Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Today is the second year that mom has been gone. I've really missed her. She always told me that one day I would know what it would mean to not have a mom still here, and she's right. Even though, as my cousin said, "But she's not here so you can tell her she's right." Missing her has brought many thoughts to my mind. However, the one piece of advice that I will give to anyone reading this is simple. If your mom is still alive, tell her you love her often. If there are differences, settle them. Be there for your mother as much as you can, when you can. One day, she may not be there for you to help or to help you.
Monday, November 20, 2006
No Place to Call Home
No Place to Call Home
Opportunities past by
John 14:2 – 4
It was a beautiful October day, and I was working feverously to finish my route. As a pest control technician you have many stops a day to do in about 22 working days and it is not always easily done. However, this day would make me think about something harder than I ever thought before. On this day, I was going to an estate to do a pest control service. I have serviced this residence for more than 8 years myself, but the company has served it for many years. The elderly couple who owned this property had now passed away. The main house has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths in it. It is surrounded by 280 acres of fields and trees. The house itself is a magnificent work of art in my mind. It may not be fancy as some houses today, but in its day, it was nice. The estate also has a barn, an in-ground swimming pool and pool house, which has a kitchen, bath and bedroom in it. The estate also has a 2 bedroom house that a hired couple lived in, rent free, and part of their salary.
This day, as I pulled up in the drive way of the big house, the iron gate was closed. I had been to this house many times and never seen the gate closed. As I wondered what to do, I looked to my left and saw Norma trimming vines off a fence row. She is a lady, in her late 30’s to early 40’s, who was the person in charge of overseeing the Browns in their life time. She had worked for the Browns for twenty years or more. Her main job was to take care of them, see that they went to the doctors when scheduled, made sure they were fed, and took all their medications. She hired people to help in this job. She was in charge of paying bills, dealing with people who came in, and just really overseeing the whole deal. Her husband was the ranch foreman. He was in charge of taking care of the animals and the whole property. He repaired all the things he could on this estate, but also contracted others when necessary. They had devoted most of their lives to the Browns and did things for them that the Brown’s kids would not. As Norma trimmed the vines, she turned to me and politely told me the gates were not locked. I commented about how it seemed lonely here now, and she started talking from her heart.
It turned out that the kids immediately put the place up for sale to get the money to live their lives by. The Browns were a wealthy family and the land they lived on was family land from way back. During the time of Mr. Brown’s illness, Norma’s husband, who is not a healthy man either, decided he wanted a divorce and left her. She continued to treat Mr. Brown as her own Father. Mrs. Brown had died in 2003, which was a huge surprise in itself. The Brown kids would also include the house that Norma had lived in for over twenty years in the sale. They had reduced her pay from something she could live on to a measly 1000 dollars and told her that she would have to move out when the place sold. The Brown’s had apparently told her and Dana that the house was theirs when they died, but it wasn’t put in the will. As I talked to Norma, with tears running down her face, I realized the impact of what was happening to her. She had no computer experience or no public work experience and she would be on the streets. She has no clue at to what she is going to do.
As I finished up all the services on this account and wished Norma a good day, I told her that I would pray for her, and I have. During the past few weeks however, I could not get off of my mind about having no place to go.
There are thousands of people who live on the streets day in and day out in just the United States alone. We pretend to want to take care of them, but how did most of them get to this situation? Most of them got to living on streets by making wrong decisions in their lives, whether it was drugs, alcohol, or bad financial moves. Most of them chose not to live like they had the opportunity too. I have often thought about how people won’t be able to get in heaven because of one bad decision. That bad decision is made by not accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
So, in essence, they have no place to call home. Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know John 14:2 - 4.” Unfortunately these mansions are not for everyone. You may ask why not? Truth is, many people have turned the house down for life in this world. Many of these people are, what many people would call, ‘good people.’ They have good lives, never get in trouble with the law, and seem to model citizens. They may also be a member of a church, and work hard to help it, by teaching, being deacons or deacons’ wives, or just by being faithful to go to church, but they are missing Christ in their lives. How can this be? Jesus answered this in Matthew 7:13 – 14 when he said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” We need to understand that living a good life does not guarantee us a new home. We are told in Ephesians 2:8 – 9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast.” A man cannot do anything himself to get to heaven, other than accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Like Norma, who may not have a place to go when the estate is sold, many are not prepared for the future. She never saw what was coming in her life, because this family had always treated her right. Now, the family that seemed to so much love her have, to some extent, turned their back on her. The world may seem to love you now, but it really doesn’t love you at all. When people find this out, they have no where to go. With Jesus, you always have HIM. HE will not turn you away, and HE will not turn HIS back on you. Be prepared for the future. Know where your destination is. Know that you have a Savior that loves you. How can you know this? Simply pray and ADMIT that you are a sinner and that God is right and you are wrong. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and CONFESS it. Paul said, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed” Romans 10:9 – 11.
This seems to be a simply solution doesn’t it? The answer to getting to heaven is simple, but it is not always easy to accept it the way God meant for us too. It takes putting your pride to the side in believing that you are not a bad person. The scripture is plan. There are none good, no not one. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The word ‘all’ leaves no man out. This means every person has this decision to make, and now you have the same decision to make now. What will it be?
I love the song that sings this course, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through, If heaven is not my home, then Lord what would I do?” The facts are simple. If heaven is not your home, then hell will be. Being tormented day and night forever, and not being happy is the destination for any person who does not seek the Lord.
Lord, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be saved, and for making a way for all. Thank you for loving us even when we are not loveable. May the person who reads this devotional know their destination, and may it be with you. Convict them of their sins and draw them to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Opportunities past by
John 14:2 – 4
It was a beautiful October day, and I was working feverously to finish my route. As a pest control technician you have many stops a day to do in about 22 working days and it is not always easily done. However, this day would make me think about something harder than I ever thought before. On this day, I was going to an estate to do a pest control service. I have serviced this residence for more than 8 years myself, but the company has served it for many years. The elderly couple who owned this property had now passed away. The main house has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths in it. It is surrounded by 280 acres of fields and trees. The house itself is a magnificent work of art in my mind. It may not be fancy as some houses today, but in its day, it was nice. The estate also has a barn, an in-ground swimming pool and pool house, which has a kitchen, bath and bedroom in it. The estate also has a 2 bedroom house that a hired couple lived in, rent free, and part of their salary.
This day, as I pulled up in the drive way of the big house, the iron gate was closed. I had been to this house many times and never seen the gate closed. As I wondered what to do, I looked to my left and saw Norma trimming vines off a fence row. She is a lady, in her late 30’s to early 40’s, who was the person in charge of overseeing the Browns in their life time. She had worked for the Browns for twenty years or more. Her main job was to take care of them, see that they went to the doctors when scheduled, made sure they were fed, and took all their medications. She hired people to help in this job. She was in charge of paying bills, dealing with people who came in, and just really overseeing the whole deal. Her husband was the ranch foreman. He was in charge of taking care of the animals and the whole property. He repaired all the things he could on this estate, but also contracted others when necessary. They had devoted most of their lives to the Browns and did things for them that the Brown’s kids would not. As Norma trimmed the vines, she turned to me and politely told me the gates were not locked. I commented about how it seemed lonely here now, and she started talking from her heart.
It turned out that the kids immediately put the place up for sale to get the money to live their lives by. The Browns were a wealthy family and the land they lived on was family land from way back. During the time of Mr. Brown’s illness, Norma’s husband, who is not a healthy man either, decided he wanted a divorce and left her. She continued to treat Mr. Brown as her own Father. Mrs. Brown had died in 2003, which was a huge surprise in itself. The Brown kids would also include the house that Norma had lived in for over twenty years in the sale. They had reduced her pay from something she could live on to a measly 1000 dollars and told her that she would have to move out when the place sold. The Brown’s had apparently told her and Dana that the house was theirs when they died, but it wasn’t put in the will. As I talked to Norma, with tears running down her face, I realized the impact of what was happening to her. She had no computer experience or no public work experience and she would be on the streets. She has no clue at to what she is going to do.
As I finished up all the services on this account and wished Norma a good day, I told her that I would pray for her, and I have. During the past few weeks however, I could not get off of my mind about having no place to go.
There are thousands of people who live on the streets day in and day out in just the United States alone. We pretend to want to take care of them, but how did most of them get to this situation? Most of them got to living on streets by making wrong decisions in their lives, whether it was drugs, alcohol, or bad financial moves. Most of them chose not to live like they had the opportunity too. I have often thought about how people won’t be able to get in heaven because of one bad decision. That bad decision is made by not accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
So, in essence, they have no place to call home. Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know John 14:2 - 4.” Unfortunately these mansions are not for everyone. You may ask why not? Truth is, many people have turned the house down for life in this world. Many of these people are, what many people would call, ‘good people.’ They have good lives, never get in trouble with the law, and seem to model citizens. They may also be a member of a church, and work hard to help it, by teaching, being deacons or deacons’ wives, or just by being faithful to go to church, but they are missing Christ in their lives. How can this be? Jesus answered this in Matthew 7:13 – 14 when he said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” We need to understand that living a good life does not guarantee us a new home. We are told in Ephesians 2:8 – 9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast.” A man cannot do anything himself to get to heaven, other than accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Like Norma, who may not have a place to go when the estate is sold, many are not prepared for the future. She never saw what was coming in her life, because this family had always treated her right. Now, the family that seemed to so much love her have, to some extent, turned their back on her. The world may seem to love you now, but it really doesn’t love you at all. When people find this out, they have no where to go. With Jesus, you always have HIM. HE will not turn you away, and HE will not turn HIS back on you. Be prepared for the future. Know where your destination is. Know that you have a Savior that loves you. How can you know this? Simply pray and ADMIT that you are a sinner and that God is right and you are wrong. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and CONFESS it. Paul said, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed” Romans 10:9 – 11.
This seems to be a simply solution doesn’t it? The answer to getting to heaven is simple, but it is not always easy to accept it the way God meant for us too. It takes putting your pride to the side in believing that you are not a bad person. The scripture is plan. There are none good, no not one. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The word ‘all’ leaves no man out. This means every person has this decision to make, and now you have the same decision to make now. What will it be?
I love the song that sings this course, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through, If heaven is not my home, then Lord what would I do?” The facts are simple. If heaven is not your home, then hell will be. Being tormented day and night forever, and not being happy is the destination for any person who does not seek the Lord.
Lord, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be saved, and for making a way for all. Thank you for loving us even when we are not loveable. May the person who reads this devotional know their destination, and may it be with you. Convict them of their sins and draw them to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Chase's Wedding Day
I guess I never thought about my oldest son getting married. It may have been in the back of my mind and I just never thought of it much. Chase is marrying a girl namd Jill Ann Davis this evening at 7:00 p.m. I have the great honor of performing the ceremony, but I can't help but be concerned. For all the people who pray out there, please pray for these two kids. It's a tough world on single people, but it seems to be even tougher on married couples. They both seem excited aboutt he marriage and I guess I'm excited for them too. Pray for me as I perform the ceremony, that it may go well.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Thought for the day
Affections For Christ
Setting Our Lives on Things of God
Colossians 3:1 - 3
One thing that seems to always happen, in life, is that Satan puts obstacles in our way to keep us from doing what God has asked us, or has laid on our hearts, to do. I’m no different than any one person. I give you a great example of that in this thought for the day. I started doing this on a regular basis and all of sudden things changed in my life. Satan used a person, who, by the way, claims Christ, to hinder me from doing daily devotions on the way I was. I lost focus of what I needed to be doing and allowed things to take the place of this ministry. For this, I apologize to the people who have emailed me and told me how much they appreciate them and how much it helped them. I hope to get back to doing what I enjoyed so much. How do I do this? I found myself thinking about this scripture all week long, so I thought I would share them with you.
In Colossians 3:1 – 3, Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” What a great thought for the day and everyday for that matter. As the Lord spoke to my heart, in this scripture, I began to search myself and I began to see all the things that I have allowed Satan to place in my path that have become a stumbling block in my life. Paul tells us what we should do to help us keep Christ first in our lives.
SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE.
Today’s world has people seeking everything but Christ. Think about it. I guess you can call this a pet peeve of mine, but I really admire schools that still defy the law that says that people can’t pray at school. As a football official I often see schools still praying at the game. Some schools openly pray. The announcer will pray over the speakers or you will hear students saying the model pray found in the book of Matthew. Others, however, choose to deny Christ and just have a moment of silence. I once pastored a man, who was a teacher, and claims Christ as his savior, which told me, “Bro. Ronnie, I’m glad they choose not to pray in school. This means that other can’t pray to their false gods either.” I disagreed then, just as I do now. A good example of this is found when Daniel continued to pray daily even after the law said he had to pray to an idol. He chose not to listen to them and prayed to the true and living God. Because of his choice, he was delivered from certain death. God rewarded his obedience. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness,” (Matt. 6:33.) How can we get anywhere without seeking Christ first? We can’t! I have often said, as I still do, that we have gotten too busy for God, family, and ourselves. We have allowed things of this world to become idols in our lives. Think about it. We find things that we love and we stick more faithful to them than we do to God. We allow them to become our god in our lives. I like to officiate football and baseball, I like to fish and hunt, and I liked being a firefighter, first responder, and arson investigator. Have I ever allowed these things to become more important than God in my life? The answer to this would be a resounding yes. I’m guilty. How did I allow that to happen? I studied them more than I did about God. Now, I’m not knocking these things, because there can be a ministry in all of these areas. I still officiate, hunt, and fish at times. The fire department stuff has been taken out of my life for now. However, I try not to allow these things to get in the way of serving God. I have to keep my guard up though. I just choose not to do them when I know church is going on, or I try not to allow these things get in my way. However, I’m not successful at this all the time. I know I need to improve. How does a person improve in serving God?
SET YOU AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE
What does the word affection mean to you and me? When I think about it, I know my wife loves the attention I give to her when I’m affectionate. Affection means tender attachment. The Greek word for affection is ‘Phroneo, fron’ – eh’ – o.’ this definition is, to interest oneself in, with concern and obedience. In laymen’s terms, put your interest in things above. Paul continued in verse 2 with, “not on things on the earth.” When we allow things of this earth to get in the way of serving God, then we are sinning by allowing other gods to get in our way. I’ve always said you can find out what people’s interests are when you go into their house. Many times you will find out what they really spend time doing. Deer hunters, many times, will have horns mounted, heads mounted, lots of pictures, etc. Fishermen will have mounted fish, pictures, and pertinent stuff. Even dedicated firefighters will have things that pertain to that in their homes. Many times I have seen Bibles on lamp tables, scriptures in frames, and pertinent things to Christianity in houses too. You know what people do. However, a Bible on a lamp table doesn’t mean, a lot of times, as much as people might think. Is the Bible talked about as much as the deer mounts or fish mounts on the walls? Now I’m not just picking on hunting and fishing. If we allow anything to divert our attention or affection from Christ and being obedient to HIM, then we have allowed another god into our lives. Another definition for affection would be love. How much do we love God? It is shown in our lives by the way we live. If we seek Christ first then HE will be first in our lives, if not, then he won’t be first. Defining HIM in our lives and the things about HIM in our lives as Christians is the most important thing we can do.
The world may not show how important God is, and apparently, America has defined her definition of ‘one nation under god.’ It may not mean a whole lot to some, but to Christians it should be of most importance. Our affections should be set on HIM and HIS promises. It’s time for Christians to stand on the promises, which is the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. May we seek Christ in all that we do and show the world how important HE is to us.
Setting Our Lives on Things of God
Colossians 3:1 - 3
One thing that seems to always happen, in life, is that Satan puts obstacles in our way to keep us from doing what God has asked us, or has laid on our hearts, to do. I’m no different than any one person. I give you a great example of that in this thought for the day. I started doing this on a regular basis and all of sudden things changed in my life. Satan used a person, who, by the way, claims Christ, to hinder me from doing daily devotions on the way I was. I lost focus of what I needed to be doing and allowed things to take the place of this ministry. For this, I apologize to the people who have emailed me and told me how much they appreciate them and how much it helped them. I hope to get back to doing what I enjoyed so much. How do I do this? I found myself thinking about this scripture all week long, so I thought I would share them with you.
In Colossians 3:1 – 3, Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” What a great thought for the day and everyday for that matter. As the Lord spoke to my heart, in this scripture, I began to search myself and I began to see all the things that I have allowed Satan to place in my path that have become a stumbling block in my life. Paul tells us what we should do to help us keep Christ first in our lives.
SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE.
Today’s world has people seeking everything but Christ. Think about it. I guess you can call this a pet peeve of mine, but I really admire schools that still defy the law that says that people can’t pray at school. As a football official I often see schools still praying at the game. Some schools openly pray. The announcer will pray over the speakers or you will hear students saying the model pray found in the book of Matthew. Others, however, choose to deny Christ and just have a moment of silence. I once pastored a man, who was a teacher, and claims Christ as his savior, which told me, “Bro. Ronnie, I’m glad they choose not to pray in school. This means that other can’t pray to their false gods either.” I disagreed then, just as I do now. A good example of this is found when Daniel continued to pray daily even after the law said he had to pray to an idol. He chose not to listen to them and prayed to the true and living God. Because of his choice, he was delivered from certain death. God rewarded his obedience. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness,” (Matt. 6:33.) How can we get anywhere without seeking Christ first? We can’t! I have often said, as I still do, that we have gotten too busy for God, family, and ourselves. We have allowed things of this world to become idols in our lives. Think about it. We find things that we love and we stick more faithful to them than we do to God. We allow them to become our god in our lives. I like to officiate football and baseball, I like to fish and hunt, and I liked being a firefighter, first responder, and arson investigator. Have I ever allowed these things to become more important than God in my life? The answer to this would be a resounding yes. I’m guilty. How did I allow that to happen? I studied them more than I did about God. Now, I’m not knocking these things, because there can be a ministry in all of these areas. I still officiate, hunt, and fish at times. The fire department stuff has been taken out of my life for now. However, I try not to allow these things to get in the way of serving God. I have to keep my guard up though. I just choose not to do them when I know church is going on, or I try not to allow these things get in my way. However, I’m not successful at this all the time. I know I need to improve. How does a person improve in serving God?
SET YOU AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE
What does the word affection mean to you and me? When I think about it, I know my wife loves the attention I give to her when I’m affectionate. Affection means tender attachment. The Greek word for affection is ‘Phroneo, fron’ – eh’ – o.’ this definition is, to interest oneself in, with concern and obedience. In laymen’s terms, put your interest in things above. Paul continued in verse 2 with, “not on things on the earth.” When we allow things of this earth to get in the way of serving God, then we are sinning by allowing other gods to get in our way. I’ve always said you can find out what people’s interests are when you go into their house. Many times you will find out what they really spend time doing. Deer hunters, many times, will have horns mounted, heads mounted, lots of pictures, etc. Fishermen will have mounted fish, pictures, and pertinent stuff. Even dedicated firefighters will have things that pertain to that in their homes. Many times I have seen Bibles on lamp tables, scriptures in frames, and pertinent things to Christianity in houses too. You know what people do. However, a Bible on a lamp table doesn’t mean, a lot of times, as much as people might think. Is the Bible talked about as much as the deer mounts or fish mounts on the walls? Now I’m not just picking on hunting and fishing. If we allow anything to divert our attention or affection from Christ and being obedient to HIM, then we have allowed another god into our lives. Another definition for affection would be love. How much do we love God? It is shown in our lives by the way we live. If we seek Christ first then HE will be first in our lives, if not, then he won’t be first. Defining HIM in our lives and the things about HIM in our lives as Christians is the most important thing we can do.
The world may not show how important God is, and apparently, America has defined her definition of ‘one nation under god.’ It may not mean a whole lot to some, but to Christians it should be of most importance. Our affections should be set on HIM and HIS promises. It’s time for Christians to stand on the promises, which is the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. May we seek Christ in all that we do and show the world how important HE is to us.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Preachers and Firefighters
As I read the new poll, which Kevin Higgins put out, I thought of something that is unique to me. October is pastor's appreciation month and it is also Firefighter appreciation month too. Now this may not mean a whole lot to some people, but it does to me. Let's look at things that pastor's or preacher and firefighters have in common.
1. Preachers and Firefighters try to keep people from burning up.
a. Pastors preach the gospel so many can be saved from a burning hell.
b. Firefighters try to save people's lives from firey deaths.
2. Pastors and Firefighters study to improve.
a. Pastors study God's Word to improve their teaching and preaching skills.
b. A firefighter must stay on top of his game by training and learning
new things to fight fires, and do first responder things.
3. Pastor's and Firefighters teach things that can save us.
a. Pastor's teach us how to be saved from our sins; how to live our lives in
the best way and things that apply to life in general.
b. Firefighters teach things that can save our lives; how to live safely in this
world and things that apply to fire safety.
4. I heard a preacher tell a man who was a fire extinguisher man, you know that fire extinguisher and Christ have two things in common. The extinguisher canister is red, and Jesus' blood is red. They both keep you from burning; The product in the red canister is for putting out fires. The blood of Jesus Christ keeps a man, who with a repentant heart asked Jesus Christ to save him, from burning in hell for eternity.
I thank God for both Jesus and Firefighters. I thank HIM for Jesus because when HE shed HIS blood for me, HE provided a way to eternal security with HIM. I thank God for firefighters because they provide a way for safety in this world by preventing fires.
If you find or think of other things that firefighters and preachers have in common, share them with me.
1. Preachers and Firefighters try to keep people from burning up.
a. Pastors preach the gospel so many can be saved from a burning hell.
b. Firefighters try to save people's lives from firey deaths.
2. Pastors and Firefighters study to improve.
a. Pastors study God's Word to improve their teaching and preaching skills.
b. A firefighter must stay on top of his game by training and learning
new things to fight fires, and do first responder things.
3. Pastor's and Firefighters teach things that can save us.
a. Pastor's teach us how to be saved from our sins; how to live our lives in
the best way and things that apply to life in general.
b. Firefighters teach things that can save our lives; how to live safely in this
world and things that apply to fire safety.
4. I heard a preacher tell a man who was a fire extinguisher man, you know that fire extinguisher and Christ have two things in common. The extinguisher canister is red, and Jesus' blood is red. They both keep you from burning; The product in the red canister is for putting out fires. The blood of Jesus Christ keeps a man, who with a repentant heart asked Jesus Christ to save him, from burning in hell for eternity.
I thank God for both Jesus and Firefighters. I thank HIM for Jesus because when HE shed HIS blood for me, HE provided a way to eternal security with HIM. I thank God for firefighters because they provide a way for safety in this world by preventing fires.
If you find or think of other things that firefighters and preachers have in common, share them with me.
Friday, September 15, 2006
God and the Beautician
This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It's an explanation other people will understand: A lady went to a beauty shop to have her hair cut and her nails painted and trimmed. As the lady began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the beautician said : "I don't believe that God exists." "Why do you say that?" asked Sheryl who has MS. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things." Then Sheryl thought for a moment, but didn't respond because she didn't want to start an argument. The beautician just finished her job and the customer left the shop. Just after she left the beauty shop, she saw a woman in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and not groomed at all. She looked dirty and unkempt. Then Sheryl turned back and entered the beauty shop again and she said to the beautician: "You know what? Beauticians do not exist." "How can you say that?" asked the surprised beautician. "I am here, and I am a beautician. And I just worked on you!" "No!" Sheryl exclaimed. "Beauticians don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and be very unkempt, like that woman outside." Ah, but beauticians DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me." "Exactly!"- affirmed Sheryl. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
Monday, September 11, 2006
Life and Death
Life and Death
A Man’s Uncertainty Verse A Certainty.
James 4:14
I know that there are many people, including me, that were upset, to some extent, at the untimely death of Steve (the Crocodile Hunter) Irwin. As I heard about this death, I could not think of anything, but his wife and kids, and his soul. You watch someone who had the glow about himself towards wildlife and family and you automatically assume that that person is right with God. However, this assumption is not always true. I’m not going to take the step to say that this man was or wasn’t saved, because truly, I do not know. Only he and God knew for sure. I pray that he was, but I recently heard that he was a Buddhist. If this is so, then his destination was horrible. There have been many people who have died, what we consider early deaths, but my question is, were they really early?
I have often said, “Time waits for no man,” and it’s true. Have you ever wanted to continue doing something you enjoy and then find that time flies faster than before? Of course you have! Jesus taught us that we are not guaranteed another breath of life. Truth is we may not make it through the day, before our destination after life is finalized with our last breath.
James said, in chapter 4:14, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” I admire people who take opportunities serious. I’ll talk about my pastor, for one, he has had some health issues, which the doctors are trying to get under control. Even though he has been in the hospital twice, then told to rest, he sees the importance of serving God with everything he has. He also said, “That until God calls me home, I desire to serve HIM.” I admire him for his dedication. Even though he hasn’t felt the best in the world, he has not allowed Satan to stop him from serving God. This should be every child of God’s purpose upon this earth, and we should all be dedicated to Christ too. We are saved to serve and not just sit and wait.
DEATH IS ALWAYS UNTIMELY TO MAN. God knows every breath you take and exactly when you are going to die. The writer of Hebrews, whom I think is Paul, said, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” (Heb. 9:26). We all have our appointed day, and it will never be when we want it. Paul said, “Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die, (1 Cor. 15:32). Death from this earthly body is certain. However, there is a chance for eternal life.
JESUS MADE A WAY TO LIVE FOREVER, John 3:16. He said, “For God so loved the world that HE have HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever beleiveth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.” How much clearer can it get for anyone? We can gain eternal life by placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We, however, must do our part. We are in a world that thinks that if we live a good life, and do good things that we will somehow end up in heaven. This is not true! God’s Word tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
MAN’S PART STARTS WITH CONFESSION. Paul said, in Romans 10:10, “For with the heart man beleiveth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” You must confess that God is right and you are wrong. We need to quit thinking that we are good. A man’s definition of good is; “I’m not a murderer, or adulterer, or a drunkard, etc. We try, like Adam did, to make ourselves look better than we are. Adam, in Genesis, tried to blame God and Eve for his downfall. We need to confess that we are in that group, which every person is in. We are in the group that is called, “NO GOOD.” Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no not one:” Verse 12 says, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” The Psalmist says, “We are all as filthy rags,” in Psalms 14:3 and 53:3. So, if the Bible tells us that we are not good, then the conclusion must be we aren’t good. This group is called sinners also. “For we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” So we now know that we need to confess. However, it doesn’t stop there.
MAN’S PART INCLUDES REPENTANCE. In Luke 13:3 and 5, Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Repentance means simply, ‘to change one’s mind.’ God will not enter an unrepentant heart. We cannot expect God to save someone who thinks that there is nothing wrong in their life. Grant it, repentance usually happens before confession at times, but it has to happen. Paul said, in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we become a new creature in Christ. Actually creature means creation in Christ. Remember where Nicodemus asked Jesus, “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus and Nicodemus were talking about two different births. One was the fleshly birth and the other the spiritual birth. Jesus explained unto him that he needed the spiritual birth. Everyone alive needs the spiritual birth, but you must change your mind about yourself before you can receive the free gift of salvation.
SALVATION IS THERE FOR THE ASKING, AND IT’S FREE. With a repentant heart and the confession with your mouth that you are wrong and God is right, you have the opportunity to ask for the free gift of salvation. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:13. Don’t be one of the people who everyone thought was the greatest person and find yourself in hell with the rich man, who was very popular too. Accept the free gift of salvation, because there is no other way to get to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me,” John 14:6. Jesus made the way for each and every man, but it takes action upon our part to receive this free gift.
No matter how good you or someone else may seem, without Christ you are nobody. He completes a person, when they put their faith and trust in HIM. Have you done this yet? Please don’t think you have the rest of your life to do it, because the rest of you life may be at its end now. Lord, I pray that you will convict the lost and that they will seek your free gift of salvation. May we all serve you with an open heart to find your guidance, and please help us to follow you. Amen.
A Man’s Uncertainty Verse A Certainty.
James 4:14
I know that there are many people, including me, that were upset, to some extent, at the untimely death of Steve (the Crocodile Hunter) Irwin. As I heard about this death, I could not think of anything, but his wife and kids, and his soul. You watch someone who had the glow about himself towards wildlife and family and you automatically assume that that person is right with God. However, this assumption is not always true. I’m not going to take the step to say that this man was or wasn’t saved, because truly, I do not know. Only he and God knew for sure. I pray that he was, but I recently heard that he was a Buddhist. If this is so, then his destination was horrible. There have been many people who have died, what we consider early deaths, but my question is, were they really early?
I have often said, “Time waits for no man,” and it’s true. Have you ever wanted to continue doing something you enjoy and then find that time flies faster than before? Of course you have! Jesus taught us that we are not guaranteed another breath of life. Truth is we may not make it through the day, before our destination after life is finalized with our last breath.
James said, in chapter 4:14, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” I admire people who take opportunities serious. I’ll talk about my pastor, for one, he has had some health issues, which the doctors are trying to get under control. Even though he has been in the hospital twice, then told to rest, he sees the importance of serving God with everything he has. He also said, “That until God calls me home, I desire to serve HIM.” I admire him for his dedication. Even though he hasn’t felt the best in the world, he has not allowed Satan to stop him from serving God. This should be every child of God’s purpose upon this earth, and we should all be dedicated to Christ too. We are saved to serve and not just sit and wait.
DEATH IS ALWAYS UNTIMELY TO MAN. God knows every breath you take and exactly when you are going to die. The writer of Hebrews, whom I think is Paul, said, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” (Heb. 9:26). We all have our appointed day, and it will never be when we want it. Paul said, “Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die, (1 Cor. 15:32). Death from this earthly body is certain. However, there is a chance for eternal life.
JESUS MADE A WAY TO LIVE FOREVER, John 3:16. He said, “For God so loved the world that HE have HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever beleiveth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.” How much clearer can it get for anyone? We can gain eternal life by placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We, however, must do our part. We are in a world that thinks that if we live a good life, and do good things that we will somehow end up in heaven. This is not true! God’s Word tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
MAN’S PART STARTS WITH CONFESSION. Paul said, in Romans 10:10, “For with the heart man beleiveth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” You must confess that God is right and you are wrong. We need to quit thinking that we are good. A man’s definition of good is; “I’m not a murderer, or adulterer, or a drunkard, etc. We try, like Adam did, to make ourselves look better than we are. Adam, in Genesis, tried to blame God and Eve for his downfall. We need to confess that we are in that group, which every person is in. We are in the group that is called, “NO GOOD.” Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no not one:” Verse 12 says, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” The Psalmist says, “We are all as filthy rags,” in Psalms 14:3 and 53:3. So, if the Bible tells us that we are not good, then the conclusion must be we aren’t good. This group is called sinners also. “For we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” So we now know that we need to confess. However, it doesn’t stop there.
MAN’S PART INCLUDES REPENTANCE. In Luke 13:3 and 5, Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Repentance means simply, ‘to change one’s mind.’ God will not enter an unrepentant heart. We cannot expect God to save someone who thinks that there is nothing wrong in their life. Grant it, repentance usually happens before confession at times, but it has to happen. Paul said, in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we become a new creature in Christ. Actually creature means creation in Christ. Remember where Nicodemus asked Jesus, “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus and Nicodemus were talking about two different births. One was the fleshly birth and the other the spiritual birth. Jesus explained unto him that he needed the spiritual birth. Everyone alive needs the spiritual birth, but you must change your mind about yourself before you can receive the free gift of salvation.
SALVATION IS THERE FOR THE ASKING, AND IT’S FREE. With a repentant heart and the confession with your mouth that you are wrong and God is right, you have the opportunity to ask for the free gift of salvation. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:13. Don’t be one of the people who everyone thought was the greatest person and find yourself in hell with the rich man, who was very popular too. Accept the free gift of salvation, because there is no other way to get to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me,” John 14:6. Jesus made the way for each and every man, but it takes action upon our part to receive this free gift.
No matter how good you or someone else may seem, without Christ you are nobody. He completes a person, when they put their faith and trust in HIM. Have you done this yet? Please don’t think you have the rest of your life to do it, because the rest of you life may be at its end now. Lord, I pray that you will convict the lost and that they will seek your free gift of salvation. May we all serve you with an open heart to find your guidance, and please help us to follow you. Amen.
Monday, September 04, 2006
What a weekend
This past weekend started of rough, but ended up relaxed. Well, to some extent, that is..lol. Friday night I officiated a high school football game in which Alba Golden, who had lost 47 games in a row, last win being in October of 2001, beat Cumby by the score of 7 - 6. It was exciting to watch a game in which both teams were so closely matched. Becky, who pretty much always goes to the game with me, and I went to Lindale afterwards and stayed at a Days Inn. We woke up Saturday to go spend the day in Canton, at First Monday. She bought another dog.........lol.
We didn't go there for that though, we went to just spend time together. Sunday was church day, and that's where we went. I'm praying hard that the Lord will reveal to me what or where he wants me to go or do.
Today, Monday 9/4/06 was a busy day. After putting chicken wire around the bottom of the storage room, I went with Becky to her office to put her plants back in place. Praise the Lord she gets to do what she wants to do now...go to work, tomorrow. After we got back, I grilled some ribs, burgers and sausages, and turned on the tube to find out that the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Erwing was killed by a sting ray. He leaves his wife and two small children behind. Sad, Sad, sad. Anyway, pray for his family. Tomorrow is another day with Terminix, so I pray all will go well this week. The weekend, even though it was a three day weekend, was too short.
We didn't go there for that though, we went to just spend time together. Sunday was church day, and that's where we went. I'm praying hard that the Lord will reveal to me what or where he wants me to go or do.
Today, Monday 9/4/06 was a busy day. After putting chicken wire around the bottom of the storage room, I went with Becky to her office to put her plants back in place. Praise the Lord she gets to do what she wants to do now...go to work, tomorrow. After we got back, I grilled some ribs, burgers and sausages, and turned on the tube to find out that the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Erwing was killed by a sting ray. He leaves his wife and two small children behind. Sad, Sad, sad. Anyway, pray for his family. Tomorrow is another day with Terminix, so I pray all will go well this week. The weekend, even though it was a three day weekend, was too short.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Change, Change, Change
Yesterday started off with a bang. I got up, all prepared to finish this week out as a technician. I had planned on trying sales, should this new job not pan out. I got to the office and the first thing that happens, things have changed since Friday. Terminix has put a freeze on any moves, including hiring. I had to ask, 'What's up with this?' My manager told me that I would continue my route, and not go into sales at this time. SHE ALREADY HAD MY REPLACEMENT IN LINE! LOL. I told Becky that if it's God's will for me to have this new job, I would tell my boss lady to get 'her man,' as she called him.
I'm thankful that God is opening doors. I pray that HIS will is done in my life, and that it is willfully on my part. Interesting to see what might go on today, huh? God is truly good. I just wished I knew what HE was doing in my life before hand. As Becky would say, "Please Lord, put in on a bulletin board." Ultimately, I would much rather be pastoring a church, but obviously it's not in God's plans right now. I am excited for Jason Sheffstall and his family, as well as his church family and how God is blessing them in West Virginia. Thank God for Godly men who seek HIS will. Have a nice day folks.
I'm thankful that God is opening doors. I pray that HIS will is done in my life, and that it is willfully on my part. Interesting to see what might go on today, huh? God is truly good. I just wished I knew what HE was doing in my life before hand. As Becky would say, "Please Lord, put in on a bulletin board." Ultimately, I would much rather be pastoring a church, but obviously it's not in God's plans right now. I am excited for Jason Sheffstall and his family, as well as his church family and how God is blessing them in West Virginia. Thank God for Godly men who seek HIS will. Have a nice day folks.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Where's the time gone to?
I can't believe that it has been 11 days since I posted a blog. I have been extremely busy, but it may slow down soon. I found out that September 1, I am to be moved to the sales department. This could be a good move, but I'm really concerned about it. I also had an interview, this past week, that seems to be promising. If they offer me the job, I will take it. It will be working in a warehouse for a company and may be a good chance for promotion. Please pray with me that God's will shall be done.
Becky is getting stronger, and the doctor told us she could go back to work on the 5th of September. She has been stir crazy around the house and it is driving her crazy. I am just thankful to God that HE decided to keep her here instead of taking her home.
Becky is getting stronger, and the doctor told us she could go back to work on the 5th of September. She has been stir crazy around the house and it is driving her crazy. I am just thankful to God that HE decided to keep her here instead of taking her home.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
It's a hottie
Today was a real hot day. It was around 104 and the a/c doesn't quiet work as good. I've thought most the day on church attendance. What does it really mean to people who call theirselves Christians? Becky has her first doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning. I pray that she'll be able to go back to work soon. The staying at home is driving her nuts.
I got a phone call about another possible job today. I hope it comes through. Have a great evening.
I got a phone call about another possible job today. I hope it comes through. Have a great evening.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Life in a vapor
Life in a Vapor
Using today as there is not tomorrow.
I guess everyone is guilty of examining their life at one time or another, aren’t we? I have looked back, at times, and seen a lot of wasted time. There have been times in my life that would have been better spent doing other things. We all have these times though. We may not want to admit it, but we do have a lot of wasted time in our lives. These past few weeks have gone by extremely fast. I can remember times when my mother would tell me that the older I get the faster time will go. Actually time is a constant, but I have come to a conclusion that we loose time, because we waste time.
Men have a saying today that should really be geared toward God. The saying goes something like this; “Life is short, so live it like there is not tomorrow.” I am reminded of what James said in James 4:14 KJV. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. We are all guilty of wishing our life away at some point. I’ll give you an example of how it happened to me. I couldn’t wait to turn 16, so I could get my driver’s license. Then I couldn’t wait to turn 18 so I could be classified as a man, not to mention I would be out of school. It took me a long time to come to the understanding that you are not an adult at the age of 18, even though the law looks at you as an adult. At the age 21, which I couldn’t wait to be, so I could be legal in all other areas of my life, even though I didn’t drink, I still wasn’t a man. Then there was the grand old age of 25; which I wanted to be so my car insurance would go down. IT DIDN”T! Get the point?
What if I had spent all that time serving God? I’m not just talking about going to church and doing the right things only. I mean, what if I had really served HIM? I feel like part of that is immaturity. I was not only immature in my age, but also in my Christian life. I have made the comment before, “The older I get, the more important the things of God become to me.” This is called maturity, but why has it taken me so long to see that? It has really amazed me at how we start growing up in our physical life and we ignore the spiritual life. The reason it has taken me as long as it has is simple; Christ, even though I’ve been saved for 24 years this October, has not always been important in my life. I was too concerned about what I wanted to do rather than what God wanted me to do. James said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because you don’t even know if you’ll be here. It’s like a vapor, here for a minute, and then it’s gone.” If there is one thing I would say we can learn from this thought, it would be, live your life fully for God and let the world do what it pleases. Allow your life to mean something for God and not just for you. If we learn to live for God then HE will make us a lot better. Let’s be concerned at what we do for God today, and tomorrow will take care of itself. Lord, please help us focus on things about you and help us to be concerned about that. Help us to always seek you first, so you can show us the true way. Amen.
Using today as there is not tomorrow.
I guess everyone is guilty of examining their life at one time or another, aren’t we? I have looked back, at times, and seen a lot of wasted time. There have been times in my life that would have been better spent doing other things. We all have these times though. We may not want to admit it, but we do have a lot of wasted time in our lives. These past few weeks have gone by extremely fast. I can remember times when my mother would tell me that the older I get the faster time will go. Actually time is a constant, but I have come to a conclusion that we loose time, because we waste time.
Men have a saying today that should really be geared toward God. The saying goes something like this; “Life is short, so live it like there is not tomorrow.” I am reminded of what James said in James 4:14 KJV. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. We are all guilty of wishing our life away at some point. I’ll give you an example of how it happened to me. I couldn’t wait to turn 16, so I could get my driver’s license. Then I couldn’t wait to turn 18 so I could be classified as a man, not to mention I would be out of school. It took me a long time to come to the understanding that you are not an adult at the age of 18, even though the law looks at you as an adult. At the age 21, which I couldn’t wait to be, so I could be legal in all other areas of my life, even though I didn’t drink, I still wasn’t a man. Then there was the grand old age of 25; which I wanted to be so my car insurance would go down. IT DIDN”T! Get the point?
What if I had spent all that time serving God? I’m not just talking about going to church and doing the right things only. I mean, what if I had really served HIM? I feel like part of that is immaturity. I was not only immature in my age, but also in my Christian life. I have made the comment before, “The older I get, the more important the things of God become to me.” This is called maturity, but why has it taken me so long to see that? It has really amazed me at how we start growing up in our physical life and we ignore the spiritual life. The reason it has taken me as long as it has is simple; Christ, even though I’ve been saved for 24 years this October, has not always been important in my life. I was too concerned about what I wanted to do rather than what God wanted me to do. James said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because you don’t even know if you’ll be here. It’s like a vapor, here for a minute, and then it’s gone.” If there is one thing I would say we can learn from this thought, it would be, live your life fully for God and let the world do what it pleases. Allow your life to mean something for God and not just for you. If we learn to live for God then HE will make us a lot better. Let’s be concerned at what we do for God today, and tomorrow will take care of itself. Lord, please help us focus on things about you and help us to be concerned about that. Help us to always seek you first, so you can show us the true way. Amen.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Home again
This week was an amazingly short week. However, it was very busy. Monday and Tuesday were long days for me at work. I've become increasingly unsatisfied with my job, but I know that I will eventually get what God wants for me. Wednesday morning, 8/9, we flew from Shreveport to Houston and then to Columbia, South Carolina. What little bit we saw of Columbia was pretty. Everything was green. It rained everyday we were there in the evening time. Becky, her mom, and I went to Ft. Jackson to watch Aaron graduate from basic training of the US ARMY. We arrived to our hotel on Wednesday and just drove around to find the place we were to go to the following morning. Thursday a.m, we entered Ft. Jackson and saw a lot of people there for the graduation on Friday. We found out that Aaron would be one of about 10 people that would not graduate, because he did not pass athe 6 nor 9 mile hikes. This is with about 70 lbs. of equipment on them. He has three small stress fractures in his right foot. However, we did find out that he could still graduate if he chose to do the hikes with his platoon leader, or attend basic training again after high school. He has chosen to get his platoon leader to let him take it I think. He is in good physical shape. He's lost about 20 lbs and is up earlier than I am for now.
We arived at home about 1:30 a.m this morning, and we are in need of rest. We thank the Lord for the safe trip there and back. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Army has taught this young man. There were a number of positive things that has happened with him. He said he went to church every sunday morning, and is looking forward to tomorrow. If he finishes is drill with his platoon, he will then go to AIT in June to complete his training. He then will be eligible for active duty and may be deployed to the mideast. We pray that God's will should happen in this area.
All I know is; I'm glad to be back home.
We arived at home about 1:30 a.m this morning, and we are in need of rest. We thank the Lord for the safe trip there and back. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Army has taught this young man. There were a number of positive things that has happened with him. He said he went to church every sunday morning, and is looking forward to tomorrow. If he finishes is drill with his platoon, he will then go to AIT in June to complete his training. He then will be eligible for active duty and may be deployed to the mideast. We pray that God's will should happen in this area.
All I know is; I'm glad to be back home.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
It always amazes me at how Mondays go for me after I've had an opportunity to preach. Bro. Dale is out sick, again, and really needs prayers. I was notified Saturday morning that I was needed to preach on Sunday morning. The day really went well. However, when I've had a good Sunday, the old devil sticks his head up on Monday. I am reminded that I've got control though. The Lord gave me that control when I accepted HIM. After lunch I told Satan to get behind me and that my Lord was in control of my life. The afternoon went better, but I would appreciate prayers from everyone who may read this. I know that the old devil will be right back to work on me today.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Thank you
What an amazing God! Becky is recouping her strength daily. After the week of July 24th, I'm thankful she is still with me. I thank God for the Godly people who prayed for her. Truly, "The prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
I must say that today has been short lived. I got up early and after doing some things around the house, going to the hospital to visit my pastor, and finding out that I'm preaching in the morning, my day was spent fast. I often wonder what it would be like to pastor again. I look at the blogs of serveral men that I have utmost respect for, who are pastoring, yet I never talk to them anymore. I miss the fellowship of other preachers, and wonder at times what has happened in my life. I believe that God gives us a desire to fellowship with other Christians and when that fellowship seems lost at times, I feel alone. For those of you who prayed for my wife, I want to say thank you. Please remember us both as we go through tough times.
I must say that today has been short lived. I got up early and after doing some things around the house, going to the hospital to visit my pastor, and finding out that I'm preaching in the morning, my day was spent fast. I often wonder what it would be like to pastor again. I look at the blogs of serveral men that I have utmost respect for, who are pastoring, yet I never talk to them anymore. I miss the fellowship of other preachers, and wonder at times what has happened in my life. I believe that God gives us a desire to fellowship with other Christians and when that fellowship seems lost at times, I feel alone. For those of you who prayed for my wife, I want to say thank you. Please remember us both as we go through tough times.
Friday, August 04, 2006
The Pure Gifts of God
The Pure Gifts of God
How wisdom plays the part
James 3:17 – 18
The week of July 24th was a tough week that I won’t soon forget. The more I think about it, the more awed I am about my amazing God. HE is the most amazing God that a man can serve, and better yet, know. I also am thankful for a church family and the friends who show sincere concern and love that has been shown to us. There were some things that happened during my wait in the waiting room that showed me how God really speaks to us, if we will only listen.
On Thursday, while I was in the waiting room of ICU, as days before, I was reading God’s Word and meditating. As I prayed and thought of how God was so good to me and Becky, I came across a scripture in the book of James, which I focused upon, because it really stood out to me. James, who was Jesus’ brother, wrote a book that is very harsh at times and has a tendency to bring a reality check to Christians. James 3:17 caught my eye and I just couldn’t quit reading it.
James 3:17 – 18 says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Now, true enough, these scriptures say a whole lot, if you meditate upon them. Except for a couple of visitors, before this time I had been spending most of my time in the waiting room totally by myself. Of course there were some other people in the area, but they had their families with them and they were focused upon their situations.
I was sitting in a chair and really talking to God and meditating upon these scriptures when a man, whom I had never seen, comes directly to me and asked, “How are you today?” I answered that I was fine, knowing that down deep inside I wasn’t that great. I was concerned about my wife’s well being, and at that particular time, it still wasn’t that great. The man proceeded on by looking at my Bible and said, “So you’re reading God’s Word huh? I said, “Yes, I’m doing a little reading and a little praying.” This man then said, “I couldn’t think of a better thing to do right now. You know what I was just thinking? I was thing about the gifts of the Spirit.” I just looked at him and smiled. He then said, “You have a nice day,” and he left. I haven’t seen the man since. He came, he went, and he wasn’t there a total of 60 seconds.
I started looking in 2 Peter 1, and reading another passage. In verses 4 – 9 the passage says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
As I continued to dwell on the Word of God, which had been revealed unto me, I thought about how interesting, or you might think, ‘weird,’ it was for this man to come speak to me. I thought of the scripture in Hebrews, where it talks about, “entertaining angels unawares.” Of course, it may have very well been that this was an ordinary man, but God sure got my attention. It took me a few minutes, but I think I got the picture of what the Lord was saying to me through HIS WORD. I was studying James, yet I was now in 2 Peter. How interesting is that?
Every one of these things mentioned in 2 Peter 1:4 – 7 are gifts. Paul said that there were three gifts; faith hope and love. However, we need to understand that all the other gifts hinge upon these three, and they all point toward our God. What does wisdom have to do with it though? The fact of the matter is that we obtain wisdom from God and James said, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him, (James 1:5.) There is a condition though, according to James. He tells us in verse 6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” The key to the whole thing is faith. Faith come by hearing and hearing by the WORD OF GOD. We need to understand that everything God sends to us is pure. It really fits what James said; first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality, and without hypocrisy. I would challenge us all to look at these pure fruits of the spirit and allow God to speak to us. As Solomon would say, "A wise man will hear." Let’s just listen. A wise man fears God, and if he really does fear God, then he listens, right? Wisdom is a great free gift. Lord help us to always hear YOUR still small voice as you show us YOUR pure LOVE. May we always know that YOU are our only HOPE, and may we always seek YOU by Faith. Amen.
How wisdom plays the part
James 3:17 – 18
The week of July 24th was a tough week that I won’t soon forget. The more I think about it, the more awed I am about my amazing God. HE is the most amazing God that a man can serve, and better yet, know. I also am thankful for a church family and the friends who show sincere concern and love that has been shown to us. There were some things that happened during my wait in the waiting room that showed me how God really speaks to us, if we will only listen.
On Thursday, while I was in the waiting room of ICU, as days before, I was reading God’s Word and meditating. As I prayed and thought of how God was so good to me and Becky, I came across a scripture in the book of James, which I focused upon, because it really stood out to me. James, who was Jesus’ brother, wrote a book that is very harsh at times and has a tendency to bring a reality check to Christians. James 3:17 caught my eye and I just couldn’t quit reading it.
James 3:17 – 18 says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Now, true enough, these scriptures say a whole lot, if you meditate upon them. Except for a couple of visitors, before this time I had been spending most of my time in the waiting room totally by myself. Of course there were some other people in the area, but they had their families with them and they were focused upon their situations.
I was sitting in a chair and really talking to God and meditating upon these scriptures when a man, whom I had never seen, comes directly to me and asked, “How are you today?” I answered that I was fine, knowing that down deep inside I wasn’t that great. I was concerned about my wife’s well being, and at that particular time, it still wasn’t that great. The man proceeded on by looking at my Bible and said, “So you’re reading God’s Word huh? I said, “Yes, I’m doing a little reading and a little praying.” This man then said, “I couldn’t think of a better thing to do right now. You know what I was just thinking? I was thing about the gifts of the Spirit.” I just looked at him and smiled. He then said, “You have a nice day,” and he left. I haven’t seen the man since. He came, he went, and he wasn’t there a total of 60 seconds.
I started looking in 2 Peter 1, and reading another passage. In verses 4 – 9 the passage says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
As I continued to dwell on the Word of God, which had been revealed unto me, I thought about how interesting, or you might think, ‘weird,’ it was for this man to come speak to me. I thought of the scripture in Hebrews, where it talks about, “entertaining angels unawares.” Of course, it may have very well been that this was an ordinary man, but God sure got my attention. It took me a few minutes, but I think I got the picture of what the Lord was saying to me through HIS WORD. I was studying James, yet I was now in 2 Peter. How interesting is that?
Every one of these things mentioned in 2 Peter 1:4 – 7 are gifts. Paul said that there were three gifts; faith hope and love. However, we need to understand that all the other gifts hinge upon these three, and they all point toward our God. What does wisdom have to do with it though? The fact of the matter is that we obtain wisdom from God and James said, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him, (James 1:5.) There is a condition though, according to James. He tells us in verse 6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” The key to the whole thing is faith. Faith come by hearing and hearing by the WORD OF GOD. We need to understand that everything God sends to us is pure. It really fits what James said; first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality, and without hypocrisy. I would challenge us all to look at these pure fruits of the spirit and allow God to speak to us. As Solomon would say, "A wise man will hear." Let’s just listen. A wise man fears God, and if he really does fear God, then he listens, right? Wisdom is a great free gift. Lord help us to always hear YOUR still small voice as you show us YOUR pure LOVE. May we always know that YOU are our only HOPE, and may we always seek YOU by Faith. Amen.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Disappointment or Acceptance
Disappointment or Acceptance
When God Tells Us No.
There have been times in my life that I’ve wondered why God has allowed so much disappointment in my life. From the time I was a child it seems as if negative things have occurred more than positive things. However, I must say that the positive things are bigger than the negative things. I find myself looking back at my life and wondering what it stands for anymore. How did I get to where I am in such a short period of time? I remember a lot of first in my life. Some were great; some were not so great. I did things I am still ashamed of, even though I know God has forgiven me, but I have also accomplished things that make me feel good. Does this sound a lot like your life? It should.
Most of us have a lot of good and bad things in our lives; don’t we? I can remember being told that these are the things that build character in us. Some of us have a very good character and some of us have a not so good character. If you really look in at a person’s life, you may be able to find out why people do things.
In 1 Chronicles17, we find that Nathan tells David, “Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee,” after David told him of his plans of building a house for God. Nathan thought it was a grand idea and encouraged David to do it, because it would honor God. It is great to be encouraged. We live in a world of discouragement; one that tells us negative things at all times. Even things that seem positive, by world’s standards, usually turn out negative. This is simply because the world is deceptive. The earth is the stomping ground of Satan, and he is always negative. We need to be able to discern the spirits as a child of God. However, we aren’t always capable of doing that, because we are so focused upon situations more often than not.
David was celebrating and giving thanks unto the Lord in 1 Chronicles 16. Nathan had encouraged David, but the Lord had plans that must have really disappointed David at some point. The Lord told Nathan to tell David, “Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:” He could have taken this situation and really said, “I’m going to do it anyway,” or he could have asked why not. After all, it was a great idea; provided that it would honor God. There is no reason to believe that David’s idea was to honor God with the temple. However, God said no.
There have been times in my life that I have wanted to do things that I believed would honor and glorify God. However, God told me no. Was I disappointed? Sure, I was disappointed and just couldn’t understand why God would say no. After all, it was suppose to honor and glorify him anyway. When we get our hearts set on something, sometimes we want to say, “Lord, please allow me to do this,” and when he gives us a ‘no’ answer then we get very disappointed and even get to the point of feeling like God has turned HIS back on us. Case and point;
WHEN WE LOOSE FOCUS ON GOD’S WILL WE OPEN THE DOOR TO SATAN
We need to realize that God is always in total control of everything. I have had problems with this, just like many who may read this. The first thing that happens is that Satan reminds us, ‘you gave your life to a God who doesn’t really care.’ This of course is an outrageous lie. He does care, but it’s just not HIS will, at this point. Solomon reminds us of that. In Ecclesiates 3:1, Solomon wrote, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;” It’s hard to imagine this at times, but there is a reason for every thing and to every purpose. We can’t possibly understand it all, but God knows what needs to be done. So keep the focus on things of God. I have to remind myself of this daily, and God uses people in my life to help me keep focused of HIS will. David could have taken what the Lord had told him negatively, but we see that he didn’t. He praised God anyway. Case and pint;
GIVE GOD ALL THE PRAISE AND HONOR FOR EVERYTHING
Reactions to what God’s tells us are often mixed reviews. When he tells us no we will often times be very disappointed, but we should praise him anyway. David did just that. The Lord told David, “You not going to build my house, but your son will.” He also told him, “I will establish his kingdom forever.” HE was telling David, ‘the kingdom will be in your bloodline forever.’ David began to pray and honor and glorify the Lord for this decision. David asked the Lord, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? We need to realize that we are nothing without HIM. HE is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. HE is the First and the Last. Without HIM, man is nothing. David saw what the Lord wanted and he thanked the Lord for it. David saw that the Lord had a greater purpose for this decision. Case and point;
NEGATIVE THINGS IS OUR EYES ARE ONLY NEGATIVE TO US
David did not take it negatively. God promised him that his throne would be established forever (vs. 12). If you look in the blood line of David, it ends with Christ. That’s right; HIS throne was and is established forever. HE was the total focus of this decision. David saw the positive side of this and thanked God for it. He allowed what could have been negative to be positive.
I have to constantly remind myself that things, which seem negative at the time, may have a positive ending. Grant it; it almost always does. However, Satan is an adversary that will not allow things to settle down. It is, therefore, a total conclusion to do what Paul has instructed Christians to do. He said, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning you”. So, the next time God says no to you, don’t let Satan beat you up, just thank God for it. There is a better end in sight.
Lord, thank you for loving us and for being the ideal leader of our lives. Thank you for loving us and giving us directions. Help us, Lord, to understand the full meaning of everything you may say no too. Help us to see your purpose in our lives and the purpose you may have for each one of us. Thank you Lord for answering this prayer. Amen.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Psalm 51 – Restoring Joy
Allowing God to have the wheel in our lives
I’m not a huge fan of country music anymore, but I heard a song that has been out for some time now that made me think. The title of the song is “Jesus Take the Wheel.” Of course I have heard it on Christian music radio too. The title of that song is appropriate for each and every child of God. I have listened to it thoroughly and the story is of a woman who was given a wake up call. She almost had a wreck and let go of the wheel and asked Jesus to take control. She makes it safely to the side of the road and promptly starts admitting to God that she hasn’t been living right and ask HIM to take the wheel in her life and help her in that area.
Amazingly enough, this song should call out to all of us. Just as many of you may have to do at times, I find myself searching, at times, to find Christ in my life; where HE is suppose to be. Oh, there are some out in this world that would probably claim that they have Jesus right where HE is supposed to be at all times. However, I’m reminded of a man named David. In 2 Samuel chapter 11, David commits two sins. He commits adultery with Bathsheba and then commits murder by putting her husband, Uriah, on the front lines of battle where he is killed. He proceeds to go on with his life as if nothing has happened, but God knew what happened and wasn’t about to allow David to forget. Case and point;
WE MAY DO THINGS IN SECRET BUT GOD KNOWS OUR SECRETS
Nathan was sent to David by the Lord in 2 Samuel 12:1 – 12, and he told David a story, which angered David greatly. David had declared that this man would repay the debt he now owed. Nathan used four words that struck David like a knife. He said, “THOU ART THE MAN.” The Lord told David that HE knew what was going on. He told David of the things he would have to endure at a later date. However in verse 13, we see the David confesses. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” Case and point;
IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS HE WILL FORGIVE US.
Confession is the key to the whole thing. Admitting you are wrong is one of the hardest things that a person can do. The Lord had showed David that HE knew what had happened and he used Nathan to convey the message. Because of David’s confession, he was told that he would not die. However, there was still a penalty to pay. He lost his first child by Bathsheba. God took him, and this was just a beginning of David’s woes. You may be asking where my point is on my statement about the song, “Jesus Take the Wheel.” In Psalms 51, there is a prayer that David could have been praying while he was on the ground just before his son’s life was lost. In this prayer you see that the focus is totally upon him and his relationship with the LORD. Case and point;
WHEN WE PRAY WE NEED TO FOCUS UPON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
David’s prayer is one of total repentance. Total repentance is admitting you are wrong and asking the LORD to help you turn from your wicked ways. If you know what you are doing is wrong and you confess it, then you must ask the LORD to take the wheel in you life, and be willing to do what HE leads you to do. In Psalm 51:6, David said, “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” God desires for us to be honest, not only with HIM, but with ourselves. We can convince ourselves we are right in whatever we may do, but if we are wrong, we must accept responsibility. In verse 7 – 12 we find that David is asking the LORD to forgive him. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which THOU hast broken may rejoice. Hide THY face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from THY presence; and take not THY Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of THY salvation; and uphold me with THY free spirit.” What a tremendous prayer! Notice that David is totally dependant upon God. Case and point;
WE NEED TO DEPEND UPON GOD TO STEER OUR LIVES
We must focus upon our relationship with HIM. HE is supposed to be our guide. However, until we see exactly where we stand with HIM, we can’t serve HIM the way we should. The hyssop that David talked about was a plant that had a strong pleasant smell to it. Webster said it smelled like mint. However, it was used to cover the stench of the bad scent of the sin that David had committed to the Lord. David was totally dependant on God. He asked the LORD to create in him a clean heart. We should pray this prayer daily. To honor the request of David’s final request, the Lord had to create a clean heart in HIM. David wanted the LORD to restore the joy of HIS salvation unto to him. David knew that the salvation he had was of the LORD and not of himself. However, David wanted his joy back. He had lost focus upon the things that were important. Case and point;
WE NEED OUR JOY RESTORED
I can only speak for myself, but many Christians have so much junk in their lives that they have lost focus of Christ. His salvation should be of the most important thing in our lives. However, many saved people have lost the joy of HIS salvation. We get so focused upon self, that we allow the things of this world to blind us and we leave our first love. There is a point in each child of God’s life that we need to regain control of our lives, both morally and spiritually. This starts with confession, then asking the Lord to forgive us, and the requesting that HE take the wheel in our lives and take us in the direction HE desires for us to go. If we are able to do that, HE will not steer us wrong.
Lord, please take the wheel in my life and help me to go in YOUR desired direction. Restore unto each child of God the joy of YOUR salvation and show us YOUR purpose for our lives. Amen
I’m not a huge fan of country music anymore, but I heard a song that has been out for some time now that made me think. The title of the song is “Jesus Take the Wheel.” Of course I have heard it on Christian music radio too. The title of that song is appropriate for each and every child of God. I have listened to it thoroughly and the story is of a woman who was given a wake up call. She almost had a wreck and let go of the wheel and asked Jesus to take control. She makes it safely to the side of the road and promptly starts admitting to God that she hasn’t been living right and ask HIM to take the wheel in her life and help her in that area.
Amazingly enough, this song should call out to all of us. Just as many of you may have to do at times, I find myself searching, at times, to find Christ in my life; where HE is suppose to be. Oh, there are some out in this world that would probably claim that they have Jesus right where HE is supposed to be at all times. However, I’m reminded of a man named David. In 2 Samuel chapter 11, David commits two sins. He commits adultery with Bathsheba and then commits murder by putting her husband, Uriah, on the front lines of battle where he is killed. He proceeds to go on with his life as if nothing has happened, but God knew what happened and wasn’t about to allow David to forget. Case and point;
WE MAY DO THINGS IN SECRET BUT GOD KNOWS OUR SECRETS
Nathan was sent to David by the Lord in 2 Samuel 12:1 – 12, and he told David a story, which angered David greatly. David had declared that this man would repay the debt he now owed. Nathan used four words that struck David like a knife. He said, “THOU ART THE MAN.” The Lord told David that HE knew what was going on. He told David of the things he would have to endure at a later date. However in verse 13, we see the David confesses. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” Case and point;
IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS HE WILL FORGIVE US.
Confession is the key to the whole thing. Admitting you are wrong is one of the hardest things that a person can do. The Lord had showed David that HE knew what had happened and he used Nathan to convey the message. Because of David’s confession, he was told that he would not die. However, there was still a penalty to pay. He lost his first child by Bathsheba. God took him, and this was just a beginning of David’s woes. You may be asking where my point is on my statement about the song, “Jesus Take the Wheel.” In Psalms 51, there is a prayer that David could have been praying while he was on the ground just before his son’s life was lost. In this prayer you see that the focus is totally upon him and his relationship with the LORD. Case and point;
WHEN WE PRAY WE NEED TO FOCUS UPON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
David’s prayer is one of total repentance. Total repentance is admitting you are wrong and asking the LORD to help you turn from your wicked ways. If you know what you are doing is wrong and you confess it, then you must ask the LORD to take the wheel in you life, and be willing to do what HE leads you to do. In Psalm 51:6, David said, “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” God desires for us to be honest, not only with HIM, but with ourselves. We can convince ourselves we are right in whatever we may do, but if we are wrong, we must accept responsibility. In verse 7 – 12 we find that David is asking the LORD to forgive him. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which THOU hast broken may rejoice. Hide THY face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from THY presence; and take not THY Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of THY salvation; and uphold me with THY free spirit.” What a tremendous prayer! Notice that David is totally dependant upon God. Case and point;
WE NEED TO DEPEND UPON GOD TO STEER OUR LIVES
We must focus upon our relationship with HIM. HE is supposed to be our guide. However, until we see exactly where we stand with HIM, we can’t serve HIM the way we should. The hyssop that David talked about was a plant that had a strong pleasant smell to it. Webster said it smelled like mint. However, it was used to cover the stench of the bad scent of the sin that David had committed to the Lord. David was totally dependant on God. He asked the LORD to create in him a clean heart. We should pray this prayer daily. To honor the request of David’s final request, the Lord had to create a clean heart in HIM. David wanted the LORD to restore the joy of HIS salvation unto to him. David knew that the salvation he had was of the LORD and not of himself. However, David wanted his joy back. He had lost focus upon the things that were important. Case and point;
WE NEED OUR JOY RESTORED
I can only speak for myself, but many Christians have so much junk in their lives that they have lost focus of Christ. His salvation should be of the most important thing in our lives. However, many saved people have lost the joy of HIS salvation. We get so focused upon self, that we allow the things of this world to blind us and we leave our first love. There is a point in each child of God’s life that we need to regain control of our lives, both morally and spiritually. This starts with confession, then asking the Lord to forgive us, and the requesting that HE take the wheel in our lives and take us in the direction HE desires for us to go. If we are able to do that, HE will not steer us wrong.
Lord, please take the wheel in my life and help me to go in YOUR desired direction. Restore unto each child of God the joy of YOUR salvation and show us YOUR purpose for our lives. Amen
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