"Sound Words"

In the beginning

2015-05-04T18:20:00.000-05:00

"If you want to know the end, study the beginning." I remember the Lord whispering those words to me many years ago. Shortly thereafter, during a creation seminar, Steve Grohman made a point about Genesis. On the screen, the word "Genesis" was the foundation, and atop it were words like "forgiveness," "mercy," "eternal life," and so forth. Steve said, "If Genesis crumbles, the whole Bible crumbles." And upon saying that, the word Genesis began to crumble off the screen, and the other words fell also.

That sparked a journey through the book of Genesis to discover God's wisdom. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:2, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter." Since I am a royal priesthood, I began a journey into His Word.

Genesis gives proof to the apostles' doctrine!

Go ahead and let that sink in for a moment or two.

In the original Hebrew, the first book of the Old Testament is untitled. Genesis is a Greek word meaning, "in the beginning." It also means, "the origin or coming into being of something." Since God is infinite, and is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19), it makes sense that His Word would prove itself throughout. This is why we can know and believe that Scripture qualifies Scripture.

So, are you ready to begin a journey through Genesis with me?

In the first four words, the Oneness of God is proven: "In the beginning God..." Malachi aids in our journey, as we discover that there is only "one God who created." Many jump to Genesis 1:26 in an attempt to disprove the Oneness, so let's see what it says: "And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness..."

First, God is still singular. If this were meant to prove more than One God, it would indicate which "God" was talking. Secondly, the "us" first speaks to the plurality of God's majesty. As you search the Scriptures, you will discover that God has many names and attributes. Each of these show a fresh perspective of His Oneness. Yet, the "us" also speaks to the flow of Genesis.

On the first day of creation, darkness and water exist and God speaks light over that, bringing order to the chaos. On the second day, God uses something from the first day - water - to continue the process of His creative power. Each consecutive day connects to with something created in the first day, building up to the sixth day when He makes man.

Another point to ponder is that everything up to the creation of man was spoken into existence by the Word of God. But when He makes man, He forms him out of the dust. He does not speak man into existence, even though God does breathe life into his nostrils.

The "us" was God speaking to the whole earth; the whole of His creation. He used dust (dirt) from earth, and He breathed life into the form of man, and man became a living soul. Ecclesiastes 12:7 explains that our bodies return to dust, and our spirit returns to God.

The Oneness of God is not a mystery, as some would conjecture. In fact, the very Scripture they quote stating "it's a mystery" gives the answer: "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..." (1 Timothy 3:16). Sure, if you stopped before the colon, you could say, "it's a mystery." But since there is a colon, the mystery is revealed in the remainder of the verse, especially in the first statement.

The uniques of the Oneness of God is that God is the ONLY One of an ONLY kind. If you are a male reading this blog, you are like me, as I am male. If you are a female reading this blog, you are like my wife. Regardless of all of the other differences, we are really not that unique. We are all simply "one of a kind." But God, is the ONLY One of an Only kind!

There was none before Him. There will be none after Him. He is truly God alone! (Isaiah 43:10-11, Isaiah 45:5, Psalm 86:10, and Nehemiah 9:6).

Deuteronomy 6:4 states, "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." Ephesians 4:4-6 over and over declares the Oneness of God. Jesus exclaimed, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). Zechariah, prophesying of the final kingdom - the kingdom of God - declares "there shall be one Lord, and his name one" (14:9). This is good, because there is only one throne for the One God to sit upon and rule from (Revelation 4:2)!

Search through these in your Bible, and you will discover that a plural deity of gods is unbiblical. And yet, I've only shown a few verses. The Bible is replete with verses proving over and again, both in the Old and New Testaments, the Oneness of God. And yet it all starts with "In the beginning God..." in Genesis 1:1.

Yes, it all begins in Genesis. For Genesis is the book God planted the seed, which grows throughout the entire Bible. Join me over the next few days as I continue to blog through Genesis.

#JourneyThroughGenesis

Do not receive him into your house!

2015-04-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

Are you careful whom you allow into your house?

Parents, what measures have you taken to ensure the protection of your family within your house?

If thieves were terrorizing your neighborhood, would you willingly allow them into house?

For the sake of argument, I am going to assume that you would do everything necessary and possible to protect yourself and your family. I'm going to also assume that you are mindful of who your friends are, and whom you allow into your house. To this end, Apostle John gives us great insight in his epistle when he states that we should not receive someone into our house who does not abide in the doctrine of Christ:

2 John 1:9-11 (ESV)
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

Read the whole passage, and this time take note of verse 11: if you as much as greet such a person, you are guilty by association! WOW! Those are some strong words. And, for the sake of this blog, please note that this is right out of the Bible.

Yet, without diminishing the importance, or the context of this verse, I would like for you to to shift your thinking with me to the "house of your heart/mind."

Since you are willing to child-proof your home, protect yourself against thieves as much as possible, and be careful of the friends you keep and invite into your home; shouldn't you also give the same diligent attention to protecting your heart and mind?

I refuse to buy or read books from those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ. There are many charlatan's today who write under the guise of Christianity, but they deny Jesus Christ. I've seen interviews with men like John Hagee and Joel Osteen have blatantly denied the doctrine of Christ. I've seen interviews where Oprah Winfrey argued that there was not one way to get to God, in spite of what the Bible says to the contrary. Thus, I choose to protect my "house" and not receive their words, or others like them who deny Christ and/or the doctrine of Christ. I do the same with music and entertainment. If it violates the Word of God, I refuse to listen to, or watch it. Frankly, I suggest that you do the same!

So, what precautions are you taking to protect yourself against the hypocrisy and lies of the enemy? As you consider that question, please remember that Jesus warned of deception over and again throughout His earthly ministry, and the apostles carried those warnings forward into their epistles.

More than anything, I want to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! I will not give my time to things that are out of alignment with the Word of God.

If I stand alone, so be it. I will remain steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. From the Bible, I am encouraged to be like Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who refused to bow to the idol image Nebuchadnezzar had set up. But, just as God stood with them, I know He will stand with me. My last question is, will you also stand with me?

Leaving a legacy

2015-01-30T10:15:00.001-06:00

How many times have you heard or read the proverb that challenges you to train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it? 10 times? 100 times? 1,000 times?

Training up a child requires consistency and diligence. Proverbs 22:6 is not a promise; it is a proverb. It is a principle that must be followed if results are expected. Yet, I wonder how many parents are training up children in the way they should go? Let me explain further: parents, if you are not leading in the way, how can you expect your children to follow you in the way. You cannot expect your children to "do as you say." They will "do as you do." So, what are you modeling to them?

Isaiah prophetically described the highway of holiness in the 35th chapter of the book bearing his name. Clearly, those who walk in this highway called holiness do not have to be afraid of the lions or ravenous beasts, for they are not allowed on it. Are you walking on this highway parents?

Jesus Christ declared Himself to be "the way." Are you following Jesus daily, denying yourself, and taking up your cross? Are you an example that your children, and others, can follow? Are you leaving behind a legacy that is in perfect harmony and unity with the Word of God?

The easiest way to train up a child is to lead by example in the way they, AND YOU, should go. If you are not walking in the way you should go, how can you expect your children to follow? If you are not leading by example, may I ask "why not?" If you are not leading by example, you cannot blame God, the government, the church, or anything or anyone else.

The moral fabric of society has unraveled. Corruption exists in politics, schools, and companies. The last great hope for society is God-fearing men and women who will lead in the way others should follow. Godly men and women create Godly marriages which create Godly families. This is how we will make an impact in society. These Godly families will create Godly churches, and these churches will influence their communities and cities.

Will you leave a legacy for your children to follow? Will you lead them on the highway called holiness? Will you lead by example in denying yourself, taking up your cross daily, and following Jesus Christ?

Holy and Wholly

2015-01-26T17:06:00.002-06:00

God wrote the Ten Commandments on stone, and in the New Covenant, He writes them on our hearts. When God came to earth robed in flesh, He summed up the Law and the prophets with two commandments, explaining that the crux of keeping them hinged on love. We are to love God wholly, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Have you ever given half-hearted praise and worship? Have you ever given your time or talents half-heartedly? Have you have ever prayed with your mind somewhere else? If you are honest, you have at one time or another.

But, God wants all of you. You are to be holy as He is holy, and you are to be wholly devoted to Him and His kingdom.

E.M. Bounds writes, "No person with a divided allegiance to God, the world, and self, can do the praying that is needed."

You must be wholly committed to God, loving Him above all others and everything else. You must be wholly committed to loving others as He loves us, and we as love ourselves. You must commit to wholly giving, going, glowing, and growing. God will not settle for second fiddle in your life.

Only what you do for Christ will last. You will not have a U-Haul in our funeral procession. God will not be interested in how many degrees you achieved, or how much wealth you accumulated. But, what will matter is if you lived a holy life, wholly devoted to Christ.

God is wholly devoted to you. Is it really hard to be wholly devoted to Him?

Read Psalm 139 and make it your prayer. It is a psalm that invites God to search and test your heart. Praying it sincerely, and making the necessary changes, allows God to truly be the Lord of your life.

Recently, an assignment I turned in was graded. The professor docked me for a misspelled word, and for neglecting to add a key sentence. While I was displeased with my grade, I have no one to blame but myself. In my haste to finish the assignment, I did not completely check the document to see if everything was in proper order.

When you pray Psalm 139, and God points out a flaw, resist the temptation to be angry with the Teacher. You asked Him to grade your work. You know what He expects of you. Instead, take His correction, and make the necessary changes.

God wants you to be holy and wants you to be wholly devoted to Him.

I choose to give God what He wants: will you?

Too good to be true?

2015-01-19T10:30:00.001-06:00

Have you ever heard or read something and thought, "That is too good to be true"?

Imagine that you were hungry and homeless and happened to walk by a deli with a sign out front that advertised, "Free food. All you can eat. Everyone welcome." Imagine seeing people enjoying their meals, smiling, and getting seconds if they wanted. Now, imagine walking away thinking "it's too good to be true" and digging through a trash can in hopes of finding some food.

While this is hypothetical, it is how many people approach God's Word.

The Word of God is a gourmet buffet, but too many think it is too good to be true. They read His promises, read of grace and mercy, hear messages about salvation and deliverance, but walk away thinking it's too good to be true.

In the story I asked you to imagine, would it be the deli owner's fault that the homeless man went away hungry? Would it be any of the patrons fault? Of course not. The owner made the choice to give the food away, and advertise his intent. The patrons chose to accept his offer and enjoy their favorite sandwiches.

Is it God's fault if someone does not accept His grace and become born again? Is it God's fault if someone refuses to believe what is "advertised" in the Word of God? If you read the Word of God and yet refuse to believe it, that is your decision - you own it.

I choose to believe the Word of the Lord. I choose to partake of His promises. I choose to please Him and be daily loaded with whatever benefits He wants to give me. I choose to walk with Him and be comforted by His presence, even when I'm walking through the valley of the shadow of death. I choose to allow goodness and mercy to follow me all the days of my life.

Take it from someone who daily enjoys the "Bread of life" - it is NOT too good to be true!

Go ahead and come on in God's deli. He advertises His salvation for "whosoever will." He promises to be ever present and always with you. God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind, so take Him at His Word, and partake of His promises. You'll be glad you did.

Word UP!

2015-01-16T09:12:00.004-06:00

This morning, I logged on to Facebook and noticed the following from Sis. Lisa; one of the saints I am privileged to pastor: "My phone doesn't like apps too well, and I just got the message, 'The Bible has stopped.' Very unfortunate wording. Glad it's not true. Looks like The Word and I will be kickin' it old school. Word Up!"

Well, as you can imagine, my "preacher-radar" was peaking off the charts.

Disclaimer: this blogpost is NOT a message about the evils of technology. Obviously, I am utilizing technology to get this message across.

However, I do want to challenge every reader of this blogpost to "Word UP!" Fall in love with the Author and Finisher of your faith, and "RSVP" the Word of God daily! RSVP stands for:

R - read!
S - study!
V - verbalize!
P - perform!

If you will give God and His Word "the time of day" making an investment in your relationship with Him, you will draw closer to Him and He will draw closer to you. You will understand Him and His Word, and He will manifest and reveal things to you.

While an app on your phone or tablet needs to be updated, and may at times fail. THE Word of God needs no update, and is forever settled in heaven. His Word is truth! Every Word of God proves true!

Are you a dark valley right now? His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.

Are you in a spiritual battle with the enemy of your soul? His Word is a two-edged sword.

Do you need some refreshment and sustenance for your spiritual man? His Word is likened unto wheat that nourishes, and He is the Bread of Life!

Do you need to destroy some things in your life and build an altar? His Word is likened unto a hammer.

Do you need a fresh anointing to consume you on the altar of prayer? His Word is likened unto fire, and God is a consuming fire!

I've lived long enough to have learned that whatever you need can be discovered in the Word of God. Humanity's ways and wisdom is constantly changing. Psychology continuously updates their theories, but God's Word remains pure and true! Like Himself, God's Word is changeless and timeless. It transcends generations. It works on every continent and for everyone and anyone who is willing to obey it.

I agree with Sis. Lisa; it's time to Word UP! If your phone or tablet Bible app has crashed, pick up your "old school" Bible and Word UP!

What's the hurry?

2015-01-15T15:28:00.002-06:00

If you travel through the Omaha metro, you will find many people that completely ignore the lights. I have many times counted three and four cars going through a red light, and I've pondered what the hurry is all about.

Now, for those who know me well, I have not been hacked. This is really me. I know I am not the epitome of patience, especially when it comes to driving. But, traveling home from the office today, that still small voice of the Lord used my aforementioned phenomenon to speak to my heart. What did He say to me?

"What is your hurry?" is what the question He asked me.

As it pertains to cars and driving, your hurry could cause an accident. You will certainly lessen your fuel efficiency, and you will most likely annoy another driver or two.

As it pertains to your spiritual walk with Christ, I wonder if we have allowed society and innovation to influence us rather than use those innovations to influence society for Christ. Allow me to explain.

Nearly everything can be advertised as "fast," and some even add "friendly" to lure you to be their customer. I appreciate speedy service, and there are times when it is mandated. However; more times than not, I have been upset when something does not work as quickly as I think it should. If the internet is lagging, I can cop a pretty bad attitude, if I'm not careful. If the light doesn't change fast enough, I can allow my flesh to think I'm the only person traveling today who needs that light to change NOW.

The problem comes when I force these same expectations on God.

God is timeless.

God exists at the end of your situation before it even begins.

If you've ever traveled across multiple time zones, your sleep patterns can be affected. Now think of God's timelessness compared to your clock. You will spend roughly five to ten minutes reading this blogpost. I personally thank you for your time today. But, God was already at the end of it before you even opened it in your web browser. You would experience serious jet-lag if you were to cross over into God's timeless zone.

I want to encourage you to slow down and learn who God is. Don't approach God with a microwave-mentality. Cherish your time with God. Cultivate your relationship with Him. He desires true worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He desires relationship with us; it's why He robed Himself in flesh. He came to reconcile us unto Himself.

Let's give God "the time of day" instead of rushing through life.

If God gives you a green light, by all means, GO! As well if God gives you a red light, then STOP! And if God gives you a yellow light, then SLOW DOWN!

I have learned

2015-01-14T10:50:00.005-06:00

If you ask me, I'm still young. If you ask my children, they are starting to call me "gramps" or "pawpaw." But, regardless of the disagreement between me and my children, I have learned some things over the years. This blog is a collection of my thoughts; I hope you enjoy...

I have learned that a closed mouth gathers no feet.

I have learned that money doesn't buy happiness, but it helps you look for it in more places.

I have learned that opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

I have learned that the problem with bucket seats is that everyone doesn't have the same size bucket.

I have learned that some people are like blisters -- they don't show up until the work is done.

I have learned that a babysitter is usually a teenager having to act like an adult so that the adults can go out and act like teenagers.

I have learned that experience is a marvelous thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake the second time you make it.

I have learned that there are people willing to work, and there are others willing to let them.

I have learned that there are three types of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what's happening.

I have learned that contentment is a learned behavior.

I have learned that a good example is the best sermon.

I have learned that if the going gets too easy, I am probably going downhill.

I have learned that ideas will not work unless I do.

I have learned that patience carries a lot of wait.

I have learned not to put a question mark where God puts an exclamation point!

I have learned that a lot of kneeling in prayer keeps in me in good standing.

I have learned that I cannot change God's message, but His message changes me.

I have learned that it is virtually impossible to give compassion away: it keeps coming back.

I have learned that worry is the dark room where negatives are developed.

I have learned that giving is the number one test of my priorities.

I have learned that this life is not the end.

The Diversity of Unity

2014-12-11T12:07:00.000-06:00

God created the world in six days. His prized creation was man and woman. Upon completing His work, He replied that it was "very good." The second chapter of Genesis ends with a picture of perfect harmony and unity. Man and woman were different, as were all of the animals on the earth, in the sky, and in the sea; yet harmonious unity in the midst of all that diversity was "very good."

The third chapter of Genesis begins with Satan embodying a serpent and beguiling Eve. The serpent entered with one main objective - to separate man from his God, or to separate husband from his wife. The serpent deceivingly added one word to God's prohibition totally changing the meaning. God had told Adam if you eat of the forbidden fruit, "you will surely die." But the serpent said to Eve, "you will not surely die." She ate the fruit and was now destined for death. Adam had a choice to make: either eat the fruit and die with her, or let her die alone. Either way, Adam would be separated from either God or Eve.

Today is no different. The serpent still slithers around attempting to separate people from God and each other. Intolerance and hatred are not traits children are born with. These things are modeled for them by the actions of their parents and the community they are raised in. If it were possible to put a baby from every race on the planet in a protected environment, free from the slanted and subjective views of the media, and free from the opinions of their parents, none of these children would develop a single trace of racism, intolerance, or hatred.

So, is there any hope?

Yes! Keep reading...

The Church of the Living God is the only hope for humanity! The Church that follows the teachings of the Word of God is able to offer hope and healing to those who have been marginalized, persecuted, or mistreated because they were "different" from someone else.

The congregation in the Old Testament was predominantly Hebrew (Jewish). There were strangers and foreigners who lived among the Hebrews, and some of them chose to convert and practice the customs of the Jewish people, thereby becoming "Jewish." However; the Bible is clear that God's plan was never about being culturally singular. Rather, God prophesied to Abraham that he would be the "father of many nations," and Paul explained that Christ is the "Promised Seed" of Abraham. In fact, in the Church, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, free or slave; we are all one in Christ! In other words, in the church it is not about race, it is about God's grace! The Church is where the harmonious unity, lost in the garden, is restored.

If you are born again, you have a Christ-culture. Old things, including your previous culture, have passed away. Just because it be may glorified and magnified by the media does not mean it is true. Why is it we believe what the media reports but doubt what the Bible says? When you are born again, you take on the mind of Christ, you put on Christ, and you are filled with Christ. If you are filled up with intolerance for others, or have bitterness, hatred, or racism in your heart, then you are not truly born again! Return to the altar and repent. Go to the baptismal and be re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And this time, stay full of the Holy Spirit!

When you are born again, you give up your culture for Christ's culture. Society may define and label you by your biological culture, but race should not be the determining factor! Where you live, your level of income, your educational achievements, and your political persuasion are all superfluous ways to define yourself. Those who are born again; regardless of their biological race, income, education, and politics, define themselves by the Word of God.

Before Christ, you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. Thus, outside Christ, true multiculturalism cannot exist. Only in the true Church do you see people of different races, educational levels, income statuses, and political viewpoints being able to fellowship and worship together in the unity of the Spirit. This is truly the diversity of unity! The Church is the body of Christ, complete with its different parts, working together in love to strengthen one another. Similarly, your body has various and different parts, yet you are one complete person. Your foot functions differently that your ear does, but together they serve one purpose - to make you a complete person. You do not define yourself by your feet, or your ear. You define yourself by your whole body. The same is true of God's Church.

Have you ever considered that people of other races also have two feet to walk just like you do? Just because theirs are different colors and sizes does not mean they function differently. A down's syndrome child's feet looks just like any other child's feet. The problem is not our hands or feet being intolerant of others; the problem is a warped perspective spurned by homemade history. The remedy is to transformed by the renewing of your mind. Christ is the only One who can transform you.

Consider the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ: physicians, tax collectors, carpenters, and fishermen followed Him. Men and women alike followed Him. After the Church was born in Jerusalem and began to spread throughout the world, priests, scholars, tentmakers, street vendors, and farmers were born again and followed Him. Yet, for all their differences, they were united in Christ. They identified themselves as believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Even after Gentiles were grafted into The Vine, the unity continued. The beautiful mosaic of the true Church is the diversity of unity. Their mantra could be summarized in Paul's epistle to the Galatians, "we are all one in Christ."

Unfortunately, outside the Church, one will never experience this beautiful diversity of unity. But that should not surprise us. Jesus explained that in the world we would have tribulation, but in Him we would have peace. While the Church is made up of imperfect people, the true Church will be both diversified and unified - even as ironic or oxymoronic as that sounds. In your school, on your job, and in your community, you may experience racism, intolerance, bigotry, and hatred. But in the true Church, you will be welcomed, loved, given hope, and experience healing.

If you are born again, walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Put aside man-made differences and think with the mind of Christ. The litmus test for born again Christians is Jesus Christ. How does your life measure to Him? Do you love as He loves? Are you moved with compassion as He was? We must grow in Christ and let His love flow through us. We must attain to the full measure of Christ; otherwise, we are just blowing smoke and fooling no one but ourselves.

You who are spiritual...

2014-10-21T15:02:00.001-05:00

I wonder what if felt like to be thrown in front of Jesus. I can only imagine the humility, shame, despair, and fear that she felt as she heard the religious leaders demand an answer from Jesus. Would He uphold the Law of Moses and have her stoned? I would love to have seen the looks on their faces as Jesus ignored their question and wrote in the sand.

But; His ignoring did not hinder their agenda. They pressed Jesus again, wondering what His judgment would be for her sin. Again, I would love to have seen their facial expressions as He responded, "He that is without sin cast the first stone."

What is interesting about His words is that there was Someone in the crowd that day who could have cast the first stone. Jesus was sinless. He was without sin. But He chose to forgive.

Over the past twenty-four hours, two different people have sought my spiritual guidance, asking similar questions - Why do so many Christians seem to want to shoot their wounded? Why does it seem like Christians thrive on negative news and kick someone when they are down?

First, I am not advocating that sin is does not have consequence. Second, I am not saying we shouldn't hold others accountable. In fact, Jesus did hold her accountable by stating, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." This statement is the accountability of mercy. Mercy is not a free pass to do what you want. Third, it is easy to broad brush a situation, thinking that is the case with everyone, every where. This is not always the case. There are Christians and churches who do not shoot their wounded, but truly are a place of hope and healing for everyone!

But that all being said, I want to go back to the questions - "Why do so many Christians seem to want to shoot their wounded? Why does it seem like Christians thrive on negative news and kick someone when they are down?" And I want to ask some questions of my own...

Have we forgotten what the Bible teaches about forgiveness?

Do we not remember that we are have been forgiven of sin?

Would we want to be crucified or restored if we had fallen or failed?

Maybe we need a refresher course in what the Bible teaches!

In Galatians, Paul is inspired of the Holy Spirit to write, "If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Galatians 6:1 ESV).

Has it ever occurred to you whom God chose to write these words? Before His conversion, Paul was a hater and murderer of Christians. Yet he experienced forgiveness from those whom he had persecuted, and I am quite certain that their forgiveness positively influenced his ministry.

Did you notice that the verse says, "If anyone..." - that includes you and me! Everyone has the propensity to sin. Did you also notice that it says, "is caught in any transgression..." - that covers every sin and mistake. And did you further notice that the verse says, "you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness..." - and therein lies the problem; maybe those Christians who want to shoot the wounded are not really spiritual after all. Maybe this is why the Holy Spirit had to inspire Paul to say "you who are spiritual" implying that not everyone is, or will be, spiritual.

I've taken a deep look into my heart today. I've asked God to test my motives, and purge out anything that does not please Him. I have been on the receiving end of gentleness and restoration from those who loved me. They did not want to shoot me when I was wounded. Instead, they chose to forgive and hold me accountable to spiritual development.

Most likely, the person who has messed up knows they have messed up. Sure, there are those people out there who blame every body and every thing for their mistakes. But, there are also those who point the finger at themselves, and repent like David did in Psalm 51. If we truly want to be Christ-like, we will restore him (or her) in a spirit of gentleness.

DNF

2014-10-13T15:02:00.007-05:00

I'm not a racing fan by any stretch of the imagination. However, I wouldn't mind driving a race car at its top speed... around a race-track, of course...

I do know enough about racing, though, to know that not every driver finishes the race. For those who do not finish, they receive a "DNF" next to their name and car number. They started the race, but for whatever reason, they failed to finish it.

Paul compared living to God as running a race, and completing it.

Starting the race is important, but so is finishing it.

Like other Rabbi's of His day, Jesus Christ had attracted a following of disciples. These disciples wanted to hear Him teach. From this group of disciples, Jesus appoints twelve to be apostles. One of them was Judas Iscariot.

Luke records something about Judas Iscariot, though, that you should consider. In his gospel, Luke writes, "And Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor" (Luke 6:16 ESV).

Judas Iscariot started the race, but he did not finish. He did not start out as a traitor, he became a traitor. Somewhere during the race, Judas chose to veer off course. He was not predestined to betray Jesus Christ - he chose to become a traitor. While a betrayer was prophesied in the Old Testament, it could have been any one of the disciples or any of the twelve apostles who followed Jesus.

You have the same opportunity to complete the race. God has not predestined you to fail. And neither can you blame the devil if you choose to veer off course.

Whether you started your race in childhood or as an adult, if you are born again, you are in a race, and it is up to you to finish it. Do not a "DNF" to be written next to your name; choose to endure until the end.

I'll see you at the finish line...

Complete or Compete?

2014-09-18T14:34:00.002-05:00

By removing just one letter - L - the word and its meaning drastically change. Scripture explains that if we are born again, we are complete in Christ. If you are complete in Christ, then you are a part of His church.

But are you in competition with someone else in the church? Do you think that your role in the body of Christ is unimportant? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then please read 1 Corinthians 12 as soon as possible. You should follow that up by reading Romans 12. You are not to compete with each other, you are saved to complete each other!

Your hand cannot do what your ear does, but you need both of them to complete your body. Can you imagine how strange you would feel if your hand refused to hold your phone because it was tired of not being able to hear your conversations? And how abnormal would you feel if your feet decided that they were sick and tired of being walked on all day and decided they were no longer going to respond to the brains commands to move?

A body that does not respond to the signals of the brain is paralyzed. Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups and can cause loss of feeling or loss of mobility to the affected area.

And what is true in the natural parallels the spiritual.

If you are not doing your part to complete the church, but rather competing with others, you are spiritually paralyzed. Christ is the Head of the church, and if you are not responding to the signals from the head, you can cause the loss of feeling or loss of mobility to the body of Christ.

Nehemiah led a complete team to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem in 52 days!

Gideon led a complete team of 300 to victory over an innumerable army!

120 gathered in an upper room to tarry for the promise of the Father. They were in one place, in one accord: they were complete!

Paul explained that both the planter and the one who waters are one: a complete team!

Remove the "L" and you are no longer complete. What if that "L" stands for love? After all, God is love, and everything the body does, it is supposed to do in love. Do you love enough to do your part in the body of Christ?

Don't compete with others in the church! Instead, do you your part to complete others in the church!

The High Cost of Low Living, part 2

2014-09-16T12:06:00.002-05:00

I hope to never forget hearing Bro. Ned Stephens preaching "The High Cost of Low Living." His title has resonated within me for over 20 years. The message has marinated in my mind, and today, I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to challenge you to consider the high cost of low living. The first picture in this blog states it accurately, "Satan offers sinful pleasures but always hides the price tag."

The Bible indicates that sin is pleasurable, but only for a season. Sin paints a pretty picture on its billboards, but neglects to tell you the whole story. It has the appearance of being relaxing and tempting, but when the bill comes due for sin, it is always deadly.

You see, crime really does pay. Do not be deceived by the glamor and glitter that society gives to a sinful lifestyle. There is always a price tag, and before you know it, you'll be enslaved to the debt of sinful pleasures. Do not be fooled by the clever advertising that sin flashes before you. Be wise to the devices and schemes of the devil; submit to God and resist the devil, and he will flee.

There really is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. Eternity is forever, and you will spend eternity somewhere. One way or another, you will pay the price. You have to determine whether you will become a living sacrifice, paying that price to live for God daily, or pay the high cost of low living and spend eternity without Christ.

Read the first two chapters of Genesis and you will see that they end with a picture of perfect unity. The harmony of creation sang a beautiful song to its Creator, so much so that He declared that it was "very good." Chapter three begins with Satan entering the garden as the serpent with one goal - to bring separation. His mission was to separate man from God or man from his wife. Eve was beguiled, ate the fruit, and Adam chose to eat it with her, and sin entered the world. One chapter later murder enters the world, and within two more chapters, society is so debauched that the Creator repents that He even made man in the first place. Had it not been for Noah looking up when God was looking down, I shudder to think what would have happened to humanity.

I challenge you today to declare to the enemy, "Not in my garden!" I encourage you to consider the high cost of low living. Do not shortchange yourself by paying for a seasonable pleasure, when you can instead lay up treasures in heaven where moth and dust cannot corrupt them.

The Bible illustrates the importance of counting the cost before you do something. This principle can also be applied wisely to the choices you make. Are you seeking a temporal pleasure, or desiring an eternal reward?

As I type this blog today, I can hear Moses saying, "I have set before you life and death; therefore choose life that you and your seed may live." I can hear Joshua declaring, "Choose you this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I can hear Elijah stating, "How long will you falter between two opinions?"

So, dear reader, what is your choice today?

Ten Principles of Relationship

2014-09-12T09:59:00.001-05:00

Can you imagine what a sight it must have been to witness the finger of God writing the Ten Commandments? WOW! No wonder Moses' face had to be veiled--he had witnessed a most miraculous event.

The Ten Commandments are meant to translate into action: Raymond Woodward explains, "Why did God give the Ten Commandments? Not to hurt us, but to help us. Not to restrict us but to release us. Not to punish us, but to protect us."

The Ten Commandments are a like a compass that can keep us pointed in the right direction. But we must know them, love them, and obey them. In fact, if we truly love Jesus Christ, we will keep His commandments. Love is the hinge upon which all the commandments are understood, and they are not a burden to obey.

Recognizing the One True God and putting Him first in every aspect of life summarizes the first commandment. In Exodus 20, the phrase "the LORD thy God" is repeated five times. This serves to remind us of the supreme authority behind the commandments. Each morning, faithful Jews begin their day declaring, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord." Is God first in your life? Is He first in your marriage, career, finances, schedule, and family?

Worshipping God and God alone encompasses the essence of the second commandment. Idol worship is rampant in the world today. For some, their idols are ideas, feelings, and philosophies they have about God and life. God realizes that idol-worship leaves one feeling empty, disappointed, and eventually causes them to lose their God-created uniqueness. Live your life for an audience of ONE - the Only One... the Holy One...

God is serious about His name. The name of Jesus Christ is the highest revealed name of God. Does your lifestyle honor His name? Do your thoughts and actions honor His name? Have you used God's name to intimidate or impress someone? Have you used His name impulsively? Consider your life and words, and if you need to, build an altar or repentance. Let us truly honor the name of Jesus Christ in all that we do and say. By honoring His name, you are fulfilling the third commandment.

The fourth commandment is the longest. This is interesting because it is the only commandment that is not repeated in the New Testament. Why? Because Jesus Christ has become our rest (sabbath), but that doesn't mean we can dishonor the Lord's Day. When you worship God with members of like precious faith, and when you rest and spend time with your family, you are obeying the fourth commandment.

Respecting your heritage is what the fifth commandment deals with. To honor one's parents is to value them. This can be difficult for some as their relationship with their parents was less than perfect. Some have been neglected, abused, and abandoned by their parents. How, then, do they honor their parents? When the personality of the parent is unworthy of honor, the position of parenthood can still be honored. You don't have to gloss over or deny the pain, or make excuses for what they did wrong. But, with God's help, you can forgive them.

Life is beautiful, and valuing each individual is what the sixth commandment teaches. "Do not murder" does not simply mean shooting a gun, thrusting a knife, or hitting someone with a blunt object with the intent to kill them. Murderers usurp God's authority to number a man's days. Gossipers, and other verbal abusers, usurp God's authority to measure a man's worth. Don't murder someone with your tongue. Instead, love them with the same love you've received from God.

God created marriage between one man and one woman. If you are married, do you honor your spouse? The seventh command serves as a reminder to protect your marriage. You said "until death do us part" now prove that! Make a lifelong commitment to God and your spouse. Maximize your marriage and keep the romance alive. Don't stop dating your spouse just because you said "I do." If you keep courtship in your marriage, you will keep your marriage out of court. Make up your mind to love, cherish, honor, and respect, until you draw your last breath.

Integrity is at the heart of the seventh command. Stealing from others is not the right way to obtain what you need. Respect one another's personal property. Your reputation is what others see, your integrity is what God sees inside of you. Don't steal time from your employer--if your break is supposed to be 15 minutes, don't take a 20 minute break; that's stealing. Maintain your integrity.

"Speaking the truth and honoring promises is the cement that holds society together." --Warren W. Wiersbe. Lying is simply an intention to mislead. And not only should you refrain from lying, you should also refrain from "bearing false witness against your neighbor." Be careful what you listen to and believe about others: God hates those who lie and sow discord.

The antidote to coveting is contentment, and being content and controlling ones desires is what the tenth commandment speaks. Retailers spend billions on advertising in order to tap into the impulsive desires of society to get you to purchase something you probably cannot afford, to impress people you don't even like. Just because your neighbor gets a new car doesn't mean you have to get one. Be content with what you have, but remember, contentment is a learned behavior.

Take personal inventory today of your life and see whether or not you are obeying the commandments. Your relationship with God, and others, is worth it.

But God!

2014-08-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

In January of this year, Robert suffered a stroke. Seven different doctors, including two neurologists, said he would never walk again on his own. At best, he was told he would have to wear leg braces and use a walker, but he would not walk without some sort of support.

Robert's hospital stay extended beyond 100 days, but still no hope of ever walking on his own.

Yesterday, August 17, 2014, Robert told Eddie, one of the van drivers for The Church of Omaha, "If I have to crawl, I am going to church today!" Eddie helped him into the van, and brought him to church and Robert's fiance wheeled him in just as service was beginning.

During the second song of the service, Esmerelda was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and gloriously filled with the Holy Spirit. Shortly thereafter, two other miracles were about to take place.

One of those miracles would happen while Steve was being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. As he came up out of the water, not only was he gloriously filled with the Holy Spirit, he was also miraculously healed and delivered.

Meanwhile, Robert was sitting in his chair enjoying the service and worshipping God when suddenly he heard the voice of the Lord tell him to get out of his chair. He asked for Eddie to get me to come and pray with him. As I came over, I took his left hand and said, "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." As soon as I said that, he pushed himself up from his wheelchair and walked to the front of the church. After walking around the front for a few minutes, and being gloriously filled with the Holy Spirit, he sat down on the altar, took of the braces, and walked again...

...on his own!

...without leg-braces!

...without any man-made support of any kind!

During the preaching, Robert didn't want to sit down, and remained standing for some of the sermon. And, he walked out without braces, while his fiance pushed an empty wheelchair!

The next time you're faced with what seems to be an impossible situation, just remember these two words - "But God!" I dare you to go ahead and say them right now...

In fact, why don't you say them again a little louder this time. You know, like Bartimaeus did when he "cried all the more louder!"

BUT GOD!

After the service, Robert was walking around telling everyone that seven doctors were wrong and God is right! I can't help but think of Paul's words in the book of Philippians; "Indeed he was ill...BUT GOD had mercy on him..." (Philippians 2:27).

Go ahead and shout "BUT GOD" one more time...

The day my ship came in

2014-08-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

When my ship comes in, _______ (fill in the blank).

Maybe you've heard that. Maybe you've said that.

This mindset is based on the thought that when your ship comes in, then you'll be able to do something, or become something, etc.

But what if there isn't a ship coming in for you?

What if you have to row out to sea to find it?

Why would you want to wait around at the harbor awaiting a ship that might not exist?

If it does exist, what are you going to do if it is a battleship?

All too often we think that the celebrities and CEOs were born with wealth, creativity, and inspiration. And while some of them were born into a wealthy family, or inherited a business their father or mother founded, the fact remains that many of them had to work it out, dig it out, and become something of value by hard work.

We even misunderstand Bible "heroes" and I hesitate to call them heroes. We seem to look at them as if they had some sort of super-power. We've allowed the comic books to taint our view of good versus evil, and what a hero really is. The men and women we read about in the Bible were just as common and ordinary as you and me. God asked them to serve, they did, and the rest is history.

Maybe there is a ship called inspiration; maybe not.

Elisha did not sit around waiting and watching for Elijah to come with a mantle (his "ship"). In fact, Elisha did not even seek after a mantle or an anointing. You see, God finds those who are already doing something. He has mantles of anointing for those who are already doing whatever they can.

Whatever your goal or ambition is, don't wait for your ship to come in. Work hard. Pray hard. Do what you can do and let God do what you cannot do. Just be who God wants you to be and you won't have to worry or wait for a ship to come in.

Why Me?

2014-04-22T08:26:00.005-05:00

If you've ever prayed for mercy and felt like your situation was hopeless, you are not alone. In the sixth psalm, David feels overwhelmed and cries out to God for mercy. He desires the safety of God's lovingkindness. The first few verses indicate the emotional struggle David is feeling:

This trouble is affecting his physical body, weakening him (verse 2).

His soul being vexed and he wonders how long he will have to endure this trial (verse 3).

He explains that if he dies because of this trouble, how can he thank God for deliverance (verse 5).

The pain of this trial is so great that he has cried himself to sleep many nights (verse 6).

This experience is causing him to be filled with grief, and making him age quicker (verse 7).

Can you identify with David? Have you ever been through an emotional struggle like this? Are you going through one now?

I am weary and strongly concerned with all the prosperity psychology I hear in mainstream Christian pulpits and books. The images that are conjured up in the minds of the readers and listeners are ones of super-hero's. The suffering that the saints went through in the Bible is either glossed over, shoved under the rug, or explained erroneously. It's as if the modern-day church is supposed to be exempt from struggle. Somehow, with our technological advancements, we have found a way to only receive blessings, and if suffering happens, that person must have sinned.

Tell me, dear blog-reader, what Bible says that?

There isn't one!

The "heroes" of the Bible were all zeroes (without God) just like you and me. They struggled. We struggle. They experienced victory. We experience victory.

God has not changed! We may change our philosophy and try to preach a different message, but God is changeless.

From our struggles often come the most beautiful songs and sermons. From our trials and trouble often come the sweetest testimonies.

If you're experiencing a trial that is taking its toll on you such as David described in Psalm 6, then keep reading my fellow believer. Something happens at verse 8 that changes the remainder of this psalm. It was probably not the deliverance or answer that changed the tone of the psalm. Instead, it was probably the peace of God reminding David that everything was going to be alright. Listen to the clarity and confidence David exudes as he says, "for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer" (verses 8-9).

It's ok to tell God how you feel about your situation. I think this is one reason such psalms are recorded in the Bible. God wants us to be honest. None of us volunteer and look forward to trials. But, every one of us that have been through trials wouldn't change them even if we could. Why? Because we know that they are working for our benefit in the long run.

Hang on! Keep praying! Keep believing! Tell God how much it hurts. Describe in detail the emotional and physical pain you're suffering. But remember; God hears the voice of your weeping and will receive your prayer.

$86,400

2014-04-08T09:55:00.001-05:00

Psalm 4 was to be sung and prayed in the night. Psalm 5 is to sung and prayed in the morning. The morning is a time of renewal. It's a new day, there are fresh opportunities, and you are given a clean slate to work from again.

What would you do if you logged into your bank account and discovered that you had $86,400 deposited this morning? How would you spend it? Now what would you do if you also discovered that, unlike AT&T, what you don't use does NOT rollover to the next day? In other words, if you only spent $6,400 of it, the remaining $80,000 would be deducted at the end of the day.

While we differ educationally and economically, everyone is given the same amount of time each day. Each one of us has 86,400 seconds per day to do with what we want. At the end of this day, there will be no rollovers: how will you spend it?

I enjoy praying. Period.

Regardless of the time of day, I enjoy communicating with God and meditating on His Word. I've prayed the "night shift" as well as in the morning. My preference is to pray in the morning because of the newness of the day. But as I stated three paragraphs ago, while psalm 5 is about morning prayers, psalm 4 was about evening prayers. Prayer anytime is good. Prayer all the time is good.

David directs his prayer to God. He voices his love as well as his requests unto the Lord. He looks up. This is interesting to me because God is omnipresent - He is everywhere, always. So, why do we associate "looking up" to see Him. Isn't He beside us? Isn't He all around us? In fact, David does indicate that God is all around in the final verse - "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield." The word "compass" means "to encircle; to surround." Yes, God is everywhere always, but I "look up" because I am seeing God greater than my circumstance. I refuse to allow a trial, or an enemy, cause me to look down. I choose to "look up" and see God above and beyond my dilemma.

Look up! Spend some of your $86,400 on expressing your faith in God. Look up! Meditate on His Word and enter into His house in the multitude of His mercy - His mercies are NEW every morning. They can never be depleted. There will never be a shortage on His mercy. His faithfulness is great and His compassion never fails. So what are you waiting for? He has given you both the currency and the invitation to spend it wisely.

Look up! He longs to hear your voice.

Look up! He longs to receive your worship.

Look up! He longs to surround you with His favor.

Look up! Spend time with Him today and every day.

Make God your first priority, not your last resort. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness. How will you spend your $86,400?

Developing in the Dark

2014-04-01T08:10:00.001-05:00

Psalm 4 is one of 55 psalms that begin with this introduction: "To the Chief Musician." This Chief Musician was someone appointed to lead in the singing of the psalms in worship services. But psalm 4 is a prayer for deliverance that was to be sung in the evening; in the dark.

Everyone experiences those "evening" seasons of life. These seasons are characterized by grief, pain, sorrow, and maybe even tragedy. It is during these times that we wonder if God cares or even understands. But psalm 4 reminds us that regardless of what season you are going through, God is the light.

Trust is easier typed in a blog or spoken verbally than it is practiced in reality. Trust requires giving something to someone else, hoping that you are not tricked, hurt, or wronged for giving them your trust. Everyone of us has had our trust mishandled - some of us more than others. But don't judge how others have abused your trust when giving it to God - He will not fail, He will not lie, and He is always faithful.

If you trust in Him with all your heart, you will be able to pray, sing, and read the final verse of psalm 4 with absolute confidence. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."

If you trust God wholeheartedly, you can rest and be assured of safety. God will protect you - even in the dark. Even when life doesn't make sense, you can lay down in peace. You don't have to be afraid of what might be creeping around in the dark - God is with you.

Some of the richest lessons have been learned while in the dark. Trials have a way of yielding to triumph. From sorrow and sadness often come the most beautiful songs and sermons. From mankind's messes God creates masterpieces. Instead of the gloominess that is often associated with darkness, God puts gladness in your heart.

It's easy to trust when things are going well. But God wants you to trust Him at all times, even in the darkness. Let Him develop you in the darkness. And in His due time, He will bring you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

There is no help.

2014-03-25T08:36:00.004-05:00

Loneliness.

Fear.

Depression.

Rejection.

Separation.

Depending on your age or stage in life, these words can have various meanings to you personally. Without a doubt, you have at least experienced the emotions related with these words.

King David did too.

In some Christian circles, these words are compared with sin and sinful behavior. Yes; one can certainly sin and bring any of these emotions to the surface, but let's look at them from the vantage point of life. Sometimes things happen that are not related to sin.

Maybe David was reaping what he had sown. He had sinned; however, he had also repented and received forgiveness from God. Regardless of your scholarly position, Psalm 3 records the lament of David as he fled from Absalom.

When he penned verse 2, I imagine hot tears fell onto the page: "Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. Selah." The word "help" in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word "Yeshuah" and means, "salvation, deliverance, victory." Let's add another word to the five we opened this blog with:

Hopeless.

I've been there. I've felt the sting of that word. Where do you go? To whom do you turn? Can you trust anyone? Will anyone understand? These and many other questions race through your head as you are tossed like a ship on a stormy sea.

But neither Psalm 3 nor your story ends here: keep reading...

David ends this psalm by recognizing where salvation comes from as he declares that it "belongeth unto the LORD." The word "salvation" in verse 8 is the same as the word "help" in verse 2: it is the Hebrew word "Yeshuah" meaning, "salvation, deliverance, victory."

You see, others may do things that affect your emotions, but only God is the one who can give or withhold salvation (help, deliverance, victory). It belongs to Him and to Him alone. An old chorus we used to sing stated, "The world didn't give and the world can't take it away!"

You will experience these negative emotions and experiences in life. But no matter how many tell you there is no help, you must remember that the only One who can truly say that is God. And if He doesn't say, "there is no help," then stand your ground, and when you come out on the other side of this trial, you will be justified by His grace!

And in case you need one more hint regarding where your help comes from, let's go to one more psalm...

"My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. The LORD is thy keeper..." (Psalm 121:2-3, 5a KJV).

It's Already Done

2014-03-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

Have you ever said something only to wish that life had a rewind button? Once the words passed over your lips, they exist and cannot be taken back. If it is a hurtful word, it can be apologized for and forgiven. If it is a good word, but supposed to be a surprise for later, it can be rectified. But regardless of what type of word it is, once spoken, it is already done.

When God created the heaven and the earth, He simply spoke the word and what He spoke instantly became reality. At the beginning of the second chapter of the entire Bible, the devil takes on the form of a serpent and slithers into the garden. He has one purpose in mind: to bring separation. He will either cause man to be separated from God, or separated from his wife. Through beguiling the woman, the serpent accomplishes his goal. Adam eats the fruit, and separation from God is the result. But even in the midst of judgment and curse, the first Messianic prophecy proceeds from the mouth of God. And just as everything has to obey His word, this word will also be obedient and will be fulfilled in His timing.

I find it very interesting, the amount of people throughout history who have tried to stop God's word from being fulfilled.

Roman Emperor Diocletian declared that the name of Christians would be extinguished. He even had two pillars erected to himself stating that he had extinguished Christians, abolished Christ, and had extended the worship of gods.

In 1933, Hitler stated, "It is through the peasantry that we shall really be able to destroy Christianity; one is either a Christian or a German. You can't be both."

It is reported that Joseph Stalin was responsible for killing over 40 million people and closing down over 48,000 churches. He desired to exterminate Christianity from the earth.

The Great Proletariat Cultural Revolution that Mao Tse Tung launched in China has been called "History's most systematic attempt ever, by a single nation, to eradicate and destroy Christianity."

I could continue, even into more modern times, and show world leaders, celebrities, and those with public influence, have either claimed the eradication of, or have greatly attempted the eradication of, Christianity.

But what society has tried to eradicate from the Garden of Eden until today, Psalm 2 declares in past tense, that God has already done! "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill in Zion."

Psalm 2 also states that God laughs as those who set themselves against Him and His purpose. In 1778, Voltaire declared that in 100 years Christianity would be erased from history altogether. But as Paul Harvey would have stated, "Here's the rest of the story..." Just 50 years after Voltaire's death, the Geneva Bible Society used his printing press and house to produce hundred's of Bibles.

Psalm 2 is a challenge that reminds us of God's omnipotence. By His word, the worlds were framed. By His word, the wind obeys and becomes a storm, but also obeys and ceases to be a storm.

Don't let the enemy tell you that your dream is dead! He is a liar; don't listen to him!

Don't let the crowd persuade you with their "majority rules mindset" that you will never see the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life. Remember; what's right is not always what's popular, and what's popular is not always what's right.

Tell yourself: "It's already done!" Speak those words in prayer and praise today. Let your faith be renewed, and proclaim with absolute trust in God, "It's already done!"

Choices

2014-03-12T13:50:00.003-05:00

Paper or plastic?

Soup or salad?

Cash or credit?

Regular or decaf?

Which outfit to wear?

Do these shoes match?

Necktie, bow-tie, or no tie?

Take an inventory of your day, and you'll realize that life is full of choices. On your drive home, you will possibly come upon a yellow light and be presented with a choice: do you speed up through it, or do your stop and wait until it turns green again?

When that unexpected phone call or text message comes through, and your life seems to spin out of control momentarily, you are presented with a choice. Will you focus on the circumstance or see Christ through your situation? For the most part, you cannot choose what happens to you, but you can choose your response. Some choose to become bitter, while others choose to become better.

The first psalm opens the largest book of the Bible presenting two choices: God's way or your way. For those who choose God's way, they are blessed. Those who choose God's way make the choice to meditate on God's word daily and are nourished by the rivers of water they are planted nearby; thus, they yield a fruitful and prosperous harvest.

Who wouldn't want that for their life?

Obviously, there are those who wouldn't because the second half of Psalm 1 expresses what happens to those who choose do things their own way. They are compared to chaff that the wind blows away. This implies they are not planted and have no roots. The tragedy of choosing your own way ends in death; for the "way of the ungodly shall perish".

It's one thing to take a risk with your savings account. Sure, you might lose it, but you might also see that investment return healthy dividends. However; it is utterly foolish to take a risk with your eternity.

This first psalm challenges you to either be righteous or ungodly.

Moses set life or death (blessing or cursing) before Israel.

Elijah asked how long Israel would waiver between God or Baal.

Joshua instructed Israel to make a choice, and as far as he and his house were concerned, they would serve the Lord.

So, what's your choice: Gods way or your way?

The Door!

2014-02-22T15:37:00.001-06:00

The amount of doors you walk through daily might surprise you. You exit from your bedroom into the bathroom. You go through doors into your kitchen, pantry, and finally out the door into your garage, and through that door as well. You go to work, and enter and exit doors all day long.

Have you ever had a door shut or slammed in your face? Have you ever been denied access to a room because you didn't have the clearance to enter? How many times have you used doors as a metaphor such as "behind closed doors" in speaking to others? Have you ever been on the wrong side of a door?

The world was so wicked that God repented that He had ever made earth and man. But in the midst of this corruption while God was looking down upon the earth, Noah was looking up and found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He builds an ark to the specific instructions God gave him, and was a preacher of righteousness by his life, and maybe even literally.

At the end of 120 years, God tells Noah to get his family and join the animals on the ark and they obey. After seven days, God shuts the door, and it begins to rain upon the earth. The fountains of the deep open up while the originally created seventh layer of water plummets to the earth, and after 40 days, the earth is entirely flooded.

Once God shut the door, there was no more opportunity to board the ark. When God opens a door, no one can shut it - just ask the church at Philadelphia (Rev. 3:8). But on the same hand, when God shuts a door, no one can open it.

There will come a day when the New Covenant of God's grace will culminate with His second coming and merge into the eternal covenant. At that point, the door of grace will be closed. Are you on the right side of the door of God's grace?

Michal was on the wrong side of the window; she despised David for dancing before the Lord with all his might as the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem. For her sin, she was barren and never enjoyed a marital relationship with her husband, the king.

When a plague fell on Israel, Aaron took a censer from the Tabernacle and ran through the congregation. Those on the right side were spared, and lived.

Are you on the ark with Noah?

Are you dancing with David?

Are you the right side of Aaron?

Hopefully you are; but if not, then take the time and get on the right side of the door before it closes for all eternity.

http://www.thechurchofomaha.com/free-online-bible-study/

Just as there was only one door on the ark Noah built, Jesus is the only door of salvation. He is called the "door of the sheepfold" as well as "the way, the truth, and the life". Jesus is coming soon; enter through The Door!

A Clean House

2014-02-17T13:39:00.002-06:00

Ok; let's see a show of hands if you've ever cleaned your room by shoving things under the bed or in the closet....

Uh-huh; that's what I thought.

I bet most of you have cleaned your desk by shoving things into a drawer or box too. I must admit that I have a time or two....hundred. Yikes!

But does that mean our rooms or desks are clean? NO! We've only rearranged the mess. The box or drawers containing the pile of stuff on our desk still needs to be sorted and filed. The mess under our beds or in our closets will eventually have to be dealt with as well.

This is why Pastor Everett T. Hudson wrote on Facebook recently, "A clean living room doesn't mean you have a clean house."

This principle also applies spiritually. If you're born again, then you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. You cannot expect to shove a mess under your bed, or in a drawer, and hope that your house passes inspection.

God doesn't want to dwell in a single room of your heart. He wants all of you. That means every closet, the garage, the basement, the attic, and the tool shed in the back yard too.

Let me bring it closer to home....pun fully intended!

What type of music do you listen to? What types of books do you read? Do you watch things that are inappropriate? How much time do you spend involved in social networking compared to spiritually connecting with God in prayer and study of His word?

Just because you can take a shower, put on some clean clothes, and show up for a prayer meeting or a church service does not guarantee that you have a clean house!

The picture above this blog shows the couch, a flower, and an end table in my office. What you don't see in that picture is the other side of the room. A glider sets in the corner nearest my desk piled with things I have to sort through. You also cannot see my desk, which is covered with papers, and a list of things to do before this day is over.

So, is my office clean? If you only look at that picture, then you might say yes. But if you saw the whole of my office, I would not pass inspection.

Will you let God do a thorough inspection of the temple you want Him to live in? Will you give Him all of your heart?

Just as John realized that he must decrease and God must increase, so I too realize that I must clean every part of my house and be totally surrendered and submitted to God.

The lyrics to that precious hymn state, "All to thee my blessed Savior; I surrender all." A newer song states, "Clean this house; from the inside out." Both of these are my prayer today. Will you make them yours?

Pure Words

2014-02-11T11:27:00.001-06:00

The one thing that you can both keep and give away at the same time is your word. Yet, with all the necessary precautions that you can take to be a person of integrity, the propensity to speak hurtful, wrong, or impure words exists in all of us. The sum total of our righteousness is still filthy rags. That is not to say we shouldn't strive to be honest and kind, but to realize that our goodness alone is not enough. We cannot become good enough to get God, but we do need God to become good. And when we are clothed with His righteousness, then we are pure in His sight.

But just as we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and the possibility for impurity exists within each of us; God is sinless, holy, blameless, and pure. His words - every one of them - are pure words. The word of God - all of it - is like pure silver. In fact, for David to indicate that it was purified seven times indicates that it is perfect. You cannot improve upon the pure word of God!

From "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" in Genesis 1:1, to "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all; Amen" in Revelation 22:21, all of the words of the Lord are pure words! In addition to David, Solomon also declared this truth; "Every word of God is pure..." (Proverbs 30:5). Your word and my word can be marred by sin, but His word is pure. The psalmist who wrote Psalm 119 even declared God's word to "very pure" (119:140 KJV).

Do you need help with your marriage, family, finances, friends, classmates, or coworkers? You'll find the answer in the pure words of the Lord.

If you're suffering and don't understand why, then read through the book of Job and discover God's pure words or promise and purpose.

If you want to know more about Jesus Christ and have a personal revelation like Peter had, then read the book of John and discover the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Even those passages that convict and correct us are pure words. He only chastens and rebukes those whom He loves. His discipline causes us to become pure as we obey His word.

If you'll approach the pure word of God as David did, you'll also be known as a man or woman after God's own heart.

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much find gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7-11 KJV).

Purify your heart today by enjoying a healthy dose of the pure words of the Lord.