people will be enhanced. They will inherit all things.

Thus will begin the eternity that we all long for, where all is totally about God. And that should be our daily goal right now, heaven on earth, the sovereignty of God in our lives, our unending devotion to Him.

As Mad as H***

2011-12-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Can you imagine the absolute rage the devil is going to foist upon the unsuspecting world when he gets out of prison? After 900 and some odd years chained in the bottomless pit, he gets a short reprieve and boy, is he going to go ballistic!

Rev 12:12 tells us about his increased activity during the tribulation because he knows how short his time is. But now, after breathing brimstone for several centuries, he will pull out all the stops in deceiving the nations. He will try one last time to deceive and destroy.

But his eternal doom is sure. His little rant will be put to a sudden stop and he will be banished to the deepest part of the lake of fire to be tormented 24/7/forever.

And so will end the reign of the prince of the power of the air, the god of this world.

Amen! Hallelujah! Wave a hankie!!!

By What Name do You Know Him?

2011-12-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

Revelation 19:11-16

In this short span of verses from 11-16, Our Lord is called by 5 different names. 2 of the names were actually emblazoned on His person or clothing:

1. Faithful and True - Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
2. An Unknown Name - Rev 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
3. The Word of God - Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
4. Almighty God - Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
5. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS - Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Yeshua, Jesus, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Son of God, Son of Man, Lion of Judah, the Branch, Root of David, etc... He is called so many wonderful names, but I am so happy to call Him Saviour, Lord and Friend!

The 4 Alleluias of Heaven

2011-12-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

Rev 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

When I See Myself in Prophecy, I get pretty excited. Of course, I am just one of multiplied millions here, but here I am in prophecy, praising the Lord in heaven.

Do you see me there? I am in that group over there with my hands raised, tears of joy streaming down my cheeks, doing a little bit of Baptist dancing and then falling before the throne of Jesus. No pain, no sorrow, no heartache, no inhibitions, just pure praise.

Do you see yourself among these sainted millions, unembarrassed to praise the worthy Lamb with every fiber of your being?

I think I might do a little practicing in church this Sunday. Join me?

Peter Rejoices over the Destruction of Romanism

2011-12-01T05:39:00.000-08:00

*Note: I love the dear Catholic people. I have some very good friends who are Catholic. I even have a priest friend. I hold absolutely nothing against these good folks. Many were born into their religion and have never even considered anything else. Having said that...

Rev 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

When religious Babylon is utterly destroyed by God for her martyrdom of 50 million of His saints, the holy apostles and prophets will rejoice.

Babylon, that mixture of Nimrod, Semiramis, the “queen of heaven,” the son god, Popes, cardinals and bishops is well deserving of what is coming. She daily mocks Christ by introducing the death cookie as the actual body of Christ to her billion plus adherents. She persecutes the gospel throughout Latin America and elsewhere. She makes merchandise of souls by selling masses, high and low, to say prayers for the dead, hoping to deliver them from purgatory. She sells indulgences in hopes of absolution for sins. She compels and corrupts her little children at their first confession (and each subsequent one) by bearing every wicked thought and deed to a priest in the confessional. She encourages prayers to the dead, to angels and to idols. She claims that she is the only repository of salvation and there is no redemption outside of her auspices. She asserts that her leader speaks ex cathedra, as the infallible voice of God. Such are the doctrines and practices of Romanism.

But her day of destruction is coming in which her fine linen and purple, her gold, precious stones and pearls will come to nothing in one hour.

God calls unto Babylon's citizens, "Come out of her!" (vs 4) They who answer that call will escape the plagues coming upon her.

Peter was a humble apostle of Christ who preached the true gospel of faith in Jesus Christ alone. He was not the vicar of the Roman church as they falsely claim.

The Most Cataclysmic Chapter of the Bible.

2011-11-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

Rev 16

Rev 16:17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

The 7 vials poured out upon the earth by the 7 angels produce mayhem on the grandest scale the planet has ever seen. A quick rundown:
Vial #1: a noisome and grievous sore on all who have the mark of the beast and who worship his image.
Vial #2: seas are turned to blood and all sea life dies.
Vial #3: all rivers and fountains of water are turned to blood.
Vial #4: the sun is enhanced until it scorches men with fire.
Vial #5: the kingdom of the beast is filled with such intense darkness that it is painful to the point where men gnaw their tongues.
Vial #6: the Euphrates is dried up. Demons are belched out of the mouth of Satan, sent forth to round up the armies of the world and draw them to Armageddon.
Vial #7: God declares, "I have had enough!" Lightening, thunders and the worst earthquake in history decimates the landscape. Islands disappear, the mountains crumble, 100 pound hailstones fall from the sky.

Friend, this old sinful world is winding down. So is the patience of heaven. The ages of godlessness have worn thin on the longsuffering of the Lord. He is not willing that any should perish, however, He warned that His Spirit would not always strive with man. Now, the ages are drawing to a close. About 6 1/2 years following the rapture, these events will unfold. It is high time to choose sides. Make sure you are on the right team so you will be an observer during this horrific time rather than a participant.

Who Doesn't Fear the Lord?

2011-11-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

What intelligent person, who has witnessed the evidentiary hand of God in creation, blessing and justice, will not bow before Him with contrite heart and humble spirit? Only the Lord God Almighty is holy, only His name is worthy of praise and glory.

Here is a scene in heaven, tribulation saints standing upon a glassy, fiery sea, each one playing a harp and all singing Moses's song of deliverance.

In one harmonious accord, they proclaim, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art
holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

This is a must see occasion. Will you be present? Trust Jesus today as your Lord and Savior. Open your heart and invite Him to wash away your sins. Call upon Jesus for salvation.

The Penalty for Worshiping Antichrist

2011-11-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

We all worship something!

Previous verses in this chapter describe the worship of the 144,000 men of God, sealed for His service. Their demarcation is the Father's name written in their foreheads. Probably "YHWH" with the original vowels inserted. Not a one of them will have ever known a woman intimately. They will be among the first of many saved in the tribulation and will become fiery evangelists of the gospel. Then, in heaven, they sing a new song before God's throne accompanied many waters, thunders and harps.

But then, there are those who will worship the beast or his image, in my imagination, probably an animated holographic image, and will have accepted the mark of the beast. The mark is either the number 666, or the name of the antichrist or his logo. It will be placed either on their foreheads or in or on their right hand, possibly even on the arm. It could be an rfid chip, or maybe a tattoo. It could resemble a barcode. No one is allowed to buy or sell without this mark.

But the penalty for succumbing to antichrist is steep. The angel gives the sentence: He will drink the undiluted cup of the wrath of God. He will be tormented with hellfire. His smoke will ascend up forever. He will have no convalescence from that pain for all of eternity.

I reiterate what was thundered on Sinai so long ago;
Exodus 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Worship God and live forever or worship the devil and burn for eternity.

It's the Lord's Day!

2011-11-27T05:39:00.000-08:00

Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

John, our brother, companion in tribulation, in the kingdom and in the patience of the Lord, found himself:

*Isolated
*Dedicated to the Word of God
*Standing on his testimony
*In the Spirit
*Faithful to the Lord's day
*Hearing the voice of the Lord

Today is the Lord's day. I pray that each of us will isolate ourselves from the world in our island of fellowship, the church. I would hope that we would all be dedicated to the Word, stand true to the stuff, be filled with the Spirit and pay heed to the voice of the Lord.

May God bless your worship today!

The Dragon and the Beasts

2011-11-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

It is amazing what people worship! I observe people worshiping their kids, their cars, their precious time, their bank accounts. Then there are those who bow down to academia or their own intellect. Millions do obeisance to the god of pleasure. Some ignorantly venerate statues, others, the dead. Dumb, blind people worshiping dumb, blind idols.

One day in the near future, the world will go gaga over hell's trinity; Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet. Silly, ignorant masses of people honoring the most despicable characters of history! These three make the likes of Jezebel, Hitler, Mao, Tito, Pol Pot, Stalin, etc. look like a well behaved Sunday school class. Yet, the world will wonder after them, hanging on their every word, obeying their every edict.

It was Blaise Pascal who said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.”

When all is said and done, every knee is going to bow before the throne of Jesus and proclaim that He is LORD!

Don't be duped by false gods, worship the one, true God, Jehovah, Who loves you and gave Himself for you.

Praise the Lord on this Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ps 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

Many are the marvelous things He has done for me. As I rose to the new day, I began to note the many things for which I am thankful. Here are a few:

*Coffee, and the ability to make it in an automatic coffee maker.
*Paper and Plastics.
*Porcelain.
*Hot and cold running water.
*Toothbrush and Paste.
*Soap.
*The combustion engine.
*The opportunity to serve my community as a chaplain.
*My family. The very best wife in the world, no hyperbole!
*My kids.
*Refrigeration.
*A wonderful church family.
*Technology, for example, cell phone, texting, blogging, etc.
*Those who have texted me today wishing me a blessed Thanksgiving.
*A positive bank account.
*The opportunity to make a killer coconut cream pie to take to our
neighborhood fire-fighters for their Thanksgiving meal away from their
homes.
*The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition that has followed me all
through life.
*Turkey, football, naps, family, laughs, prayers and the giving of Thanks! –
the things I look forward to today.

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart on this, the purest of all
American holidays.

Worship Wars

2011-11-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.

Telling verses here! If you are saved, the coming rapture of the saints will separate the sheep from the goats, so to speak. Then, in that awful tribulation period, literally millions upon millions will trust Christ. The vast majority of Jews will lose the scales from off their eyes and will turn en masse to their true Messiah. Others, presently ignorant of what the Savior did for them on Calvary will have an opportunity to believe.

That leaves two future classes of people on the earth. Worshippers of Jesus the Christ and worshippers of the Antichrist. There will be no riding the fence.

That leads me to think that, if the coming of the Lord is soon, as it appears so, then most everyone I personally know right now is already lined up for whom they will worship. Already they either worship Jehovah or they are pleasure worshippers who will bow before the Beast soon.

Mind you, those who have heard a clear cut presentation of the Gospel prior to the trumpet will have no second chance after the rapture. The following Scripture makes it clear; 2Thess 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Did you notice that? Those who refused to believe hear and now will not believe after the rapture. They made their choice to live a life of unrighteous pleasure rather than trust Jesus.

Choose you this day whom you will serve!

Overcoming the Accuser of the Brethren

2011-11-21T05:31:00.000-08:00

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Satan hates the presence of God, yet relishes his appearances there to bring railing accusations against the saints of the Lord. Just as he accused Job of being a follower of the Lord only because of God's hand of goodness upon him, so we can be assured of his vitriolic aspersions upon us as we serve and worship the Lord.

But he is brought to abject silence when the blood is presented. When the shed blood is brought up, the accuser is shot down. He sees red when he is reminded that we are washed, we are clean, we are robed in white garments washed by the blood of the overcoming Lamb.

Not that we are undeserving of his accusations. Our total depravity makes for accusatory fodder for his tongue lashings against even the holiest of the brethren. However, the word of our testimony, that is, that the cross of Christ has blotted out the curse that was against us. It has utterly spoiled the principalities and powers of Satan, showing him for what he is, the ultimate loser. Our salvation ever causes us to triumph over him. (Col 2:14, 15)

Whether the dragon's accusations before God are true or merely malicious gossip, they are completely negated by the fact of the shed blood and our victorious testimony of renewal in Christ.

The day is rapidly approaching when the serpent will forever be banished from the throne room and the accuser of the brethren will be cast down from heaven, for there, nobody or nothing that maketh a lie shall ever enter into it again, only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev. 21:27

Dead Prophets Holiday

2011-11-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

During the tribulation period, these two prophets of the Lord, His two faithful witnesses likened unto olive trees and candlesticks, preach for just a few days shy of three and one half years. They faithfully preach that Jesus as the promised Messiah, controverting the message of the false prophet that the Beast is the sent one. Their message is highly successful. In a day of internet, cable and satellite, many are reached with the everlasting gospel that they preach. Perhaps more are saved during that time than have been saved in the entire age of grace!

Consequently, the beast is outraged. Their preaching puts a huge crimp in his plan of world domination, and so he seeks to destroy them. Up to now, they defend themselves by spewing fire from their mouths to devour those who would accost them.

They possess such power as to even prevent rain from falling, turn the waters to blood and curse the planet with plagues. These are two extremely powerful preachers! I am thinking these prophets might be 2 of either Moses, Elijah or Elisha. I doubt that they will be the Osteen or Warren types.

Yet, when God's time for their preaching to cease is over, He allows antichrist to get to them and slay them.

It's party time! God's enemies proclaim a prolonged, world wide party to celebrate their demise. "Dead Prophet's Week!" Since Christmas is no longer celebrated, This is to become the new super holiday. Lights are strung up, the halls are decked, mistletoe is hung with care and the malls begin to do a brisk business. Those with the bar code of the antichrist affixed to their right hands and foreheads exit the checkouts with shopping bags full of Dead Prophets gifts. Dead Prophet Trees draped in tinsel of silver and gold and bulbs of red and blue stand sentinel over the many gifts to be given to one another. World-Wide Parcel Service works overtime to assure that everyone will receive their gifts before that joyous day. Carols are joyfully sung, "No hell, no hell, no hell, no hell...", "Oh little town of Babylon", "Good King Antichrist."

One of the favorite holiday activities is to turn to BNN (Beast News Network) to look in on the bodies of those pesky prophets lying in the street. Occupy Temple Mount protesters display their placards just outside the protective barricades, "The Prophets were 1%ers", "Share the Rain!", "Stop the Plagues!", "Fire Breathing Prophets Cause Green House Emissions".

But then God does His thing to ruin Antichrist's holiday season. Right there, in front of the whole world watching by TV and internet, He breathes the Spirit of life into His prophets and raises them from the dead!

The raising of Lazarus was the last straw for the Pharisees. The Raising of Jesus from the dead struck a death blow on death itself. But the raising of these two preachers seals the deal for the Beast. They stand up and the entire world is smitten with knee-knocking fear. To top it all off, God's voice is heard from heaven calling His faithful prophets up to glory. And just to add an exclamation point, a major earthquake hits Jerusalem killing 7,000 men and people start giving glory to God!

Season's Greetings!

The Unknown Judgments

2011-11-17T09:26:00.001-08:00

Rev 10:1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

We know about the 7 seals, the 7 trumpets and the 7 vials. But of the 7 thunders we know little except that they are preceded by the appearance of the angel, clothed with a cloud with a rainbow upon his head. His face was as the sun and feet of fire. With one foot upon the land and another on the sea and holding a little, opened book, he roars like a lion.

My assumption is that the 7 thunders concern both land and sea, since he stands upon both. It could mean that the thunders affect both Jew and Gentile.

These are noteworthy judgments, yet the Apostle was not allowed to take notes. At the conclusion of these thunders, time will be up (6). That is, 1) the saints who have been awaiting recompense will now see it come to pass, 2) judgment will now begin to accelerate.

Think about it, my friend, we could be on the very cusp of these things right now. Once that rapture trumpet sounds, the judgments begin. The seals will be opened, the 7 trumpets will blast and then these 7 thunders will sound.

It would be much better to watch the show from the balconies of heaven than to be a participant on this earth, better to observe than to participate.

I don’t suppose these thunders will bring rose petals falling to earth, nor will the water be turned into Diet Coke. I am thinking little comfort will be afforded on earth when it all comes down.

Do you have your front row tickets reserved?

Euphrates River: No Swimming!

2011-11-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

Rev 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

Last summer, my son and I were invited to kayak up the Osage River in the Ozarks to a place where a rope was tied to a large tree so folks could swing out over the water into the middle of the river. The first boy on the scene had to shoe a water moccasin away from the area. Needless to say, I opted to stay in the kayak!

It was just reported that the US President, traveling abroad to Australia, has taken out crocodile insurance for $51,000. I guess he is thinking of going walk about, mate! No worries, right?

Every time I read today's verses, I think about river monsters. I am not a swimmer anyway, but to wade into waters infested with alligators, piranhas, water moccasins, sharks, crocodiles, etc. is not my idea of fun.

I cannot see myself entering the Euphrates River knowing that there are four demons bound in that river, waiting to be loosed so they can slay about 2 billion people.

At the same time, the saints will be dipping their toes into the pure waters of the River of Life proceeding from God's throne.

Journey to the Center of the Earth - the Smoke-filled Den of Iniquity

2011-11-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

The star which fell to earth was a angel. As in other places, the stars of God can refer to angels. Jesus beheld Satan fall as a star from heaven (Luke 10:18). At the creation, the morning stars sang together (Job 38:6,7).

This angel is given the key to this bottomless pit. That pit is what I will dwell on here:
1. It is a pit - (never a good place to be)
2. It is bottomless
3. It is full of heavy, dark smoke
4. It is heated, as if by a great furnace (probably the earth's core)
5. It is dark
6. It is populated with hideous, hurtful creatures
7. It is home to fierce and powerful demons Rev 9:11
8. It is the current home of the beast (unless he has already ascended from it) Rev 11:7, 17:8
9. It will house the devil for the duration of the millennium, Rev 20:3
10. Chains are employed there to keep its inhabitants secured Rev 20:1
11. It exists within the bowels of the earth, Ezekiel 26, 28, 31, 32.
12. It is a compartment of hell, Isa 14:15

All a person has to do to forever avoid this horrible place (not intended for humans) is to put their trust in the finished work of Christ on Calvary. Simply believe on the Lord and pray:

Lord God, I confess to you I am a sinner, deserving of this horrible pit, but I trust you today as my Savior. Wash my soul in the blood of Jesus, Who died for me and rose again in victory over sin, death and hell. I open my heart's door and invite you into my life. Save me for Jesus' sake; Thank you for saving me, Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Your Prayers, a Sweet Savor to the Lord

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Several times in the Old testament, the incense offered by the high priest is referred to as a sweet savor to the Lord. That is, a sensory enjoyment.

Recall that beautiful smell when you pass a bakery, or the bouquet of a floral shop. I like to stop and savor the luscious smells that make my brain happy...steaks on the grill, the forest in the fall, a really good perfume on a beautiful lady, etc.

The Bible likens the prayers of the saints to a savory incense wafting up to God's throne. Picture Him waving the prayers toward His nostrils with the palm of His hand, His eyes closed as He savors those sweet utterances of praise and petition from His kids.

It makes me want to approach His holy throne even now. I pray He savors that holy time as much as I do!

12 Sure Ways for New Believers (and Older Ones Too) to Fail in the Christian Life

2011-11-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

Heb 6:1-3
Listen, all my friends who are new believers in the Lord, There is an old country song which says, “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.” God has promised you hundreds of things, eternal life, sins forgiven, His constant presence, every need supplied, the Holy Spirit, and many, many other things. But one thing he has not promised, that things down here would be easy. In fact, when you got saved, you made the devil mad. He can’t take your salvation away, but he will do all he can to keep you from being a good testimony and from enjoying your new life in Christ. Know your enemy!!!

I am going to briefly give you the 12 most common things that happen to believers to keep them from being successes in the Christian life.
Sure ways to fail in your Christian life…
1. Stay in the Pig Pen
I Cor 5:17 “If any man be in Christ…”
Know this, God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay that way! You have been saved FROM something and TO something.
*From hell to heaven,
*from your sins to sanctification,
*from the pig pen to right living
Once you have been redeemed, it is time to leave the old life behind and seek to please Him. Otherwise, eventually, the lure of the old life will pull you back and will destroy you. Get out of the pigpen.

2. Ignore the Instruction Manual
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
In this Book, God has given you all the answers for every question of life.
Immerse yourself in the Word of God and prayer. Develop a deep relationship with Him. You cannot grow in grace if you are not daily in the Word!

"This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.
The more you know God, the more you’ll love Him – and here is where you will meet Him every day.

3. Forsake the Family of God
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You NEED the church. It exists to instruct you, to provide fellowship and encouragement for you. You need your new spiritual family to lean on. This is your support group. When you aren’t around, they can’t help you.
By the way, it needs you too! Time to step up and get to work for God through the ministry of your church. God has given you spiritual gifts to use for His service. The ONLY way for you to be content is to do what God MADE you to do.

4. Duck Discipleship
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
It is your responsibility to learn all you can about the faith. There are people and tools out there that can help you, but you have to take the initiative. Hang out with mature believers who will take you under their wing and bring you along in the faith. Attend Sunday school, attend Wed. night Bible study. Sunday is the Lord’s day, all day. Why not be where you can be growing in the Lord! Win souls, Invest in eternity with your tithes and offerings, be filled everyday with the Holy Spirit and rightly divide the Word of truth.
A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing. M. Luther.

5. Use God as a Spare Tire
Many newbies try to live life on their own, but when trouble comes, they pull Him out of the trunk slap Him on the vehicle of life until they limp into the service station. When the flat is fixed, back He goes into the trunk until the next time He is needed.

6. Expect that God will be Your Personal Genie.
God does not exist to serve us. We were created (and recreated) to serve and honor Him. He did for us all He was compelled to do by giving His Son to die for us. He owes us nothing, we owe Him our everything.

7. Simply “ADD” Jesus to the Mix that is Your Life – John 14:6
Jesus is not a way, He is the way. He is not a fire escape from hell, He is your ticket to heaven and your Provider for an abundant life (Jn 10:10) He needs to be your all in all, your life, your breath, your everything. Not just a small part of your life.

8. Expect that Your New Life will now be Beautiful and Problem Free
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 3 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
If anything, life is going to get harder now that you are saved. When you trusted Christ, you made the devil your worst enemy. He will never let up. The great thing is, now you will never walk alone. Jesus has equipped you with the Word, the church, but most of all, His presence and power by the Holy Spirit. Get filled with the Spirit of God every day for everything life and the devil are going to throw at you.

9. Figure that a “Little-Dab-Will-Do-Ya”
Deut 6:4-8
Nope, when it comes to Christianity, don’t do it in moderation. Go “all in” for the Lord. Don’t wade in the kiddie pool, get out and swim with the big boys. The more the better.

10. Trying to Be a Double Agent
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Don’t be living 2 lives, one on Sunday, another during the week, one at church, another at home or work. You are to be a Christian everywhere you go, whatever you do. Slay the flesh, say no to the devil, flee from sin and serve God with your whole heart.

11. Keep Your Eyes on Other Christians, Not on Jesus!
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him…
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Christians are going to offend you. Sometimes inadvertently, sometimes on purpose! They are made of the same stuff you are, flesh. The flesh will fail every time. Preachers are not exempt from failure either. The devil knows that if he can get a preacher to fall, others will fall because they were looking to him.
Look to Christ as your leader and your example. Jesus will never fail you! Keep your eyes on Him and on Him only and you won’t be disappointed.

12. Finally, if a new believer is going to fail, When (not if) You Fall, Stay Down, Don’t Get Back Up! I Jn 1:9

Don’t think that you are any different than any other believer who ever got saved. These things are true for every child of God who ever entered the family. There are no shortcuts when it comes to these issues.

Silence is Golden

2011-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Rev 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

We really don't experience much of silence anymore. Our world is filled with constant activity accompanied by noise. For me, when all else is silent, I have ringing in my ear that is accentuated by the quiet. Nearby rail yards make for constant noise for us, which we learn to ignore.

In our society, there is usually a TV on simply for background noise. Perhaps music plays on a radio or other device.

Can you imagine, in a place where constant praise is offered to the Lord, silence? The angels fold their wings, the elders cease their worship, the assembly of saints wait with baited breath. This all in anticipation of the results of the opening of the seventh seal. This silence is 30 minutes in duration!

Talk about suspense! Look what transpires next, seven angels are handed seven trumpets. An angel then comes to stand at the altar. There, he offers incense with the prayers of the saints from his hand to God. We will literally see the prayers of God's people ascend to God. No wonder all else is silent. What a holy moment! People are praying and heaven witnesses the holiness of the moment.

Let me tell you something, your prayers are special to God. He must be the ultimate multi-tasker. Yet, when we pray, it's as if all He has to do is attend to your praise, supplications and intercessions.

Imagine, you have the opportunity right now to bring heaven to a halt while your prayers come to God's attention.

Farewell to Tears

2011-11-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

How many tears have been shed over the past six millennium because of grief, pain and sorrow? Only God knows!

Most are convinced that tears are not shed in heaven. That is a partial truth. Here, saints saved in the tribulation and martyred for the name of Jesus, stand before the throne of God worshiping the Lamb on His throne. At some point, the heavenly Kleenex box is passed around, the tears are dried and God banishes those salty drops from the cheeks of the saints. We find this happening again in Revelation 21 once the Great White Throne judgment is completed.

To recap, the martyred saints cry during the tribulation until the Lord wipes away their tears. The sainted millions cry after the Millennium when death and hell are banished to the lake of fire. Again, the Lord ministers to His children by drying their tears.

In a sense, I am glad that a good range of emotions will be operable in heaven. Joy is desirable, but it is enhanced by the capacity for sorrow. Confidence can be appreciated when trepidation has been experienced. For instance, there is going to be one more coup attempt by the devil, followed by his final ouster from the heavenly realm. We might experience some fear and anxiety for a time before we exult in the total victory of the overcoming Lamb of God. The apostle weeps much because no one is found to open the 7 sealed book. But his weeping quickly turns to rejoicing when the Lamb prevails to open the book. The 4 great "Hallelujahs!" of heaven come on the heels of God's absolute annihilation of evil on the earth.

It will not be until, at the least, 1007 years from now that time shall be no more, a new heaven and earth will be formed, Satan is made a crispy critter in the Lake of Fire, the former things will be passed away, all things will be made new, and THEN the last salty drop will have stained the last cheek and eternity can proceed without another tear.

But Nobody Doesn't Like Sara Lee

2011-11-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

The third seal, opened in heaven during the tribulation by the prevailing Lamb, shows a black horse whose rider holds a pair of balances in his hand. Alas, the world economy has crumbled. There will no longer be a stock market, it will have totally collapsed. People will forage for food. If a loaf of bread could be had, it would cost a day's wages.

And we think things are hard now! Unemployment is high, inflation threatens our earning power, the prices at the pump cause much grief and consternation, folks are struggling, but all that is nothing compared to the resulting economy under the king of the world, the man of sin.

A while back, I noticed in our local grocery store, a loaf of Sara Lee bread was almost $5 a loaf! I had recently visited a Central American country where the daily wage for a man is about $5. Yet, prices for things there weren't too different than our prices. It got me thinking how close we really are to the end, a loaf of bread for a day’s wages.

I am thankful that believers will be evacuated before the real tribulation begins. Are you ready?

An Angel Strong and Loud

2011-11-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Jesus is the central figure of heaven, of this, there is no doubt. But I find it interesting that others will have a role in His glorification.

Here is an angel, maybe Archangel Michael, asking the rhetorical question, "Who is worthy?" He is described as strong. Would Michael be considered strong because of his appearance? Does he have rippling muscles? Or is it because of his reputation? Michael made quite a name for himself in the book of Daniel because of the spiritual battles he wages. Or is it the deference given him by the other angels? "Archangel" indicates that he is a prince among angels. Or maybe all of these cause this angel to appear as a strong angel.

He then proclaims with a loud voice. There are millions upon millions of redeemed souls present along with heavenly beasts and creatures and an innumerable company of angels. The voice of the strong angel had to carry over the entire audience. I get chills realizing that I am going to see this first hand. Won't that be a grand occasion?

It strikes me to think that such creatures, designed by God, are watching over us at this moment, keeping us from hurt, harm or danger. (Psalm 91:10-13)

Thank you Lord, for your mighty angels and for your watch care over us.

Bowing Before the King

2011-11-06T04:50:00.000-08:00

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are going to love this! Remember when old king Nebby built the grand statue 90' tall and 9' wide? He had it gold plated and got a worship band together. The decree was that whenever they struck up the band, everyone within earshot was to bow down and worship the image. Well, these 3 Jewish boys refused to bow to the great idol. Nebby, in his rage, gave them one more chance. The music played and the Hebrews stood firm. So into the fire they went, where they were met by the Son of God. "Way to go boys!" He could have encouraged them, "One day you will get to bow and it will be a lot more appropriate."

Heaven is the location. On the throne sits the King of Kings in all of His regal splendor. Eyes of fire, feet of brass, robed in white, ensconced in His royal throne. An emerald rainbow encompasses His shoulders, the same shoulders that carry His helpless lambs. Lightning and thunder proceed from the throne. Flashes of blinding light dazzle the millions of saints, rumbles of seismic thunder shake the heavens. A glassy sea reflects these unearthly images. The apostles and patriarchs sit on surrounding thrones.

Heavenly beasts full of eyes, front and back, rise to make the eternal proclamation, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come!"

At that saying, the elders and all of heaven in attendance fall before the emerald throne, before its immutable Occupant, He Who sat in regal majesty for eternity past, Who spoke the worlds into existence, Who humbled Himself to inhabit human flesh, Who redeemed us with His own blood shed on the cross, Who rose victorious over sin, death and the grave, Who called all His followers to this heavenly scene.

And when “Holy, holy, holy” is proclaimed, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego will fall in obeisance to their true king, the One Who kept them safe in the fire.

Just Any Day Now

2011-11-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

I am looking for that open door up yonder when the gates of heaven are thrown open for the saint of all the ages. What a glorious parade that is going to be as those who have longed for this day get to march through those pearly gates and down the golden avenue alongside the river of life lined with fruit trees, heavy with the fruit of the month. And then we wind our way to the very throne of Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Not only am I looking for that open door, but I am listening for two sounds, the sound of Gabriel's golden trumpet and the voice of my Savior calling out my name and beckoning me home to glory.

Now, I have seen some sights and heard some sounds in my day, but none of them will look as beautiful and sound as sweet as those my senses will take in on that day.

And that day could be today!

The Laid Back Laodiceans

2011-11-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

I would criticize this church that Jesus condemned if I weren't part of it! The Lord had no commendations to give to this church like He did the other six, only condemnation.

The letters to the 7 churches have a 3-fold interpretation.
*First, they are messages meant for the actual churches which operated in first century Asia Minor.
*Second, they were written to the churches of 7 general time periods of the church age. Ephesus being the 1st century and Laodicea, the 20th and 21st century. The characteristics of churches during these periods and the history of the world seem to parallel the tenor of these 7 letters.
*And finally, these letters are written to all churches of the entire church age. Various churches have emulated the characteristics of these 7 various churches despite the era. There are Philadelphian churches and Ephesian churches in operation during our Laodicean age. It is an “if the shoe fits, wear it!” proposition.

According to the second interpretation, we would be living in the Laodicean church age. It is an age where the churches tend to be lukewarm; not on fire, not cool and refreshing. In other words, the churches are fairly innocuous, apathetic, ineffective, irrelevant. I would say that is an apt description of the majority of churches these days.

Additionally, we get to thinking we are all that. We are so self-sufficient and independent, not realizing how spiritually needy we are.

The worst indictment of all is that Jesus is on the outside, wanting to come back in!

Yet God, in His love and mercy, continues to sprinkle favor and blessing upon the churches of today. Souls are being saved and missionaries are being sent to the field. We had better wake up, see our miserable condition, repent and do what we are called to do.

By the way, we are not talking about the mainline denominations, up shoots or the Romanists. This Laodicean church is one of the candlesticks among which Jesus walked. It is (they are) legitimate church(es). This letter is to us, brethren. There is no justification in finger pointing, only introspection and appropriate action.

Sardis: Church of the Living Dead

2011-11-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

We like to have our egos massaged from time to time. We tend to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Most churches like to think they are all that, when in reality, we are just playing games.

The church of the Sardines may have really packed them into the pews, but there was enough fishy activity going on among the membership which displeased God to merit a strong condemnation.

They had a few things they were doing right and there were a few members who were faithful, and that's what kept them on life support.

Many of our churches today need to heed the same warning delivered to Sardis, "Watch out, strengthen the few things that you are doing right, hold on to the truth and repent of your error!"

Indeed, churches are so concerned with massaging egos that they have neglected the teaching of the whole counsel of God. Time for us to get revived and do the work we are called to do, evangelize, baptize, teach and train.

Jezebel Comes to Sunday School

2011-11-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Remember Jezebel? She was arguably the worst woman of the Bible. Delilah was a delight compared to this wicked witch of the north. She sissified her husband, invented imminent domain, persecuted Prophet Elijah and sunk Israel as low as she could go.

She is a symbol of corrupt leadership and degraded womanhood. If she were with us today, trick or treaters would be donning her mask more than any other.

Jesus invoked this despised name to let the church at Thyatira know how displeased He was with its teachers. They made use of ungodly teachers claiming the mantle of “prophetess” and drawing the church away from purity and soundness.

He warns that Jezebel's uncomely demise, eaten by dogs which left nothing of her but her palms and the bottoms of her feet, would be revisited upon these godless teachers of seduction.

The take away message here... churches need to stay true to the stuff and be careful the screen their teachers well.

Paul addressed the issue of teacher placement with Timothy, And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim 2:2

May God give our churches the wisdom to properly train our teachers so that the Great Commission is carried out according to God's prescription. May He give us the discernment to screen out the Jezebels who would subvert godly teaching.

Heaven's Eyes

2011-10-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Jesus is speaking here to the Thyatiran church of Asia. John's description of the Author of these words is the He is One of knowing and doing.

Jesus' eyes are like unto a flame of fire. This indicates that nothing escapes His all-seeing gaze. His feet are like fine brass, indicating that, in His purity and surety, He continues walking in the midst of the churches.

Notice what happens in our next verse, twice the Lord conveys that He knows the works of that church. "I know thy works...and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."

Is Jesus repeating Himself? Yes! The Greek word is "ergon" as in "ergonomic." It means exactly what you would expect "works" to mean, "deeds, doing, labor."

My studies of the Word cause me to conclude that when God repeats something, it is very important that we take notice and respond appropriately.

Consider it like this, “God knows your works, He knows your works.” Pretty emphatic, huh?

The works being observed by these flaming eyes of fire are the church's works of charity, service, faith and patience.

Charity = love in action
Service = ministry to God and to others
Faith = acting upon God's promises
Patience = performance under pressure

These are the types of works under scrutiny of Heaven's eyes. How does our church stack up?

Oh be careful little hands what you do
Oh be careful little hands what you do
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little hands what you do

Oh be careful little feet where you go
Oh be careful little feet where you go
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little feet where you go

Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Preaching, Its Good For You!

2011-10-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

1 Thess 5:20 Despise not prophesyings

God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to save the lost. Indeed, the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them that perish. So says I Cor 1:18, 21.

Indeed, preaching does seem a little crazy at times. A guy mounts the pulpit, delivers the Word with passion to groups of people, some very large groups, and they respond with “Amens!” Sometimes they stream to altars for prayer following said screeching. Then they shake the ministers hand on the way out of the church and tell him what a fine message it was. Most of the time, he actually gets paid for his holy rants, replete with hyperbole, poetry, tears and amateur comedy.

It is no wonder non church types just don’t get it. Hey, I am a preacher and sometimes I am baffled by God’s preferred method of deliverance of the Bread of Life.

In I Thessalonians, the Apostle, in 3 short words, warns that we not deride, despise or deny the process of God’s man thundering forth God’s Word.

Two of the commentators are worth reading on this verse:

JFB - - Do not suppose that ye have no need of continual instruction; without it ye cannot preserve the Christian life, nor go on to perfection. God will ever send a message of salvation by each of his ministers to every faithful, attentive hearer. Do not suppose that ye are already wise enough; you are no more wise enough than you are holy enough. They who slight or neglect the means of grace, and especially the preaching of God’s holy word, are generally vain, empty, self-conceited people, and exceedingly superficial both in knowledge and piety.

Matthew Henry - - Despise not prophesyings (1Th_5:20); for, if we neglect the means of grace, we forfeit the Spirit of grace. By prophesyings here we are to understand the preaching of the word, the interpreting and applying of the scriptures; and this we must not despise, but should prize and value, because it is the ordinance of God, appointed of him for our furtherance and increase in knowledge and grace, in holiness and comfort. We must not despise preaching, though it be plain, and not with enticing words of men's wisdom, and though we be told no more than what we knew before. It is useful, and many times needful, to have our minds stirred up, our affections and resolutions excited, to those things that we knew before to be our interest and our duty.

With that, we pray that each reader finds a Bible preaching church this coming Lord’s day and soaks in the Word as it is preached in passionate sincerity.

Hyperbole?

2011-10-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they
should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could
not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

I have heard people say that this summation by the Apostle John could not be taken literally, it is just hyperbole.

But I know that all the things He has done, just in my life, would take several volumes if they were recorded and commentaries made. I suppose that I hardly know but a small percentage of what He has done for me.

Jesus has been very good to me and, I suspect He has been especially kind to you also. Perhaps, one day, we will get to read those volumes containing our own untold stories of His works on our behalf.

The Oil Lamp Came On

2011-10-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

John 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

So, light bulbs hadn't been invented yet, so an oil lamp must have come on over John's head as the realization struck him about the Lord's promises of rising again from the dead.

The disciples just couldn't get a clue about the Lord's death and resurrection. The pieces of the puzzle puzzled them greatly.

The view of the empty tomb for the ladies, then John and Peter initially portended that the body of Jesus had been secreted away. This troubled them.

But finally, the realization washed over John that this is exactly what Jesus had been predicting all along. "Tear this temple down and I will raise it again in three days."

Don't be too hard on the learning disabled disciples. Every day, we Christians get frustrated at circumstances that are brought to us for our growth. We get angry over setbacks that are meant to protect us. We react faithlessly to events created to build our faith. We get bent out of shape by things intended to bend us toward the Lord.

Concerning our problems, the sun is soon coming up over an empty tomb. Our faith is set to evolve. We are being prepared to overcome. Yet, sticking our heads into the empty tomb, our understanding is still empty until an angel startles us to the reality that Christ is alive, God occupies the throne, peace is ours, we are sent out to minister to others of the risen Christ and that the Holy Ghost is within us.

The tomb is empty? That's not a problem but a promise. It is what God planned all along.

You are experiencing pain, confusion, bewilderment, setback, disappointment today, don't be perplexed. There is a plan and a reason. Soon the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place.

Christ died to rise again. John finally got it. Your problems come for reasons you cannot understand yet. But we are risen with Christ, we are more than conquerors, we have victory in Him. Soon the light bulb will come on for you and you will get it too.

Even This Could Have Been Forgiven

2011-10-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard
me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

This slap in the face of the Savior, those who spit on Him, or mocked Him, those who gambled for His robe or drove the nails, it is hard to imagine, but Jesus prayed that they be forgiven for their ignorance. We don’t know if this man got his eyes opened the next day at Calvary, but he may well have.

I am not always as Christ like as I should be. I say let this guy burn, let ‘em all fry! But they really did think they were doing God a favor. Jesus said that they didn't know what they were doing. Forgiveness belonged to this man, if he would accept it. The same blood that poured from the Lord's body that would wash His sin away is the blood offered for you and me. The difference? His sin was in ignorance. Many of our sins are a slap in the face of the Lord, knowing full well we are breaking God's law!

Yet, God loves us, He forgives us, He shows mercy and grace. We are rotten to the core, yet we remain the apple of His eye!

Amazing stuff!

Powerful Words, Powerful Savior

2011-10-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

When you think of the words of Jesus while He was walked this sod, many remarkable quotes come to mind. The Words from the cross are powerful, "Father, forgive them.", "It is finished." Etc.

And then, there are the many dynamic teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, "Ye are the salt of the earth" and "Ye are the light of the world.", Etc.

What He said to Nicodemus, the woman at the well and other individuals are incomparable.

But here is something said by our Lord, simple and powerful, that literally knocked the listeners from their feet.

Two words, add the italicized word and the phrase becomes a mere 3 word phrase. "I am he." The group went backward and fell to the ground!

We have to realize the makeup of the arresting party. Verse 3 tells us, Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Additionally, verse 10 tells us of Malchus, a servant of the high priest, and verse 12, which indicates a captain and officers of the Jews.

These were apparently all Jews, religious ones at that, and not a Roman among them.

Commentator Adam Clarke has this take on the incident: "Our Lord chose to give them this proof of his infinite power, that they might know that their power could not prevail against him if he chose to exert his might, seeing that the very breath of his mouth confounded, drove back, and struck them down to the earth. Thus by the blast of God they might have perished, and by the breath of his nostrils they might have been consumed: Job 4:9."

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, and David Brown, put this take on what was taking place, "they went backward (recoiled) and fell to the ground — struck down by a power such as that which smote Saul of Tarsus and his companions to the earth (Act_26:14). It was the glorious effulgence of the majesty of Christ which overpowered them.”

And Mayer adds, “This, occurring before His surrender, would show His power over His enemies, and so the freedom with which He gave Himself up.”

I would link this display of power with the awesome significance of the very words, "I am." Not a one of the arresting party was unfamiliar with their significance. Prior to this arrest, Jesus used those very words to incite, possibly some of these very Pharisees, to take up stones to take our Lord out of commission. John 8:58, 59.

In fact, the book of John is replete with the "I Am’s" of Jesus. (More than 30 times!) John is the only one of the four evangelists to relate this "I am he" narrative.

Calmet speaks fluidly of the connotation of Jesus' claim of being the "I Am." “I am from all eternity. I have existed before all ages. You consider in me only the person who speaks to you, and who has appeared to you within a particular time. But besides this human nature, which ye think ye know, there is in me a Divine and eternal nature. Both, united, subsist together in my person."

We may not know this side of heaven what supernatural forces accompanied Jesus' proclamation of "I am he." My mind recalls the dove and the voice from heaven which accompanied His baptism. I think of the voice that thundered and the bright light that blinded as Paul and his companions were knocked to the ground on Damascus Road. I consider also the transfiguration of Jesus before His inner circle of disciples. Perhaps some of these very phenomenon occurred in the Garden when He proclaimed "I am he." When He repeated the phrase a few verses later, no such knock down power accompanied it. (vs 8)

I long for coronation day when all believers of all ages will fall before our King in humble adoration. I imagine the Father proclaiming "This is my Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased." Not one of the sainted billions will be able to stay afoot. What power! What glory! What display of eternal domination will we witness on that glorious day?

At Jesus' words, the arresting group lost their bearings, went backward and fell to the ground. Then they came to themselves, garnered their "honor" and proceeded with their dark mission.

At the words of our great I AM in celestial environs, we will be completely arrested. We will fall prone before Him to worship without inhibition. On that day and forevermore we will ascribe to Him salvation, glory, honor and power. That will be our eternal mission.

Clueless:

2011-10-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

When I think of clueless, I don’t think about a movie starring a blonde girl who lacks common sense, but I think about the masses of ignorant people who are like lemmings running off a cliff into the ocean. They are getting their worldview from Hollywood, Nashville, 5th Ave., or CNN.

The Bible is jam-packed full of clueless people.
-I think of Samson! He should have known better than to mess around with heathen girls, than to get a haircut in the wrong barbershop.
-How about the whole world in the days of Noah? 120 years he told them to get right with God, 120 years they called Him a fool. Jesus says, “They knew not until the floods came and took them all away.”
-the best example of all would be the crowd that cried out for Jesus’ death. They were totally clueless. Then the Pharisees started milling through the crowd putting bugs in people’s ears, “When Pilate asks, shout out Barabbas’ name.”

If a person does not have a proper perspective of an event, they cannot rightly judge what is happening.

Cases in point:
*Occupy Wall Street
Some people are saying they support “Occupy Wall Street?”
Well, what do you support?
“They’re frustrated.” Who isn't?
“They can't pay the rent or their college loans.” Then, go get a job.
“They are protesting against the 1 percent.” What do you expect them to do, divide their money between you people?

*The fall of governments in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen, (America?), etc.
*Rioting in Greece, and other parts of Europe.
*The breaking up of your family!
*The constant upheaval going on at your job and in your school Nobody trusts anybody. One department is against another, 2nd shift is against the day shift. The employees distrust the authority, and vice-versa.
*The same thing in our nation. People hate the politicians, the politicians disdain the people.

What, in Heaven’s name is going on? Nobody seems to know.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it, unless you have the right perspective. A biblical one!

People are fighting and giving themselves to causes that are completely nonsensical.

You are not going to get the proper perspective from CNN, Fox, ABC, CBS or NBC, nor from Face Book. These are like the Pharisees inciting the crowd to proclaim, “Crucify Him” at the trial of Jesus. They are totally missing the point!

So, let’s get a clue as to what is really going on in these crazy days…

1. There is a spiritual warfare going on for the domination of souls, countries, the world.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Satan is pretty good at what he is doing. He is patient. He’s been at this game a long time. (the destruction of the nuclear family – took 70 years, but it was very effective.)
(the fall of America – it took about 100 years, but he is just about to get it done.)
(gay marriage, the legalization of marijuana, etc.)
However, he knows that time is very short, so he is stepping up his efforts, he knows his time is short.

God is not the author of confusion, so who is? Who is authoring all this craziness going on? The counsels of hell have hatched their plans to steal, kill and destroy. Jn 10:10. The enemy whispers and the masses pay heed!

2. The kings of the earth are conspiring together against God, Ps 2:1-3. There is a concerted effort by the true powerbrokers of the earth to establish a one world government apart from God. But, don’t worry, look at vs 4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

3. PRIDE! Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention:
Why are there wars? Pride. Why are there problems in your home? Pride. Families are breaking up because of pride. Churches split because of pride. All that strife down at work is because of pride.

Don’t be clueless. Know the wiles of the enemy. Avoid the traps he has set for you and your family, your church, your country.

Look to the Lord. Immerse yourself in the Word, pray, be filled with the Sprit. Renew your mind daily.

Don’t listen to the lying voices. The only reason anyone should ever watch CNN, etc. is to know what the enemy is up to. They are great at twisting, smoke and mirrors, distraction, etc.

Feed on truth! Don’t be willingly ignorant.
2Pe 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant…

One more thing that we must not be clueless about, Jesus is the answer! Jn 10:10, Jn 14:6. He is the only answer. The answer is not another pill, or infusing more money, or philosophy or any one of a million things. Jesus is the answer to every problem.

For your sin, He offers His salvation
For your sadness, He offers His joy
For your confusion, He offers His wisdom
For your turmoil, He offers His peace.
For your loneliness, He offers His presence.
For your lack, He offers His supply.
For your guilt, He offers His grace.

Now you don’t have to be clueless!

On the Way Out of Jerusalem

2011-10-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

2 Sam 15:23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

David and Jesus, 28 generations removed from each other, both found themselves retreating across the Brook Kidron by night.

*Both Jesus and his great grandfather left Jerusalem by night.
*Both retreated across the Brook Kidron on the way out of town.
*Both were being betrayed (in the most bizarre and undeserved manner) by someone close to them (David/Absalom, Jesus/Judas)
*Both would soon be accosted on the other side of the Brook, (David/Shimei,
Jesus/Temple guard, Pharisees and Judas)
*Both would return one day across that same brook, in glory and splendor as the undisputed king.

Psa 24:7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

The Promise of the Holy Ghost:

2011-10-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

When the Comforter is Come…

1. He will show the truth - Jn 16:13
2. He will glorify Jesus - Jn 16:14
3. He will testify of Jesus - Jn 15:26, I Cor 12:3
4. He will comfort the afflicted and persecuted - Jn 14:18, Acts 9:31
5. He will bring all things to our remembrance - Jn 14:16
6. He will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and of Judgment. Jn 16:8
7. He will show us things to come - Jn 16:13
8. He will teach us all things - Jn 14:26, I Cor 2:13, Heb 9:8, 10:15
9. He will endow us with the spiritual gifts for service - Rom 12 & I Cor 12, Heb 2:4
10. He will fill our mouths with the right words - Lk 12:12, Acts 2:4, 4:8, 31
11. He will empower us for witnessing - Acts 1:8, 20:23
12. He will imbue us with power for preaching - Lk 1:67
13. He will baptize believers into Christ - Lk 3:16, Roms 6
14. He will lead and direct us into the right paths - Lk 4:1
15. He will anoint us for ministry - Acts 10:38
16. He will thrust laborers into the vineyard for the work of the Lord - Acts 13:2, 4
17. He will give holy boldness to speak that which needs to be spoken - Acts 13:9
18. He will fill us so that we may have joy and thankfulness - Eph 5:18-20
19. He will keep us from harm - Acts 16:6, 21:11
20. He will set pastors in their places of service - Acts 20:28, II Tim 1:14
21. He will shed His love abroad in the hearts of believers - Rom 5:5 (as well as righteousness, peace and joy) Rom 14:17, 15:13
22. He will wield His Sword in the hand of the believer to do spiritual battle - Eph 6:17
23. He will produce His fruit in us - Gal 5:22, etc., Eph 5:9
24. He will work through our consciences to do what is right - Rom 9:1
25. He will sanctify His servants - Rom 15:16
26. He will constantly occupy His temple, the bodies of believers - I Cor 6:19
27. He will cause believers and Christ to have communion together - II Cor 13:14
28. He will wash, regenerate and renew those who come to Christ - Titus 3:5
29. He will seal the believer until the rapture - Eph 1:13, 4:30

The lost live without the Holy Spirit. Their only interaction with Him is that He convicts them of sin. Believers have more to do with the Holy Spirit directly than with either other part of the Godhead. Jesus called Him Comforter for good reason. We are blessed by His comfort day by day. Thank the Lord for His Holy Spirit.

The Promise of Persecution

2011-10-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

The promises of God, are what every Christian clings to for hope and comfort. He promises us heaven, forgiveness of sin, every need supplied, grace greater than all our sin, the list is very extensive.

But here is a promise of Jesus for those who chose to serve Him and claim and proclaim His name - PERSECUTION.

The Greek word is "dioko" and it means that they will pursue the servants of the Lord and press them into suffering.

I don't suppose this is the ‘come on’ that we normally use to invite people to come to Christ. Imagine; "Hey, forget about forgiveness of sins and a home in heaven, focus on the fact that they might burn your house down, blacklist your business and take your kids from you. You could be hunted down, possibly jailed, tortured, maybe even killed! Now, what do you say, are you ready to trust Jesus?"

The fact is, it is a high privilege to suffer for His name's sake. Crowns await God's children who are persecuted for Him. Surely, none of us invite hard times or wish for heavier crosses to bear, but it would do western Christianity a world of good in that we would be driven to our knees, brought closer to the Lord and focus better on the work we are called to do if we were hounded by the enemy.

The truth is that many of the world's Christians are fully aware of the veracity of Jesus' promise of persecution. Perhaps those of us who live our Christian lives in relative freedom and ease need to bear the cross of praying diligently for those who are persecuted. We are the exception and not the rule. Perhaps the day is coming when all that will change.

The Great Promotion

2011-10-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Everyone wants a promotion. In the job sphere, it means getting what you feel you have worked for and what you deserve. It means greater responsibility and a bigger paycheck.

In some spheres, promotion has nothing to do with money. For instance, in a church or another volunteer organization, there is no paycheck. Promotion means a greater amount of influence and satisfaction in results, as well as a lot more work.

But the promotion we talk about today is one of relationship. We have the opportunity to move from lost sinners, to sinners, saved by grace, the children of the King, to humble servants of the most high God, to friends of Jesus and finally, to kings and priests in the coming kingdom of the reigning King.

The promotion from children of the King to friends of the Prince comes about directly as a result of our obedience to His commands.

The command given in this instance is to love the brethren even to the point of laying down our lives for one another.

Pragmatically, this occurs by us simply putting others first. Paul told us to have the mind of Christ, Who laid aside His glory to come to this earth to give His life for us. We are to look primarily on the needs of others, not on the things we want.

As our walk brings us closer to the Lord, we will become more sensitive to the needs of others. We will sense their hurts and privations and minister to their needs.

Does our present ministry qualify us for a promotion to friendship with Jesus?

Sapping Strength from the True Vine

2011-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. etc.

In our last blog, we talked extensively about saps, like those who betray the Lord. Today, we talk about the good saps, drawing upon the Lord for their spiritual strength.

We often find ourselves trying to tap into things other than the Lord for our strength. But we find out every time that, apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.

It is only when we branches are grafted into Christ, abiding in Him, drawing upon Him for power for daily living and witnessing, that we can be fruitful.

Jesus said that in Him, we can bring forth fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

Practically, we do this by:
1. Leaning on His Word - 3. We need to be reading it daily, meditating on it, claiming its promises, and obeying its directives.

2. Living in His Love - 9. We should be basking in the glow of His care for us, giving thanks for each benefit He showers upon us and freely sharing His love with others.

3. Learning to have His Joy - 11. We would be wise to employ His joy rather than look for worldly happiness. His joy is full, complete, overcoming and victorious.

What are we plugging into for our strength? The world, relationships, thrills, pills... all these fail. Christ, the true vine, provides a continuing supply of strength to His saps.

"Let emptiness remind you that true joy is found only through intimate relationship with Christ." - Dr. Stanley

What are We Doing?

2011-10-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have recently felt a nagging burden that life's distractions are blurring our focus. We are extremely busy about things that don't matter at all. Someone said that the word BUSY could well mean Being Under Satan's Yoke.

Think about it, where do soul winning and missions land on your list of priorities? Are they even anywhere near the top 10? Does your effort, your checkbook, your prayers reflect that souls are important to you? The following paragraph by Spurgeon gripped me:

"How we fall short of having the passion we should. How would we react if we saw a huge line of blind men walking towards a thousand foot cliff, and one by one falling headlong onto jagged rocks below? Wouldn't we put ourselves between them and the cliff? Wouldn't we put our arms around them to hold them back? Wouldn't we implore them and scream at them to turn around? Yet we don't warn or plead with those whose fate is infinitely worse than that of those who would fall onto jagged rocks. Our passive preaching, and careful not to offend vocabulary betray our apathy and our unbelief. If we don't implore the world to turn from sin it's because we don't truly believe God's Word. We mustn't. We cannot be so deathly cold, so evil-hearted as to not care. We haven't let the reality of Hell sink into our minds and soften our hearts. The fact of its existence should horrify us beyond words, and then it should be reflected in our prayers and in our preaching." -Charles Spurgeon

Let's look for a soul needing Christ today and keep them from walking off the cliff.

After Sipping the Sop, Satan Enters the Sap.

2011-10-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

John 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

Judas, son of Simon the Pharisee, is a real study in zealous miscalculation.

Jesus was the real deal, he knew that for sure, or he would not have hitched his wagon to that star. He had been witness to his daddy's healing from leprosy and to the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When scores of people turned away from Jesus, Lazarus was among those who stuck with him, saying, "Where else can we go, you have the words of life?"

But Judas had his vices. He was all about sedition, but was short on devotion. He was more bent on finances than on fellowship. He was definitely attitudinally challenged. As it began to dawn on him that Jesus was concerned about a spiritual kingdom of the heart rather than a revived Jewish monarchy, he switched horses in the middle of the river. Barabbas began to be appealing to him while Jesus became appalling.

Once he got wind that money was being offered by the chief priests for the treacherous act of turning the Healer in, he saw an opportunity to do a little fundraising for the next anarchist he could get behind. And so, he went to the dark side.

The omniscient Savior knew what Judas was up to on his little sorties away from the group. The Lord let on to the band that He was about to be betrayed. Those sitting close by wanted to be clued in to who it might be. He gave this hint, when I break off a piece of bread and dip it in the gravy, the one I hand it to, he's the culprit.

As sin and death passed upon all men the moment Adam ate the forbidden fruit, so Satan fell upon Judas the moment he tasted the pan y salsa (pain au jus if you prefer the French). The sap ate the sop. There would be heck to pay for that last bite.

Crazy thing though. Every one of the disciples had their shortcomings. Looking around the table, each considered himself the likely candidate to fail the Lord. "Is it I?" they all questioned. Not a one of them had a clue it was the treasurer and the most zealous of all of them.

That same night as Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter would deny Him and James, Matthew and Jude would flee into the night to save their own necks. John was the only one who bothered to even try to stay faithful over the next 72 hours. Really, there were several saps that soaked the sop that night.

Hind sight! I can look back at that instance and swear my allegiance to the Lord, but, had I been there that night, I wonder how I would have fared and if I would been just another sap falling in to Satan's trap.

Happy are You if You Do Them

2011-10-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

This promise of the Lord comes during the Last Supper, prior to His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. And here, Jesus is concerned with how His followers serve and their subsequent happiness.

He told them that if they would serve one another, as He had just given an example by washing their feet, and that if they would do service to their Master, they would find happiness.

Surely, there is joy, contentment and satisfaction in serving others. When we focus on ourselves we become concerned with our treatment, our advancement, our goals and our shortcomings.

Jesus is about to ultimately serve humanity by giving Himself for all. This was the joy set before Him (Philippians 2). Imagine if Jesus was only concerned with self throughout His passion. He would have put a quick end to the suffering by hailing 12 legions of angels. But instead, He chose to serve us by dying for our sins.

Let us take Christ's example and enter into service for others today.

OHTERS - by Chas D. Meigs

Lord, help me to live from day to day
In such a self forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I’ll do for you
Must needs be done for others.

Let self be crucified and slain
And buried deep – and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again
Unless to live for others.

And when my work on Earth is done
And my new work in Heaven begun
May I forget the crown I’ve won
While thinking still of others.

Others, Lord, others
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.

A Chief Priest's Duty is Never Done!

2011-10-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

John 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

Okay, so the religious crowd has it in for Jesus and His friends. The sooner they can dispose of this rabble-rouser, the better. The threats did thin out the herd a bit. Many of the ones who followed for the miracles did not sign up for martyrdom, so they skedaddled. Others came to Christ in droves because of Lazarus' resurrection from the dead.

Funny thing I see here, the chief priests are considering putting Lazarus to death because he had been raised from the dead! Such irony!!!

Like Father, Like Son? or Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary?

2011-10-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Do you remember when Jesus was invited to Simon's house for dinner? Simon was a Pharisee. As they ate, a sinful woman snuck in, approached the Lord from the back and began to wash His feet with her tears. Simon complained because He let this sinful woman touch Him.

Now the son is doing the griping because another Mary is wiping His feet with her hair. Dad complained about the type of woman, Judas about the waste of costly perfume. This family just can't be satisfied with how others worship. The Marys were just about as extravagant in their worship as anyone has ever been and the Iscariots were just about as cantankerous as could be about how someone else chose to show their love to the Lord.

Simon's pride was hurt, Judas' greed showed through. Both were rebuked by the Lord for their narrowness of comprehension and for their upbraiding of the ladies who truly "got it."

I come from a spiritual heritage which more resembles the Iscariots than the Marys. We tend to gripe about how everyone else shows their love for the Lord. We have our "prescribed" ways of doing things. Thinking and acting outside of the box to show appreciation brings fundamentalist consternation down upon the worshiper.

Our ilk frowns upon praise choruses. They believe the old fashioned hymns are what Paul and Silas sang in jail. As if "There is Sunshine in My Soul" would have been more appropriate than one of the Psalms which repeated the same 7 words 11 times, emphasizing trust in their Deliverer.

They think that the new song which believers will sing in heaven will be written in common time, sung in E flat major and will include a few old English words.

A lady walked into a church with “The Baptist Hymnal” tucked under her arm. After the service, she climbed all over the pastor’s frame for his use of praise choruses. He asked to see the hymnal. After looking through a few of the songs, he then said to her, “Funny, I see songs in here written by Lutherans, Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists and Anglicans. Every song we sang today was written by a Baptist. So, what’s your problem?”

And while we are singing that new song in heaven, there had better be no hand raising or none of that emotionalism which causes souls to cry tears of joy for what the Lord has done!

I wonder had Judas repented and trusted the Lord, would he have been able to enjoy heaven? Would Simon be moved with indignation or joy by the "holy, holy, holy" of the angels around the throne? I'll bet’cha Mary Mary (take your pick, the ones in the Bible, or the modern duo) will be glad to have the shackles off their feet so they can praise the worthy Lamb as He deserves to be worshiped.

Does your worship resemble that of the Iscariots or of the Marys?

Behold How He Loved Him!

2011-10-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

John 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

It became obvious, on so many levels, the love of Jesus for His friends, Lazarus, Martha and Mary. He groaned in His spirit, He was troubled, He wept openly.

When we hurt, God hurts. Jesus had a special relationship with this trio of siblings, but don't think for a moment that He doesn't hold you just as dearly as these three.

Jesus was more heart broken for those left behind to grieve than He was for His departed friend. He was touched by Mary and Martha's feelings of remorse.

The thing is, He knew what He would do. He knew that God was about to be glorified as Lazarus would be raised from the dead. But for right now, His friends were going through it and it caused Him to be sorrowful.

Perhaps today will be a tough one for you. Know that God has already begun to provide the silver lining to your dark cloud. In the meantime, He notes your distress and actually enters into your grief with you.

As a friend reminded me today, the Lord knows how to turn our problems into positives. When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, He stretched forth His arms and became a plus sign.

Whatever the negative in your life today, up to and even including death, allow God to turn the devil’s minus into a plus for you and Him. Behold how He loves you!

Celestial Ovine Rustlers

2011-10-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know
his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for
they know not the voice of strangers.

In olden times in the Middle East, corrals were made by building stone walls
to enclose the sheep. The shepherd, or a keeper of the sheep would sleep in
the entry way of the sheepfold so that uninvited guests were kept out and
wandering sheep would not be tempted to stray.

When a flock was to be extracted from the corrals, the shepherd would come
to the door and call his sheep. They were well familiar with his voice and
would come at his call.

Here, the sheepfold represents heaven and the shepherd and the doorkeeper
represent Jesus.

Jesus is THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life. Nobody can come to the
Father except through Him. This is an exclusive and undeniable claim. He is
the only door to heaven, not one of many. His narrow way is the only path
that leads to life, there are not many roads which lead to the same place.

Righteous works, religion, good karma, a larger amount of good versus bad
in one's life, simple believe in a higher power, these all amount to nothing
more than putrid leper's rags when it comes to true salvation.

We are no good! Every one of us is a filthy sinner. Anything we might
attempt to do to get us into heaven, other than trust the Son of God Who
gave Himself on Calvary's cross, is tantamount to trying to crash the gates or
to dig under or climb over the fence into the sheepfold.

Sin upon sin! That's what trusting anything or anyone other than Jesus' work
for us on the cross amounts to.

No amount of charity work, contribution, church membership, confirmation,
baptism, catechism or meditation can buy one minute of heaven or purchase
one iota of forgiveness.

Quit trusting yourself or your religion and put your faith completely in Jesus to find your way through the door of the sheepfold. He is the Door as well as the Shepherd.

Seeing, Sin, Spoke, Spit, Sent, Sight.

2011-10-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Joh 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. 8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. 10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

You got the outline, now the essence.

If anything, most blind men would desire their sight. Fanny Crosby was different. When asked what she would want, she answered other than to receive her sight, stating that she wanted to wait until she got to heaven, that way the first one she would see would be her Savior.

Perhaps, if this blind man had to do it all over again, he might have chosen something other than his sight, for his healing resulted in persecution, problems for his parents and expulsion from the synagogue.

In the end, this incident showed the Pharisees for what they were, blind sinners. And being called out by Jesus and shown up by a blind beggar was not something that they would stand for.

Never-the-less, the blind man received much more than he lost. He lost his membership in the synagogue. He lost his anonymity. He lost being able to be close to his parents. But he gained his sight, both physical and spiritual. Nice trade.

Reigning Grace

2011-10-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Only the gracious God of heaven could withhold judgment as He has. I live in a town of a quarter of a million sinners, including the writer. God in heaven knows about each sin that will be committed in this town today.

Sin is the transgression of God’s holy law, whether in thought, word or deed. How many sins will be committed in Lincoln, Nebraska today? Millions! Day by day that number is multiplied. And then there are the neighboring towns and states, the country, the world. Each one of Adam’s sons and the daughters of Eve continue to chomp the forbidden fruit, driving the thorns deeper into the Saviour’s brow and the spear into His precious side.

I have got to be honest with you, if I had the power and even one person took my name in vain just a couple of times, I would think about retribution. More so, if someone murdered my son in the most horrible and demeaning of manners, and then went on in their sins without remorse, I cannot print here what I would wish for them.

Yet, God continues to extend the olive branch to us unworthy, wretched sinners. He built a bridge with 3 rusty nails and 2 pieces of wood. He is not willing that a single one of us would perish, but come to Him in repentance.

He offers total forgiveness, abounding grace and abundant mercy.

Only God! I stand amazed in the midst of an ungodly lot of blinded reprobates.

This Might be the Very Last Day!

2011-09-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet
the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Last night, Jeremiah and I attended Rosh Hashanah services at America’s oldest standing synagogue, the Touro Synagogue or Newport, Rhode Island. It is an orthodox synagogue with mostly non-observing congregants. Go figure! That’s a story in and of itself. Never the less, these kind Jewish folks were good enough to let us participate in the teaching and Q and A session beforehand, as well as the services.

We learned that, for the past month, leading up to these high holy days, the shofar has sounded each day. Today, the last trumpet will sound!!! Did you get that?

Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful if that last blast from the last trump sounded and the next thing we heard was a voice from heaven calling our names and saying “Come up hither!”?

The next face we would see would be that of our Savior meeting us in the clouds with our departed loved ones!

Let us live today as if it may be our last. Indeed, it may!

One if by Land

2011-09-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Praise God for the wonderful finish of the Baptist Bible Fall meeting in Boston! The Old North Church was the venue, the atmosphere was electric, the Holy Spirit was present and all the people were blessed.

Dan Weaver, missionary to Belize brought a tremendously inspirational message from Romans 1 about Paul's passion for getting the gospel to Rome.

Linzy Slayden, current BBF President, preached a powerful message about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit.

The old church house rang with the old hymns as voices lifted praises heavenward past the historic steeple. These blessed old songs were accompanied by the oldest working organ in America.

Now, it is back to work for all the preachers as they translate these blessings into soul winning and delivering the Word back home.

Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.

He said to his friend, "If the British march
By land or sea from the town to-night,
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch
Of the North Church tower as a signal light,–
One if by land, and two if by sea;
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm,
For the country folk to be up and to arm."

Then he said "Good-night!" and with muffled oar
Silently rowed to the Charlestown shore,
Just as the moon rose over the bay,
Where swinging wide at her moorings lay
The Somerset, British man-of-war;
A phantom ship, with each mast and spar
Across the moon like a prison bar,
And a huge black hulk, that was magnified
By its own reflection in the tide.

Meanwhile, his friend through alley and street
Wanders and watches, with eager ears,
Till in the silence around him he hears
The muster of men at the barrack door,
The sound of arms, and the tramp of feet,
And the measured tread of the grenadiers,
Marching down to their boats on the shore.

Then he climbed the tower of the Old North Church,
By the wooden stairs, with stealthy tread,
To the belfry chamber overhead,
And startled the pigeons from their perch
On the sombre rafters, that round him made
Masses and moving shapes of shade,–
By the trembling ladder, steep and tall,
To the highest window in the wall,
Where he paused to listen and look down
A moment on the roofs of the town
And the moonlight flowing over all.

Beneath, in the churchyard, lay the dead,
In their night encampment on the hill,
Wrapped in silence so deep and still
That he could hear, like a sentinel’s tread,
The watchful night-wind, as it went
Creeping along from tent to tent,
And seeming to whisper, "All is well!"
A moment only he feels the spell
Of the place and the hour, and the secret dread
Of the lonely belfry and the dead;
For suddenly all his thoughts are bent
On a shadowy something far away,
Where the river widens to meet the bay,–
A line of black that bends and floats
On the rising tide like a bridge of boats.

Meanwhile, impatient to mount and ride,
Booted and spurred, with a heavy stride
On the opposite shore walked Paul Revere.
Now he patted his horse’s side,
Now he gazed at the landscape far and near,
Then, impetuous, stamped the earth,
And turned and tightened his saddle girth;
But mostly he watched with eager search
The belfry tower of the Old North Church,
As it rose above the graves on the hill,
Lonely and spectral and sombre and still.
And lo! as he looks, on the belfry’s height
A glimmer, and then a gleam of light!
He springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns,
But lingers and gazes, till full on his sight
A second lamp in the belfry burns.

A hurry of hoofs in a village street,
A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark,
And beneath, from the pebbles, in passing, a spark
Struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet;
That was all! And yet, through the gloom and the light,
The fate of a nation was riding that night;
And the spark struck out by that steed, in his flight,
Kindled the land into flame with its heat.
He has left the village and mounted the steep,
And beneath him, tranquil and broad and deep,
Is the Mystic, meeting the ocean tides;
And under the alders that skirt its edge,
Now soft on the sand, now loud on the ledge,
Is heard the tramp of his steed as he rides.

It was twelve by the village clock
When he crossed the bridge into Medford town.
He heard the crowing of the cock,
And the barking of the farmer’s dog,
And felt the damp of the river fog,
That rises after the sun goes down.

It was one by the village clock,
When he galloped into Lexington.
He saw the gilded weathercock
Swim in the moonlight as he passed,
And the meeting-house windows, black and bare,
Gaze at him with a spectral glare,
As if they already stood aghast
At the bloody work they would look upon.

It was two by the village clock,
When he came to the bridge in Concord town.
He heard the bleating of the flock,
And the twitter of birds among the trees,
And felt the breath of the morning breeze
Blowing over the meadow brown.
And one was safe and asleep in his bed
Who at the bridge would be first to fall,
Who that day would be lying dead,
Pierced by a British musket ball.

You know the rest. In the books you have read
How the British Regulars fired and fled,—
How the farmers gave them ball for ball,
From behind each fence and farmyard wall,
Chasing the redcoats down the lane,
Then crossing the fields to emerge again
Under the trees at the turn of the road,
And only pausing to fire and load.

So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm,—
A cry of defiance, and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo for evermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

Old South RIngs Again

2011-09-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

Last night's venue for the Baptist Bible Fellowship Fall meeting was at the historic Old South Meeting House of Boston. Old South is the Puritan house of worship where 5000 angry colonists gathered to form the Boston Tea Party.

George Whitfield thundered from this same pulpit. Ben Franklin was baptized in this place. 350 years here have witness historic and controversial speakers.

Last evening was a time of worship and feasting from God's Word. Jesus was lifted up in song and sermon.

It was a tremendous blessing and privilege to participate.

A Glorious Meeting

2011-09-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

Last night, my son Jeremiah and I were treated to an "off the charts" service in Boston's historic Faneuil Hall. The Holy Ghost was all over the fellowship, the preaching and the music. We also sensed the spirit of historical America, patriotism and God's hand upon our nation's past.

Dr. Paige Patterson and Missionary Tim Downs thrilled us with some great preaching that stirred every soul present.

I was overwhelmed to realize, as these men were preaching, that Most of our forefather's thundered forth in this same venue even before our nation was a nation. Also interesting to me was to see the busts of two of my forebears rested directly behind the speakers, those of John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

May God continue to bless this meeting hosted by Boston Baptist College and directed by my friend, Dave Melton.

Somebody Died for Me

2011-09-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

They looked to John as the possible Messiah. He spoke truth, his message was powerful, he was hugely popular, his results were powerful.

But he told those who questioned him, "You've got the wrong man." "The One you are looking for is on the way, I am just paving the way."

As wonderful as John was, and he was as good as they come, in fact, Jesus said in Matt 11:11 that they didn't come any better, John needed a Savior too. When his cousin was coming to be baptized of him in the Jordan, he proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John was included in that number of sinners needing salvation. That's why he told the Lord that he had need to be baptized of Jesus.

The fact is, Jesus came to die for me, and He came to die for His cousin John also. Although John did die for Jesus under the hand of Herod, he trusted in what Jesus would do for him as his Messiah.

Speaking of Him dying for us and taking our place, please watch this to the end, you will be blessed.

http://www.youtube.com/user/peterscheibner#p/a/u/0/cLj4akmncsA

The Humble Art of Contrition.

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Good leaders can only come from good followers. Nobody appreciates "educated idiots," those who come right out of some school and, because of a sheepskin, get to be the boss on their first day at work. Rather, people respect the one who comes up through the ranks, earning his or her lumps.

The one who knows both how to be abased and how to be exalted is deserving of his position because he first paid his dues, respected his superiors and submitted to authority and learned how to lead.

The best training for leadership is good "followship." Submission is key to this education. Submission when you don't feel like it. Submission when what the leader says doesn't make sense. Submission when you don't agree.

It is only reasonable that the younger submit to the elder, that we each practice submission to one another and mostly, that we submit ourselves under the mighty hand of God.

Positive Benefits of Suffering

2011-09-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

I admit it, I am a wimp! I have a very low tolerance for suffering. It sure is good to know that some good things come about as a result of (the right kind of) suffering:

1. It knocks off the rough edges, vss 1&2
2. When you suffer, you are in good company, 13
3. It yields eternal rewards, 13
4. You get to glorify God in your suffering, 15
5. You will experience God's faithfulness throughout your suffering, 19

Loving Life and Having Great Days

2011-09-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1Pe 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
1Pe 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

If you are like me, you have some really good days where everything seems to go right. Then there are those other days you would like to redo. Peter says that if we want to love live and see good days, there are some things we can do:

1. Be right with your mate 1-7
2. Have a good relationship with your church family - 8
3. Show compassion, love people like a good brother, show pity, be nice. - 8
4. Don't feel the need to get even. - 9
5. Be a blessing - 9
6. Keep your tongue, season your words with grace - 10
7. Hate evil - 11
8. Do good - 11
9. Be a peacemaker - 11
10. Live righteously and pray - 12

Have a good and godly day, my friend!