Dr. M. DeWayne Anderson's Blog

Heaven, God's dwelling place

2011-11-02T12:38:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 66:1-2 NASB
         Thus says the LORD,
   “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.
   Where then is a house you could build for Me?
   And where is a place that I may rest?
   2       “For My hand made all these things,
   Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD.
   “But to this one I will look,
   To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

1 Kings 8:27 NASB

      “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!

Isaiah 40:12 NASB
   Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
   And marked off the heavens by the span,
   And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure,
   And weighed the mountains in a balance
   And the hills in a pair of scales?

After considering the magnitude of God's being, person, and the infinitude of His power, essence and existence, we consider heaven.

We know that God was existent before the heavens and earth, and all that we know came into existence. He spoke and all of these things came into existence. The created thing sprang into existence from nothing at the word of God. This demands our attention. God is able to cause something to spring from nothing. Not just something, God is able to cause all of the universe with all of the intricate detail of the molecular composition to spring into existence.

So, where is heaven, the abode of God? From what the Bible says, there must be some place. It exists outside of the scope of man's understanding and spacial experience.

This is not an attempt to supply the concise demographic, geophysical, or terrestrial description of God's abode, but to challenge our thinking to see that God is greater than we first supposed and that His throne and dwelling place is great.

We began to consider this to bring solace to our souls that God has prepared a place for us to abide with Him. It is my contention that the descriptions we have are inadequate. For God is greater than we can conceive and thus, His abode must necessitate a place that is greater than what our limited understanding can imagine.

1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV
    “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
          Nor have entered into the heart of man
          The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
[Is. 64:4; 65:17]

Keep on digging into this.

Great is our God!!

God is Indescribable

2011-10-18T11:52:00.001-05:00

Heaven 3

2011-10-15T13:36:00.002-05:00

I want to challenge and expand your thinking about God and heaven. The reason for my challenge is to help expand and deepen your thinking about God, His being, His dwelling place and our participation in that with Him.

Most often when we humans think about God and heaven, we think in relation to time and space. We do this because we relate everything to what we see and know here on earth. Everything we know in this life is related to time and space, the here and now. Due to our human limitations we think of the abode of God, heaven in relation to what we know in this world. “God is in heaven.” A place. Just like we are here on earth. A place.

We also think about a time when we will be with God in heaven.

Here is the challenge.

Read the questions and then before you answer them, read the scriptures below.

God is omnipresent(everywhere present). He is immense (unmeasurable).

If God cannot be measured, and if He is everywhere present, how can there be a dwelling place for God known as heaven?

If there is a heaven (and I know there is):

What is it like?

How large?

Where is it?

Deuteronomy 4:19 (NASB95)

¹⁹“And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.

2 Kings 2:1 (NASB95)

¹And it came about when the Lord was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 Kings 2:10–14 (NASB95)

¹⁰He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”

¹¹As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.

¹²Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

¹³He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

¹⁴He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over.

1 Chronicles 21:16 (NASB95)

¹⁶Then David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces.

Job 11:7–10 (NASB95)

⁷“Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?

⁸“They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know?

⁹“Its measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea.

¹⁰“If He passes by or shuts up, Or calls an assembly, who can restrain Him?

Psalm 14:2 (NIV84)

²The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

Psalm 33:6 (NIV84)

⁶By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Psalm 102:19 (NIV84)

¹⁹“The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,

Psalm 113:4–5 (NIV84)

⁴The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

⁵Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

Isaiah 66:1–2 (NIV84)

¹This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?

²Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.

The wonder, amazement, and phenomena is that God has chosen us to know Him, dwell in His presence, and ultimately abide with Him in His home.

John 14:2 (NKJV)

²In 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.

As you study this, may the magnitude, power, and awesomeness of God be shown to you.

Heaven 2

2011-10-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

A few more things about the levels of heaven.

When I consider the heavens, I think much of the questions we have about the number of heavens has to do with our own human limitations.

I think the idea of the firmament being the first heaven, and the starry host (universe) being the second heaven helps us to see three heavens.

If we accept that; then the next part is harder for us to understand because we have not seen, known or been told specifically in the Bible about the secret and hidden things that have yet to be revealed to us.

From my understanding once one gets into the “heavenly abode of God,” we see that there are specific places where certain things happen or are held.

1. There is the place where the spirits/soul of the righteous dead are held until the day of Christ when the body and soul is reunited.

2. There is the place where the Cherubim are below the throne of God.

3. The throne of God is represented as being surrounded by the Angels of God

4. There is the place where the Seraphim are above the throne.

5. There must also be a place above where the Seraphim are.

The complications we have is with understanding the placement of things in heaven.

God gave us representation of God’s abiding place with the Tabernacle of the wilderness.

1. There was some space between where the congregation lived in their tents and where the tabernacle proper was set up.

2. The outer curtain separates what is holy from what is not holy.

3. The area between the curtain and the tabernacle was the court.

4. The tabernacle had two chambers.

a. The holy place

b. The most holy place

5. Within the holy place there was the ark of the covenant

a. The ark of the covenant was the place where the presence of God was represented

b. The two Cherubim were over the ark.

Look at this in relation to the abode of God, in heaven.

Heaven

2011-10-15T13:33:00.002-05:00

There are indicators both in Scripture and tradition that there are various degrees or levels of Heaven.

Ephesians 4:10 ascended up far above all heavens. The word for heaven is {huperano} and means greatly higher, above upward, far above, over.

Genesis 1:1 (NIV84)

¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 (NASB95)

¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The King James Version says "God created the heaven."

Hebrews 7:26 (NASB95)

²⁶For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Hebrews 4:14 (NASB95)

¹⁴Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

He has passed through the atmospheric heaven and the starry heaven to the third heaven, the dwelling place of God. This speaks of Christ's ascension and glorification at the Father’s right hand.

Acts 1:11 (NASB95)

¹¹They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

Revelation 12:7 (NIV) ⁷And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

The word "heaven" here is ouranos- it means sky, heaven, air.

Satan is called the prince of the power of the air.

Ephesians 2:1–2 (NASB95) ¹And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, ²in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

Revelation 12:8–10 (NASB95)

⁸and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.

⁹And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

¹⁰Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

God is seen sitting on the throne and the Seraphim are seen above the throne.

Isaiah 6:1-8 (NIV) ¹In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.

²Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” ⁴At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. ⁵...

These angels are expressive of the holiness which demands cleansing before serving.

While the Cherubim are below the Throne of God .

2 Kings 19:15 (NASB95)

¹⁵Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

Jewish Tradition said there was seven heavens.

1. The Firmament – the area directly above earth where the clouds and earth's rain comes down from.

2. The area between the firmament and the abode of God, this is probably the area of the stars

3. The third heaven is the abode of the righteous dead who are awaiting the resurrection of their bodies.

4. The forth Heaven would be the area below the throne (Seraphim are seen above the throne.)

5. The Fifth heaven would be the throne area

6. The Sixth heaven would be the area directly above the throne (Cherubim are below the throne of God).

7. The Seventh heaven is the highest heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:2 plainly says there was a man caught up into the third heaven.

Hebrews 4:14 says that Christ passed through the heavens.

Another view which is noteworthy is that there are three degrees of heaven:

1. The Firmament

2. The Stars

3. God's abode

A Third view is there are five degrees of heaven:

1. The firmament – area above the earth, clouds, etc.

2. The stars

3. The Altar area (where the souls of the righteous dead remain until the resurrection)

4. The throne area

5. The Highest heaven

Christmas

2010-12-11T19:13:00.001-06:00

Just thinking about Christmas past.
There we were, all of Grand-Pa's family.
Some were making beds on the floor. Others were doubling up in beds in the bedrooms. Every room in the house had someone getting ready for a good night together.

Before we could be bedded down for the night, we all sat in the living room and listened to our Mothers and Dads talk.
Stories were shared that caused everyone to laugh so hard that our sides hurt. What fun! It felt like they would talk all night. Hour after hour they spoke of every silly thing that came to mind. It seemed like one of my uncles was made out of funny. Just about the time everyone was winding down and stretching with sleep, he would come out with another spell bounding story that ended with more laughter and fun.
All of us kids were stuffed into our beds on the living room floor and the talk kept going on. I am sure that they talked all night. At least, when we all woke up in the morning Uncle Gene was still at it. He crept outside and threw a few rocks on the roof. Very quickly, he ran in and said: "Santa Claus just landed on the roof."
All of us kids jumped up out of bed and ran outside. By the time we got out there, Gene said, "Santa is already gone... I wonder if he left any presents under the tree."
Before you could count to three, we all turned and dashed into the house. Sure enough, there were presents for everyone under the tree. That Santa guy was very tricky. None of us could figure how he got into the living room without any of us kids knowing it.
No one could touch a single gift, until Grandpa called us all around and we listened to the true story of Christmas. Grandpa pulled down his Bible and read the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Then we all gave thanks for such a wonderful day, for every blessing, and such a great gift from heaven. Once again I thought the adults would never stop talking. Then true to the atmosphere of the family and home, we ran to the living room. All of the beds had been moved and we fell in a big circle around the tree. Everyone was laughing. Everyone was singing. The house was full of warmth and goodness. It just felt good being together.
It was indeed another Merry Christmas.

Death

2010-12-06T16:15:00.000-06:00

Recently, I was faced again with the reality of death. Standing by the side of my Mother when her last breath was taken, I witnessed the immediate physical change that occurs when the spirit and soul leave the physical frame.
It is always shocking to the senses. It is difficult to explain. One moment the body is a living, breathing thing, the next moment there is no life, or movement. Within a few minutes the warmth of the body is gone and communication is broken.
What makes the body alive, communicative, vibrant leaves and what remains is the shell of what was known. Death appears to be final. We know no human or natural way to reverse its grip on our bodies.
Since the beginning of time only God has been able to reverse death. When Jesus Christ was on earth death was challenged by His words, touch, and authority. He was able to stand at the side of a cot and call the dead back to life. He spoke to a dead man, Lazarus, and called his spirit and soul back into his body.
The rudimentary facts of how this worked is beyond our realm of understanding. To many this is a myth or fantasy. How could the dead live again?
The greatest challenge of all was demonstrated when Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried. The people around the cross verified and certified his death to the Roman officials. Yet, three days after His death, Jesus arose from the grave with a newly constituted, resurrected body.
The manner and type of that body was demonstrated to His disciples repeatedly. Jesus ate and drank with them. He walked and talked with them. He had them touch His hands and side. He spoke words that set their hearts afire.
The resurrection of His body challenged all of our concepts of death's finality. What was final, and terminal was reversed or transformed by life itself. The concept is revolutionary. How can a man live once they have died?
Again, I stood by her bed and watched life leave. What remained was a shadow of what had once been. She could not communicate. She could not hear. She was gone. Only her body remained. That is death.
With Jesus Christ there comes hope. It is a hope that the dead shall live again. This is a blessed hope for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ.
Death can be conquered. Christ proved it. No one else has been able to go into that realm of the dead and come back on their own volition. Jesus said: "No one takes my life from me. I freely lay it down and I take it up. I have received that command from My Father."
Initially, those seem to be empty words as we stand by the bedside of a loved one who has passed out of this life. But, then He did it. He arose from the grave just as He said. Death could not hold Him.
There remains hope beyond the grave. In Jesus Christ there is hope.

Eternity

2010-11-13T15:43:00.003-06:00

The events of the past ten days have caused me to revisit and evaluate eternity. Every time I have ministered at a funeral, I have been brought to face the finality of this life. When my mother passed into eternity I was brought full face into the depth of eternity. It is awe inspiring to consider its length and depth. The scripture clearly tells us of the shortness of this life. It is really clarified when we face the end of a life. The thoughts of eternity are overwhelming.

It is my prayer that you know God, and that you are ready to face eternity.

Celebrating

2010-10-25T10:10:00.005-05:00

Every day we wake up with a world full of options. We may chose from a myriad of attitudes to guide our day. Today I chose to celebrate. I celebrate because God has forgiven my sins. I chose to celebrate because life is too precious to live with a disgruntled attitude. I chose to live life with hope rather than despair.

Does this choice indicate that life is not filled with distractions or adverse situations? No, but rather than being controlled by those circumstances or situations, I chose a life of joyful celebration.

I have observed many individuals with situations far worse than mine. I can still put "both feet" on the ground. I can breathe without a struggle. I am not plagued with many of the diseases or infirmities that have become normal for much of the world's population. I have food to eat and clean clothes to wear.

I chose to celebrate. I have a wife that has been faithfully by my side through many difficult days. I am blessed. I have children that make me proud. I am blessed with two men who have taken my daughters from my home into theirs. I have grandchildren that are a joy to watch and see develop. I have watched my family grow and develop into people that serve God with gladness. I chose to celebrate.

Celebrating is revolutionary. He destroys doubts, fears, sorrow, and grief. I could chose to enter into the darkness of any of these. I know my children face many dangers. I know that life is not certain and many difficulties lie in wait around the corner. Yet, I chose to celebrate.

I can afford to do this because I know that nothing just happens in life. I serve a big God who is in control of the events of my life and all of His creation. I know that He turns all things around for my good. Therefore, my choice to celebrate is not illogical or irrational. It is with joy that I put trust in God and His care over me. I can celebrate today!

I am in His hand.

2010-07-08T16:12:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 45:1-3 (NASB95) Thus says the Lord to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. “I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.

Have you considered the impact it has to have God's hand on you? Cyrus found out that God could change everything. His power influenced the success of the King's life and future.

Before you go another day, commit yourself into the hand of the Lord and see what He can do.

Grace Part 9: When does God provide His power?

2009-08-14T11:04:00.002-05:00

God offers to give His power to us in a variety of situations. We are going to focus on three.

First, God provides His power when we are weary.
We can count on God’s power when we are weary. When are you weary? You get weary when you do work that you don’t like for longer than you like. You get weary when you are working hard to make ends meet and it is not working. You get weary when you are striving to find a perfect mate. You get weary when you are always striving with the mate you have. You get weary when struggling to train our children in the way they should go. You get weary when struggle to get your parents “get with it.” You get weary when you are trying to cope with the loss of health, the loss of a job, or the loss of a loved one. Loss can make us weary. Many things in life make us weary.

Nothing makes God weary.
Isaiah 40:28 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
El Shaddai has unlimited energy. He wants to share his energy with us.
Isaiah 40:29, 31 NIV “He gives strength to the weary,” the prophet goes on to say…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Whenever you feel weary, God has made a promise. He offers a power that we can count on: “The Lord gives strength to the weary…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” [Isaiah 40:29,31 NIV

Second, God uses His power to help us when we are weak.
I can count on God’s power when I am weary. I can also count on His power when I’m weak. Every one of us has times when we are weak. We have times when we have nothing left to give. It happens in our relationships. You say, “I just don’t know what they want from me!” It happens between when parents raise children. Both parents and children say: “I don’t know what I can do!” It happens at work, you feel like you are in over your head. It happens when we are sick for a long time; you just cannot take it any longer. We feel weak whenever we feel inadequate. We feel weal whenever we think we have nothing left to offer.
Whenever we are weak, El Shaddai reminds us: “My power shows up best in weak people.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
The Apostle Paul was the first to hear those words. He was in a situation he felt powerless to change. He had tried everything. Three times he had begged the Lord in prayer. Nothing worked. That was when he heard God say: “My power shows up best in weak people” [2 Corinthians 12:9]. That is what God says to us. We are at the end of our rope. That is when we see His power.

Third, God gives us His power when we wrestle with temptation.
I can count on God’s power when I am weary. I can count on God’s power when I am weak. I can count on God’s power when I wrestle with temptation.
We can count on God’s power when we are wrestling with temptation. Most of us face more than enough temptation. It always comes when we feel weak. That weakness makes us feel weary.
It is a struggle, isn’t it? It can be a struggle to be honest in school and at work. It can be a struggle to remain faithful in everything. It can be a struggle to raise our children right. It can be a struggle to keep God first in a society that keeps putting “things” in our way. It can be a struggle to follow God’s leading in a culture that urges each of us to “do our own thing”. El Shaddai knows this. That is why He wants to share His power with us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB95 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Grace Part 8 How God meets your deepest needs: Where to find the power you need

2009-08-14T11:03:00.002-05:00

How God meets your deepest needs: Where to find the power you need
(El Shaddai – Genesis 17:1)

I want to tell you about Mother Theresa, adapted from Max Lucado’s: “In the eye of the storm”, chapter 3]
Mother Theresa can help us understand power…God’s power. I’m not thinking of Teresa, the saintly sister in India. I am thinking of Theresa, the muscular mom in America. Theresa Briones is a loving mother; but she has a good left hook, and used it to deck a woman in a coin laundry.
Some kids were making fun of Theresa’s daughter, Alicia. Alicia is only 10 years old, but looks as if she is 70. She is bald; her skin is wrinkled; she has arthritis in all her joints. She suffers from progeria, a genetic aging disease that affects 1 child in 8 million.
“Mom,” the kids called, “come and look at the little monster.” “She’s not a monster,” said Mother Theresa, “she’s just like you and me.” Theresa has grown accustomed to the stares. She answers the questions of the curious. But she will not tolerate insensitive slander.
“Mom,” the kids called again, “come and see the monster.” The kids’ mom looked up: “I see it,” she said. “My child is not an ’it’,” replied Mother Theresa. That’s when she decked the woman….pow!
Why did she do it? Because she loved her child…wanted to protect her child.
How often has the Almighty God used His power to keep you and me out of harm’s way? None of us knows all that Almighty God has done for us. Who knows how many times He has used His might.
Martin Luther said – He uses His might to “defend (us) against all danger…guard (us) from all evil”.
God does not only use His power for us to prevent us from being listed as victims. He also shares His power with us. He wants to put us in a position where we can live as “victors”.
David says: El Shaddai…this God Almighty – “is awesome… He gives power and strength to His people” [Psalm 68:35 NIV]. Does El Shaddai want us to simply talk, or sing about His power? No. He wants us to experience and use the power that He gives. He does not want any of us here this morning to be “powerless”.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT) For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God’s power.
Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV) "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength"

We need to discover how very great this power is that is working in us who believe. We are going to examine the “when” and “how” of God’s power. When does God provide power to you and me? How we can plug into that power?

Grace Part 7 ; Unmerited favor

2009-08-14T10:56:00.011-05:00

God is generous with His grace for us because we need it. It is all of grace. None of us merit it. God is generous because that is the kind of God He is!

In Genesis 2:9 God caused “all kinds of trees to grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” This is harvest time.

All kinds of things that are good for food are growing out of the ground! That is God’s generosity on display!

Jeremiah 32:40-41 NIV ⁴⁰I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. ⁴¹I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.

This is a wonderful expression of God’s grace. Do you wonder what the people could have done to deserve this blessing? Maybe the people were repentant and especially good. Maybe they finally got it, and started obeying all of God’s commands. Just ten verses earlier God described the spiritual condition of His people with these words:

Jeremiah 32:30 “The people of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth; indeed, the people of Israel have done nothing but provoke me with what their hands have made, declares the LORD.”

God’s grace is extravagant. His generosity and grace is abundant and free.

His grace is free! Grace is God’s “unmerited favor” toward us. We cannot merit it by our actions.

The Apostle Peter is a perfect illustration of God’s grace. Peter had a history of blowing things spiritually. Peter had the opportunity to do something in the spiritual realm no other human being had done. Jesus invited him to walk on water! Jesus came to the Disciple walking on the Sea of Galilee. Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus said: “come.” Peter stepped out of the boat, walked a few feet on the water. When he began to think about where he was and what was happening around him, he grew fearful and began to sink.

Matthew 14:31 NKJV And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

In Matthew 16 Jesus predicted his coming death on the cross. Then in Matthew16:22 “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. `Never, Lord!’ he said. `This shall never happen to you!’” Jesus stopped Peter with these words Matthew 16:23 NIV ²³Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then, on the night that Jesus was betrayed, Peter rushed to defend Jesus with his sword, only to be rebuked again: "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" John 18:11

Peter boldly told Jesus he would never desert him. He would always remain loyal. But Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself. He told him: "I tell you the truth … this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." Matthew 26:34

Peter appears to be a total failure and disappointment. He could not say anything right. He could not do anything right. His faith is weak. He is a “stumbling block” to Jesus. He is unfaithful to Jesus at the Lord’s moment of greatest need. Peter did not appear to be the person you would want on you team.

Then you come to the Acts. Peter is the one God choose to be His spokesman on the Day of Pentecost. Peter the man who had not done anything right was standing before a hostile crowd. Peter preaches one sermons and thousands were saved! (Acts 2:14ff) God choose Peter to be the individual to open the door of the Gospel to the Gentile world. He was the one who never could say the right thing. Peter brought the Gospel to Cornelius’ home and the world was changed. (Acts 10:34ff)

At the Council of Jerusalem, Peter, who was a “stumbling block” to Jesus, resolved a problem that was about to rip the church apart. (Acts 15:7ff)

It seems as if Peter is finally cured. It appears he over his impulsiveness. His faith appears to be strong. He seems to have conquered his spiritual insensitivity, just in time to blow it again. In the middle of his strength and leadership, he compromises his faith in the grace of God by siding with the legalists in Antioch. He separates himself from the Gentile Christians.

Galatians 2:11 NIV ¹¹When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.

He fell flat on his face again! Through all of his experiences of failure and restoration, Peter learned an important truth about God. He records it in the first of his two books:

1 Peter 5:10-11 “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Peter learned that God is the God of “all grace.” He is in the feel like giving up. Can you relate to Peter? Have you blown it again and again? We need a God of “all grace!” He is generous in His kindness to us. He is extravagant in His grace to us. He has given us everything we need. It is unmerited favor!

Grace Part 6, The generosity of God’s Grace

2009-04-16T20:26:00.004-05:00

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus gave the story of the landowner who demonstrated unmerited generosity to people who labored in his vineyard. At the conclusion of the day, when it was time to be paid, the landowner paid the workers from his generous heart. When this occurred the workers became envious. Some had worked all day and some worked only an hour. The landowner commented about their evil heart in Matthew 20:15.
Matthew 20:15 “Are you envious because I am generous?”

In this story, as in life, everyone gets the same grace. Jesus is demonstrating a different principle of equal pay for unequal value of work! The concept is not acceptable to world economic values. It is just not fair. Why should people who worked an hour be paid as much as those who worked all day? This is contrary to our way of thinking. This should be illegal for an employer to do! It seems so wrong!

The mathematics of grace does not make sense. God’s methods do not work in the world. Grace just seems wrong to us, unless we know God!

Paul said: “His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all.” On the surface, it sounds like Paul is saying I earned my way. I did my job. I was worthy of my hire!

1 Timothy 1:14-16 NIV The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Paul knew that he could not depend on his own goodness. He knew that grace that saves. He knew the mercy of Christ that was abundantly given.

Ernest Hemingway was an American writer, who was known for his outrageous lifestyle and gritty, realistic writing. One of his stories, however, is a beautiful story of grace. An estranged father and son in Spain had a vicious argument and the son had run away to Madrid. The father, wanted to reconcile with his boy. So, he took out an ad in the city paper: “Paco meet me at Hotel Montana noon Tuesday. All is forgiven. Papa.” Paco is a common Spanish name. When the father went the square he found 800 young men named Paco waiting for their fathers.
This is exactly where God’s grace finds us. We have been undeserving. We could not get the help we needed on our own. So, God stepped in and gave grace at the expense of His Son.
God’s grace is generous grace.

God’s grace does not make sense to our logical, worldly minds. Luke 15:3-7 records the parable of the one lost sheep. Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for one lost sheep. It does not make sense! The 99 sheep were left exposed to rustlers or wolves while the shepherd searched for the one. What if he returned with the one to find 23 now lost? Grace searches for the lost ONE!

In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus gives us this parable of the landowner who gives grace without relationship to performance. Why did this man pay the part-day workers the same as the full day workers? This parable was a common story circulating in Jesus’ day. Jesus altered it to teach a radical truth about God. In the popular version of the story, the reason the last workers were paid the same was that they worked so hard that they impressed their employer. So, he paid them the full-day wage. But that is not how Jesus told the story! Jesus’ purpose is contained in the question the owner asks: “Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” Matthew 20:15

This is not a story about the rewards of hard work. It is a story about the generosity of God. Each employee received what they needed to feed their families for the day.

Why did the owner hire the eleventh-hour workers? The only reason we are given for hiring them was he hired them because of their need! He did what he did out of grace. Each worker was not paid according to their work, but according to their need. Everybody got enough to feed their families for the day.

God is generous with His grace for us because we need it. It is all of grace. None of us merit it. God is generous because that is the kind of God He is!

Grace 5: The generosity of God’s Grace

2009-04-16T20:25:00.002-05:00

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus told of a landowner who hired several workers thorough out a day. His started hiring workers early in the morning and continued until the eleventh hour of the day. When evening came he paid all the same amount.
Those who worked all day began to grumble against the generosity of the landowner.

Matthew 20:15 “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

In this story and in God’s mercy, everyone gets the same grace. Most of us are familiar with the principle of equal pay for equal work. Jesus is demonstrating a different principle of equal pay for unequal value of work! This concept is totally contrary to the economy of the world. It just not fair!

Why should people who worked an hour be paid as much as those who worked all day? This is contrary to our way of thinking. This should be illegal for an employer to do! It seems so wrong! The mathematics of grace does not make sense. God’s methods do not work in the world. Grace just seems wrong to us, unless we know God! Paul’s statement and the Lord’s parable appear to be in contradiction. Jesus is saying it is all of grace.

Paul said: “His grace toward me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all.” On the surface, it sounds like Paul is saying I earned my way. I did my job. I was worthy of my hire! Before we go read what Paul said about his past.

1 Timothy 1:14-16 NIV 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Paul knew that he could not depend on his own goodness. He knew that grace that saves. He knew the mercy of Christ that was abundantly given.

Ernest Hemingway was an American writer, who was known for his outrageous lifestyle and gritty, realistic writing. One of his stories, however, is a beautiful story of grace. An estranged father and son in Spain had a vicious argument and the son had run away to Madrid. The father, wanted to reconcile with his boy. So, he took out an ad in the city paper: “Paco meet me at Hotel Montana noon Tuesday. All is forgiven. Papa.” Paco is a common Spanish name. When the father went the square he found 800 young men named Paco waiting for their father.

Jesus constantly demonstrated God’s grace.
Many of His parables, sermons, and miracles were demonstrations of God’s grace. Luke 15:3-7 records the parable of the one lost sheep. Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for one lost sheep. It does not make sense! The 99 sheep were left exposed to rustlers or wolves while the shepherd searched for the one. What if he returned with the one to find 23 now lost? Grace searches for the lost ONE!

In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus gave us this parable of the farmer who dispensed grace without relationship to performance. Why did this man pay the part-day workers the same as the full day workers? This parable was a common story circulating in Jesus’ day. Jesus altered it to teach a radical truth about God. In the popular version of the story, the reason the last workers were paid the same was that they worked so hard that they impressed their employer. So, he paid them the full-day wage. But that is not how Jesus told the story! Jesus’ purpose is contained in the question the owner asks: “Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” Matthew 20:15

This is not a story about the rewards of hard work. It is a story about the generosity of God. Each employee received what they needed to feed their families for the day. Why did the owner hire the eleventh-hour workers? The text does not tell us that it he needed them for a final push to get the job done. The only reason we are given for hiring them was they needed the money to feed their families. He hired them because of their need! He did what he did out of grace. Each worker was not paid according to their work, but according to their need. Everybody got enough to feed their families for the day.

God is generous with His grace for us because we need it. It is all of grace. None of us merit it. God is generous because that is the kind of God He is!

Jeremiah 32:40-41 NIV “I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.”

This is a wonderful expression of God’s grace.

Grace, Part 4

2009-04-16T20:24:00.003-05:00

God does not want you to misunderstand the abundance of His grace, so He gives us several word pictures to paint His decisive deliverance for us.
If you are truly born again and you still struggle with fear or hopelessness, you need to get this image in your mind. If you struggle with a feeling that God is against you, you need to see the way God thinks. If you feel that you are worthless and bankrupt you need to get these images in your mind and heart. They will change the way you think and feel about yourself.

First, “But God” has taken our sin: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12
Think about this. If journey to the North Pole, you will eventually cross the crown of the earth and begin heading south. If you head south, you will eventually begin to head north again. North and south eventually meet at some point. If you head west and keep going, you will never reach “the east.” You will always be traveling west. If you head east, you will never reach “the west.”
What is this word picture mean?
It tells us that God’s forgiveness is infinite! God’s forgiveness is total and complete! He has taken our sin so far away from us that it is no longer attached to us or associated with us. It is completely removed!
Some people live as if the text said, “as far as the north is from the south.”
We live as if God has removed our sin from us quite a distance. We live as if God has not completely removed our sins. We believe that if He wanted to, He could find them again. He could hold them against us. In Christ Jesus our deliverance from sin is complete.

Second, “But God” has hidden our sin behind His back.
Isaiah 38:17 NIV “In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.”
How big is God? He has taken our sins and placed them behind his back. They are completely hidden from view. By the grace and mercy of God through Christ, God has chosen to not let our sin stand between Him and us. Through Christ Jesus we have received His forgiveness. He has chosen not to hold them against us or to see us through them. Instead He sees us through the righteousness of Jesus. God no longer sees us in the clothing of our sin. We have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Our sinful, dirty clothes are behind His back. He sees us clean and holy in Christ.

Third, “But God” has blotted out our record
Isaiah 43:25 NIV “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

© 2004 PreachingToday.com gives the story of Bob Sheffield before he became a Christian.
He played professional hockey in Canada. He was tough, loved to fight, and found himself in jail one night after a barroom brawl. Later, Bob and his wife became Christians. They…accepted a temporary assignment with The Navigators…in the States.
Bob had to apply for landed immigrant status, which would allow him and his wife to continue in ministry in the United States. But because he had a criminal record, his request was denied…. They decided to apply in Canada for what is called the "Queen's Pardon." Following thorough investigation, the pardon was granted. Bob Sheffield received the following notice in the mail:
Whereas we have since been implored on behalf of the said Robert Jones Sheffield to extend a pardon to him in respect to the convictions against him, and whereas the solicitor general here submitted a report to us, now know ye therefore, having taken these things into consideration, that we are willing to extend the royal clemency on him, the said Robert J. Sheffield. We have pardoned, remitted, and released him of every penalty to which he was liable in pursuance thereof.
Now on any document Bob can honestly say that he has no criminal record. The pardon released him from any possible punishment for the crimes. The record of the crimes was completely erased.

That is the kind of pardon we have in Jesus Christ. We are free from any penalty or punishment. The answer is, there is: "no record, I have been pardoned by the blood of Christ."

Fourth, “But God” has hurled all our sin into the sea
Micah 7:19 NIV You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

When you throw something in the sea, it’s gone. When God throws our sin into the sea, there are no maps or directions given. God’s forgiveness is irreversible.They are ALL gone! God’s forgiveness is complete. The sea of God’s mercy is big enough to hold everything He throws into it. It is deep enough to hide it forever.

The blood of Jesus Christ can wash away every stain!
Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? Have you accepted God’s offer of forgiveness in Jesus? Then your sin and failure is out somewhere beyond where the west ends – He no longer attaches it to you -- it’s gone! It’s hidden from view behind the back of God – He no longer sees it when He looks at you. It’s been wiped from His books – there is no record anywhere to be held against you. It’s been buried in the depths of the ocean of His forgiveness – it will never surface again!

Do you believe it? Do you feel it? Is it part of your experience as well as your belief? You are no longer God’s enemy, you are His friend. You no longer need to fear Him, you have His peace. You are no longer hopeless; you have His hope of eternal life. You are no longer bankrupt; you have the riches of Christ. You are no longer despised; you are a beloved child of God.
Have you received the “Wonderful Grace of Jesus?"
Wonderful, the matchless grace of Jesus.
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea.
Higher than the mountains
Sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me.
Broader than the scope
Of my transgressions.
Greater far than all my sin and shame.
O, magnify the precious name of Jesus!
Praise His name!

Grace, Part 3

2009-04-16T20:23:00.001-05:00

We found that God delights to pour out his kindness and mercy – His grace – on those who are undeserving.
What do you think is the most frequent command in the Bible?
“Be holy”
“Be loving”
“Be obedient”
N.T. Wright says: “the most frequent command in the Bible is “don’t be afraid,” “fear not.”” The reason is clear. God’s desire is to show His grace rather than His wrath.
Our greatest problem is that our sin has twisted our relationship with God. God wants to show us His grace. He wants to give us His Love. So, God has to keep reassuring us that He really wants to pour His blessing into our lives.
We all need His grace, but Satan and sin has made us afraid to come and receive what God wants to give us. We need it but we fear it.
We all need God’s kindness. Without it we are fearful, bankrupt, and helpless. Every one of us is equally destitute! We are all in need of His transforming power. We are all defiled. Only God can transform us into His child.
In1Timothy 1:15 The Apostle Paul confessed: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.”
This grace of God has purchased peace and heaven for us for all eternity.
Praise God, the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches you and me.

I don’t know if we have realized the depth of our need for God’s grace. Without His grace we are totally hopeless. Without His grace we are bankrupt. We are completely empty without God’s grace.
The true wonder of grace can only be seen against the dark backdrop of our sinfulness. Our Ruin viewed in contrast to His Remedy.
In Ephesians 2:1-3 we read the record of our darkness. Our ruin was complete. Our sin was black. Our situation was hopeless.

Ephesians 2:1-3 NASB95 1And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

We were dead
Before we came to know God, we were dead in our sins.
We were dominated
We were under the dominion of Satan, “the prince of the power of the air.”
We were disobedient
Our lives were marked by disobedience to God’s will.
We were depraved
Our behaviour was depraved as we were driven by our sinful passions and desires.
We were doomed
We were doomed for destruction by the righteous wrath of God against our sin.

“But God…” swept in!
The stars begin to shine in our darkness!

Ephesians 2:4-7 NASB95 4But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

“But God….”
Those two words tell the story of Grace. God broke into the darkness of our destiny and delivered us from certain destruction!

We were dead – but God raised us with Christ Jesus.
We were dominated – but God seated us with Christ and gave us authority to resist Satan.
We were disobedient – but God brought forgiveness through Jesus’ death for us.
We were depraved – but God gave us new hearts and minds to accomplish good things in Jesus’ name.
We were doomed – but God, through Christ Jesus, will show us His kindness in the coming ages.

We were doomed – but God, through Christ Jesus, will show us His kindness in the coming ages. The hordes of hell were about to celebrate our total defeat. “But God” sent Christ into the world to redeem us. We have been snatched from the jaws of defeat! This is the message of God’s grace.

When all seems lost, God comes sweeping to our rescue.

It is an act of God’s aggressive grace. Sin is defeated and we have been given victory. Not temporary victory. The powers of sin are broken. Jesus Christ has not just won the battle, He has won the war.

Grace, Part 2

2009-04-16T20:22:00.001-05:00

We have defined God’s grace as unmerited favor at Christ’s expense. Each of us has received grace, God’s grace.

John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:16-17 (NIV) From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Look at these three points:
1) Grace became evident when Christ came from the Father, (John 1:14)
2) From the fullness of His grace we have all received blessing after blessing, (John 1:16)
3) Then, the difference in law and grace is evidenced by comparing what we received from Moses and Jesus Christ, (John 1:17)

God’s aggressive grace is realized in the mercy God gives rather than the judgment and condemnation deserved. Considering the fact that we have all sinned, and fall short of the glory of God, we live by grace. Every blessing that comes down to us is a result of God’s grace. In consideration of that grace, Paul told the Galatians: “I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing! Galatians 2:21 (GNT)”

Have you ever felt that you have not been good enough to be blessed?
Maybe, you have been sick or suffering. Your life is full of problems. You have not been as successful as you desire. Have you thought: “God is holding back His blessing until I do better?”

Grace and personal performance often collide. Paul addressed this to the Roman Christians. He found himself in a difficult situation.

Romans 7:15-19 (NIV) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”

Any thoughtful individual has come to this conclusion. “I don’t know how to do what is good all the time.” This is our dilemma. How can I please God, when I don’t please myself? “When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” (Romans 7:21)

God’s grace throws us over onto Jesus Christ.

Romans 7:24-25 (NIV) “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”
Romans 8:1 (NIV) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”

Grace, part 1

2009-04-16T20:21:00.001-05:00

Grace is one of the most amazing aspects of God’s character. To overlook grace is to overlook the true character of God.
What exactly is grace? The words "grace" and "gracious" can be found almost 202 times in Scripture. The word comes from the Greek word "charis''. Grace refers to that heartfelt attraction to someone. The Greeks used the word to express generosity, without thought of a reward or favor from the other person.
Christians exalted the word to mean "a gift." It came to mean the "gift of salvation", "the kindness and love of God in forgiving us and saving us."
A person has "charisma," meaning "one with an attractive, appealing personality, magnetism about them."
Probably the best known meaning of this important Biblical term is "unmerited favor" or "divine favor" a favor freely bestowed upon those totally unable to return the favor.
God’s grace takes an aggressive posture in the mercy He shows on those who are without merit. Grace demonstrates the goodness of God toward those who deserve His wrath, judgment, and death. Yet, on the basis of the substitutionary death of Christ, God's grace provides a way for God to offer the free gift of eternal life to a guilty sinner. That is aggressive grace.
God’s grace is totally unmerited favor dispensed at great cost.
Titus 3:4-5 NKJV "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,"
Grace expresses God’s love toward others who are totally unlovely, and unworthy. Grace is receiving God’s great mercy and love when we are filthy and dead in sin.
Ephesians 2:4-5 NKJV "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”

Timing is everything or God’s knows when!

2008-09-20T22:04:00.004-05:00

Many times we think everything is out of control and that the timing is wrong. One of our missionaries is going through a difficult time. She wrote that everything seems out of control. From all apparent observations, things are not working the way they planned. In their turmoil and difficulties she referred to this statement:
"When the time was right, the worlds were made, the flood subsided, the sea parted, the walls fell down, the lion's mouths were shut, the storm was silenced, the blind could see, the lame could walk, the captives went free, the tomb was forever emptied. God's timing is always right. His power is great, His plan for you is good, His hold on you is secure-- and He'll see you through."

That is the way God works. He is never late. He is never inadequate or insufficient. He always comes through. He knows exactly what needs to occur.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

When the timing is off it is difficult to retain faith and trust in God. However, that is when our faith is proven. It is also when we come to recognize the control that God retains over every situation.

You can trust God in every situation you are facing. He still is the miracle worker. He has good plans for you. He has your future in mind right now. He will not fail.

I recently read this prayer: Dear God; I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because FATHER, You haven't given up on me.

God's Awesome Kids

2008-04-30T11:33:00.002-05:00

Recently I have been impressed with the overwhelming kindness and love of God's kids. It is always amazing when people reach out in love and demonstrate kindness. Often I have thought about the story of the Good Samaritan. I have wondered why he would do what he did. I have thought about the risk that he took and the cost to his efforts.
It has been an unexpected privilege to be "on the side of the road" and have many people minister love, care, and compassion. This is the one thing that distinguishes God's Kids from everyone else. Thanks for everyone who reaches out to others with unexpected kindness and unlimited love.

I have set the Lord always before me

2008-03-14T17:56:00.003-05:00

Psalm 16:8 (NIV) I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

This is a place of intentional pursuit of God.

“I have set the Lord always before me.”
Psalm 141:8 (NIV) But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..

Why did the Psalmist fixate his attention on the Lord?
David had developed a total reliance on God.
He came to understand God’s infinite greatness and mighty works.
The Psalmist has focused on the Lord.

Pay attention to the God’s varied mighty acts that David recalls throughout the Psalms.

Psalm 147:3-6 (NIV) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

With his eyes fixed on the Sovereign Lord, he says:
Psalm 147:1 (NIV) Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
You hear David making undeniable statements of unabated faith and trust in God, and then he tells of situations around him that cause him grief.

This frequently occurs throughout the Psalms.
David is usually on a high note of praise and adoration, then all of a sudden he says something like:
“God frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
"He casts the wicked to the ground.”
“Inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them.”
“Deliver me and rescue me from the hands of liars and the deceitful.”

These people were living in real time.
They faced real battles and difficult situations.
You can hear their real life struggle.

Do you see what is going on?

Peter says it this way: 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT) So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
This is our struggle.
Think clearly and exercise self-control.
Keep your mind from wondering into fear, doubts, and failures.
You can easily be snared in Satan’s attack.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

This takes us back to the words of this commitment.
Psalm 16:8 (NIV) I have set the LORD always before me.
Psalm 141:8 (NIV) But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..

Throughout the Psalms David has focused on the Great God.
He is my support and strength.
He will answer you when you are in distress.
He will give you the desire of your heart.
He will make all your plans succeed.
He saves His anointed.
He grants your requests.

You can make an exhaustive list of the Mighty Acts of God in the Psalms.
God is highly exalted and lifted up.
This is why many Psalms start and end with the words:
Praise, the Lord!
The Hebrew word is halelû-yāh
The הָלַל (hā∙lǎl) is a cheerful, praise with a focus on the confidence one has in God.
The last part of the praise defines who the praise is going to.
Praise the Lord, Jehovah!
Here is the application.
If I get my eyes on the situations around me I begin to see the wicked and the corrupt.
If I focus on the Lord, my heart begins to soar with praise.
If I start looking around I see at all of the battles, difficulties, sickness, suffering, sorrow, and pain.

When I set the Lord always before me, and when my eyes are fixed on Him, everything takes a different perspective.
I see a table set in the presence of my enemies.
I see God’s mighty acts of power.
I see praises rising with music and dancing.
I see God in His sanctuary.
I see Christ walking in the midst of His church.
When I set the Lord always before me, I see God’s surpassing greatness.
I see reason to “praise the Lord.”
I see the Lord confounding the efforts of the enemy.
I see God rising up for as a defense and strong tower.
I see a shield and buckler.
When I set the Lord always before me, I see supply for His people.
I see His arm extended to save.
I see rivers of blessing and fountains of joy.

2008-02-25T18:36:00.000-06:00

HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILD

It is a great comfort to even the very young child to know that his parents love and care for him so much that they pray to their Heavenly Father for their child.
The following suggestions might be helpful as you think of praying for your child ‑‑‑ for his /her needs now and for his /her needs in the future.

Pray that your child will:

1. Know Jesus Christ as savior early in life. (Psalm 63:1 ; Psalms 71 :17; 2 Timothy 3:15)
2. Have a hatred for sin and a fearful respect for his own vulnerability to temptation.
(Psalm 97:10; Matthew 26: 41)
3. Be caught and called to account when guilty. (Psalm 119:71;Psalms38:5‑6 17‑18.)
4. Be protected from the evil one in each area of his life: spiritual, emotional, and physical. (John 17:15; Luke 22:31)
5. Have an attitude of Christian morality and responsibility in all his interpersonal relationships. (Romans 14:21; I Corinthians 13:4‑5; I Timothy 4:12)
6. Respect those in authority over him. (Romans 13:1)
7. Desire the right kind of friends, be protected from the wrong associations, and be hedged in by God so that he/she does not find his/her way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people do not find their way to him/her.
(Proverbs 1:10‑11; Psalm 91:9‑11; Hosea 2:6)
8. Rely on God's direction in choosing a mate, being kept from the wrong choice, and being saved for the right marriage partner. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑1 7; Psalm 37:4‑5)
9. Be kept pure until the time of marriage ( as well as the one he is to marry).
(1 Corinthians 6:18‑20)
10. Learn to submit totally to God and resist Satan actively in all circumstances.
(James 4:7; Psalm 119:1, Psalm 143:10)
11. Be single‑hearted in loving and applying God's Word, using its wisdom rather than the world's standards to make decisions in his life. (Psalm 84: 10; Psalm 119:10; Romans 12:1-2)
12. Allow God to mature within him/her the character of Christ that will be lived out in a lifetime of service and submission to him. (Psalm 90:12 and 17, Luke 2:52; Romans 8:29)

Pick one point a month on which to concentrate. Within a year you will have consistently praved this entire list. Is your child's unknown future‑ ‑his/her choices and decisions‑‑‑a source of anxiety for you? The following scripture is especially comforting) to a parent's heart:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ: (Philippians 4:6‑7 NIV).

2008-02-22T20:41:00.000-06:00

For He is God

Psalm 95:1-7 NIV Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is his, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

The Psalmist called for the congregation to sing praises to the Lord and worship Him. Then he gave a short list of powerful reasons to worship and pray.

The Lord (Yahweh- Jehovah) is the Great God, the One true God. He is the great God. He compounds two words to emphasize God’s almightiness. He uses גָּדוֹל gaw·dole – for great and then the name for God, אֵל el – the Almighty. He is emphasizing God’s greatness. He is the Great Almighty! He is King above all gods.

Then the Psalmist tells of God’s unique and awesome greatness. He holds the depths of the earth in His hands. The Mountain Peaks belong to Him. He is the owner and maker of the sea. He formed the dry land.

This brings up images of the vastness and almightiness of God. There is none like Him. He stands above all others. He is King above all gods.

Then the Psalmist makes this very personal. He says: “God is our Maker.” The word for God here is Jehovah our maker. The word maker implies more than creation. God is the One who formed us from the dust. God not only made us, He is also the One who sustains, strengthens, and enables. He is our strength, and resource.

Then he refers to God as אֱלֹהִים - el-o-heem’. The true God. The supreme God. The exceedingly great God. This is a designation that we should not forget when we come before God to pray. The Lord our God is All Powerful. He is the Omnipotent God. Remember how He created everything. He formed everything by His own power. He is the true God. He is holy and almighty. He is exceedingly great God.

When you come to worship and pray you are coming before the Great and Mighty God. Through His own grace and mercy we are able to come before Him. By the blood of the Savior we have gained access into the presence of the Almighty God. He is the Exceedingly Great God.

The Psalmist says “Come” three times in this text.
1. Come sing and shout for joy to the Lord our God.
2. Come before Him with thanksgiving, music, and song.
3. Come and bow down in worship before the Lord our Maker.

For He is our God and we are the people under His care.
Who can care for us like the Lord our God?

Don’t become hardened against God.
Don’t resist and hold back.
Don’t falter in following Him.

The Psalmist is encouraging an open heart before God.

Come before the Lord God Almighty and be prepared to hear His voice and receive His grace.
Come and worship and bow down before the Lord God our maker.

From the Pastor's Desk

2008-02-22T15:29:00.001-06:00

Finding God in a Hopeless Situation

Mark 5:22-43 gives us the story of a man named Jarius. He was a ruler of the synagogue and his young daughter was sick to the point of dying. Jarius had heard about all the good things Jesus had done, so he searched for Him until he found Him.

We need to determine to search for Him when we have hopeless situations.

Jarius asked Jesus to come to his house to heal his daughter.
Jesus was on the way to Jarius' home when the woman with an issue of blood interrupted His journey. She had given up on the doctors and any other source of help and searched for Jesus to intervene in her hopeless situation. Jesus recognized that someone had drawn virtue from His body.
He stopped in the crowd to address the woman who had made the effort to find Him. He said in verse 34, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
At this time, Jarius received word that his daughter was dead. Jesus was not disturbed at the news. He told Jarius "Don't be afraid; just believe."

Do you know it is hard to believe when situations seem hopeless?

They continued on the journey to his home. How do you react to bad news? Do you become hopeless, or do you search for Him? Jesus was very aware of the gravity of the situation to Jarius. Jesus was telling him—“look at Me”. I am the living God. I am the Healer. I am the One Who can and will supply all your needs because of Who I am. We must recognize Jesus as the One Who can bring peace in the midst of the storm. He is able to help in physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual storms. He is the answer.

Once Jesus arrived at the house, he informed the people that the girl was only sleeping. They didn't understand. (She’s not dead.)

When you have Jesus in the house:
Death has no hold
Sickness cannot rule
Life is in His hands
Blessings are His to give.
Jesus removed the doubters from the house and raised the daughter to life. There are many people and things in our lives that create doubt in God's ability to intervene in a hopeless situation. We must separate ourselves from the doubt and put our trust in the One who has all power.
Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again victorious for hell, death, and the grave.
In Him is everything we need to face any hopeless situation. He will turn our difficulties into victories if we will worship, honor, and trust Him to be Who He is--our risen, loving Savior.
There are many hopeless situations in our lives and in the lives of this congregation. Some have been living with difficult health issues for months or years, and they need encouragement. Some have lost loved ones who seem to be a hopeless situation, but God can still bring hope to the sinner.
Our missionaries and churches across America and around the world are facing hopeless situations that only God can change.
Take time to search for Him and find His touch in the areas of your lives or those you love that seems hopeless.
When you seek Him, have faith and believe that He hears you and that the answer is on the way.
Matthew 21:22 says: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Let us search, ask, and believe!