Monday, November 24, 2008
The Wage –
God’s holy word teaches us that the wages of sin is death.
Rom 6:23 NKJV
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I have an internal battle wherein I drag myself to Jesus announcing my unworthiness of His love and almost demanding judgment. I am reminded of the scripture of a woman caught in adultery and the scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus in order to trap him and His answer was let he who is without sin cast the stone. He did not categorize sin and say let him who committed a lesser sin cast the first stone but he whom is without sin cast the stone. The size of our sin is much smaller in perspective then the Love of God found through Jesus Christ redemptive act on the cross.
John 8:3-12 NKJV
3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" 11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
I like the scribes and Pharisees must leave the presence of this conversation because I am unable to cast a stone even at myself and must come to the realization that the only one whom ever lived that could have cast that stone was Jesus himself and instead He chose the route of the cross in my place and died for my sins. Lord I pray that you would use my very life to respond in praise and adoration for your loving redemptive act on the cross.
God’s holy word teaches us that the wages of sin is death.
Rom 6:23 NKJV
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I have an internal battle wherein I drag myself to Jesus announcing my unworthiness of His love and almost demanding judgment. I am reminded of the scripture of a woman caught in adultery and the scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus in order to trap him and His answer was let he who is without sin cast the stone. He did not categorize sin and say let him who committed a lesser sin cast the first stone but he whom is without sin cast the stone. The size of our sin is much smaller in perspective then the Love of God found through Jesus Christ redemptive act on the cross.
John 8:3-12 NKJV
3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" 11 She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
I like the scribes and Pharisees must leave the presence of this conversation because I am unable to cast a stone even at myself and must come to the realization that the only one whom ever lived that could have cast that stone was Jesus himself and instead He chose the route of the cross in my place and died for my sins. Lord I pray that you would use my very life to respond in praise and adoration for your loving redemptive act on the cross.
Labels: Wage
Friday, October 24, 2008
Anything for God
For me it’s not enough to be merely associated with the name of God to be a mere Christian. I have an overwhelming desire to be an instrument used by God for God when and where He wants. I want nothing but the pleasure of the Father in my life.
God make me an instrument for your pleasure.
Phil 2:12-17
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
NKJV
2 Thess 1:10-12
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
NKJV
God I know I am not worthy of your calling however I pray never the less that you would use me to bring glory to your name; amen.
For me it’s not enough to be merely associated with the name of God to be a mere Christian. I have an overwhelming desire to be an instrument used by God for God when and where He wants. I want nothing but the pleasure of the Father in my life.
God make me an instrument for your pleasure.
Phil 2:12-17
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
NKJV
2 Thess 1:10-12
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
NKJV
God I know I am not worthy of your calling however I pray never the less that you would use me to bring glory to your name; amen.
Labels: Anything for God
Thursday, October 23, 2008
MEDITATIONS
Ps 19:14
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
NKJV
Oh Lord I pray that I may meditate and think about your precepts and your desires for my life and be in right relationship with you all day long.
The word meditation brings so many imageries to mind such as Eastern Mysticism, prayer, etc. What it brings to my mind is thinking about, considering, and desiring a fellowship with God. These days much of our thought life is filled with personal pursuits such as wealth, self and entertainment. The above Psalm was popularized in a Christian song and I believe most of us would like to have this Psalm be true of us. But before this Psalm can be your Psalm you must first have a desire for God and a desire to know Him and have a relationship with Him. God is not an uninterested third party who merely observes our lives; instead, He was so interested that He gave His all for us on the cross. His covenant with us is love and it is eternal for those who have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. May God bless you…
Ps 104:34-35
34 May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the LORD.
35 May sinners be consumed from the earth,
And the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Praise the LORD!
NKJV
Ps 19:14
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
NKJV
Oh Lord I pray that I may meditate and think about your precepts and your desires for my life and be in right relationship with you all day long.
The word meditation brings so many imageries to mind such as Eastern Mysticism, prayer, etc. What it brings to my mind is thinking about, considering, and desiring a fellowship with God. These days much of our thought life is filled with personal pursuits such as wealth, self and entertainment. The above Psalm was popularized in a Christian song and I believe most of us would like to have this Psalm be true of us. But before this Psalm can be your Psalm you must first have a desire for God and a desire to know Him and have a relationship with Him. God is not an uninterested third party who merely observes our lives; instead, He was so interested that He gave His all for us on the cross. His covenant with us is love and it is eternal for those who have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. May God bless you…
Ps 104:34-35
34 May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the LORD.
35 May sinners be consumed from the earth,
And the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Praise the LORD!
NKJV
Labels: MEDITATIONS
Friday, February 22, 2008
No passing lane
The bible describes the entrance to heaven as narrow however the road to destruction as broad.
Matt 7:13-14 NIV
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.
In the letter to Corinthians Paul describes the believers live through the illustration or word picture of running a race.
1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I can’t help believing that along this race in life we have left fallen and distressed brethren behind; we have ran the race and attempted to push ourselves through the gate. There is no passing lane the way is narrow if one of GOD’s beloved falls in front of you stop and pick him up; carry him if necessary. We are in this rat race of life together in various conditions, we our called to be a peculiar bunch and called to love one another. The world cannot understand the love of Christ, but we as believers are called to live that love. Wow, what a remarkable privilege and gift. Can life be so hard that we break fellowship and divorce one another at the drop of a hat?
See the story of the Good Samaritan –
Luke 10:30-37 NKJV
30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
I guess I have to wonder, when we see a fallen brother or sister how much compassion should we have? Should you jump overtop of them in this race of life and run your race? No, don’t let it be said amongst the heathen that we don’t love are own. We need to love them and feed them and pray for them in what ever condition we find them. Let us not run the race without the weaker brethren if need be lets carry them with us. We serve one Lord and have one goal to see GOD glorified; praise be His name. Remember we have all grown weary and been discouraged that does not mean we have been disqualified and most certainly not discarded by the brethren or fellow sojourners.
The bible describes the entrance to heaven as narrow however the road to destruction as broad.
Matt 7:13-14 NIV
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.
In the letter to Corinthians Paul describes the believers live through the illustration or word picture of running a race.
1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I can’t help believing that along this race in life we have left fallen and distressed brethren behind; we have ran the race and attempted to push ourselves through the gate. There is no passing lane the way is narrow if one of GOD’s beloved falls in front of you stop and pick him up; carry him if necessary. We are in this rat race of life together in various conditions, we our called to be a peculiar bunch and called to love one another. The world cannot understand the love of Christ, but we as believers are called to live that love. Wow, what a remarkable privilege and gift. Can life be so hard that we break fellowship and divorce one another at the drop of a hat?
See the story of the Good Samaritan –
Luke 10:30-37 NKJV
30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
I guess I have to wonder, when we see a fallen brother or sister how much compassion should we have? Should you jump overtop of them in this race of life and run your race? No, don’t let it be said amongst the heathen that we don’t love are own. We need to love them and feed them and pray for them in what ever condition we find them. Let us not run the race without the weaker brethren if need be lets carry them with us. We serve one Lord and have one goal to see GOD glorified; praise be His name. Remember we have all grown weary and been discouraged that does not mean we have been disqualified and most certainly not discarded by the brethren or fellow sojourners.
Labels: No passing lane
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Resume:
Matt 11:7-10 NKJV
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.'
Just as Jesus asked the multitude concerning John I to must ask; what did you come to church to see? Did you come to be entertained by articulate words, flowery speech, sweet music, obligation etc, etc…?
I must first say that I do not have a flawless resume. I have lived on earth for 36 years and have probably sinned for 35 of those. I have a high school diploma no formal college education. Why one earth would GOD choose you use someone like me or you? If you look at the who’s who cast in the bible there credentials aren’t all that impressive. Adam sinned and was not strong enough to take responsibility instead he blamed his wife. Moses committed murder and apparently stuttered. I can go on and on, what about the New Testament? Paul persecuted the church, Peter denied the Lord and that is just to name a few. Jesus did not select the elite for the church He used fisherman, tax collectors publicans and sinners.
Wow lets skip a few thousand years and go to the modern church; there is me and you. We all have been called to be a vital part of a local body of believers. We are called to spend and be spent in that body; there are no pew potatoes you are called to serve.
Matt 28:19-20 NKJV
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
What are you doing to make disciples in your church? Are you working with or teaching other believers. Are call is not that different from John’s, he was called to prepare the way for the Lord and we have the same call to prepare for the second coming of Our Lord. We are responsible for each other and should take that serious after all we are called to love one another. We have all been called to the church as laborers, some labor in the office of pastors, teachers etc… We are one body with many members functioning in harmony in order to share the good news of the gospel. Let us do all things for the Glory of GOD and may He bless you.
Matt 11:7-10 NKJV
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.'
Just as Jesus asked the multitude concerning John I to must ask; what did you come to church to see? Did you come to be entertained by articulate words, flowery speech, sweet music, obligation etc, etc…?
I must first say that I do not have a flawless resume. I have lived on earth for 36 years and have probably sinned for 35 of those. I have a high school diploma no formal college education. Why one earth would GOD choose you use someone like me or you? If you look at the who’s who cast in the bible there credentials aren’t all that impressive. Adam sinned and was not strong enough to take responsibility instead he blamed his wife. Moses committed murder and apparently stuttered. I can go on and on, what about the New Testament? Paul persecuted the church, Peter denied the Lord and that is just to name a few. Jesus did not select the elite for the church He used fisherman, tax collectors publicans and sinners.
Wow lets skip a few thousand years and go to the modern church; there is me and you. We all have been called to be a vital part of a local body of believers. We are called to spend and be spent in that body; there are no pew potatoes you are called to serve.
Matt 28:19-20 NKJV
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
What are you doing to make disciples in your church? Are you working with or teaching other believers. Are call is not that different from John’s, he was called to prepare the way for the Lord and we have the same call to prepare for the second coming of Our Lord. We are responsible for each other and should take that serious after all we are called to love one another. We have all been called to the church as laborers, some labor in the office of pastors, teachers etc… We are one body with many members functioning in harmony in order to share the good news of the gospel. Let us do all things for the Glory of GOD and may He bless you.
Labels: The Resume
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
The Promise
There is much written and spoken about the many promises of blessings found in the Holy Bible.
Deut 6:10-12 NKJV
10 "So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, 11 houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant--when you have eaten and are full-- 12 then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
We spend much energy searching out these blessings so we may consume them upon ourselves; there clearly is many more blessings contained throughout scripture.
To me, as a Christian all blessings and promises point to one; the blessing of a Christian is that I have a Salvation I did not earn or deserve. I have a GOD whom loves me so great and mightily all I can do is weep and praise Him when I read of His love and redemption.
Eph 2:8-10 NKJV
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Oh what a blessing it is; How great thou art Lord…
There is much written and spoken about the many promises of blessings found in the Holy Bible.
Deut 6:10-12 NKJV
10 "So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, 11 houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant--when you have eaten and are full-- 12 then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
We spend much energy searching out these blessings so we may consume them upon ourselves; there clearly is many more blessings contained throughout scripture.
To me, as a Christian all blessings and promises point to one; the blessing of a Christian is that I have a Salvation I did not earn or deserve. I have a GOD whom loves me so great and mightily all I can do is weep and praise Him when I read of His love and redemption.
Eph 2:8-10 NKJV
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Oh what a blessing it is; How great thou art Lord…
Labels: The Promise
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Confined to Church
I believe that church should not be confined to four walls and a specific day of the week. In the early church it seems to me that you would have a hard time distinguishing the actual services from the everyday living of the followers of Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not at all suggesting that we should not have a day set aside for church service and or a specific building set aside for the service. What I am saying is that the bible and the love of Christ should be so transparent in us that we should be in His service everyday and not just in a service just once a week. I look around this nation and there is certainly a remnant of people who have devoted their lives to loving the Lord, praying and serving others, although it’s definitely not commonplace or the norm.
Seek Him in the everyday and remember Christ lived servant-hood out.
John 13:12-17
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
NKJV
Matt 23:11
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NKJV
Matt 22:36-40
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
NKJV
Remember loving and serving is active and participatory and not passive. May GOD bless you and fulfill His purpose in you through His love.
I believe that church should not be confined to four walls and a specific day of the week. In the early church it seems to me that you would have a hard time distinguishing the actual services from the everyday living of the followers of Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not at all suggesting that we should not have a day set aside for church service and or a specific building set aside for the service. What I am saying is that the bible and the love of Christ should be so transparent in us that we should be in His service everyday and not just in a service just once a week. I look around this nation and there is certainly a remnant of people who have devoted their lives to loving the Lord, praying and serving others, although it’s definitely not commonplace or the norm.
Seek Him in the everyday and remember Christ lived servant-hood out.
John 13:12-17
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
NKJV
Matt 23:11
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NKJV
Matt 22:36-40
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
NKJV
Remember loving and serving is active and participatory and not passive. May GOD bless you and fulfill His purpose in you through His love.
Labels: Confined to Church
