LOST IN A FOG OR LED BY A CLOUD?

LOST IN A FOG OR LED BY A CLOUD?

Num 9:15-20

15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.

17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.

18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.

19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.

20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.

What a magnificent sight it must have been to see a “pillar of cloud” hovering over the tabernacle tent. I’m sure, at first, it caused men to stare and study it but after awhile even this became common. The cloud did at least three things for the children of Israel. First it assured them of God’s abiding presence. Next, it told them when to stop and rest. Finally it told them when to move and guided the direction.

Oh, how I sometimes long for a tangible guide. The sheer number of calendar events this season provides is blinding. Even with modern time management tools I’m sure to forget something. One event begins before the first project is finished and yet another crowds in to make demands. I walk about in a fog! How I need a true guide. Perhaps you do too. Here are some things to think about.

1. Spirit leading is for the common believer and not the super-spiritual only!

Rom 8:14

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

It is amazing to think that God is just as interested in the appointments of my day as that of anyone else. Perhaps you think your daily tasks are not sufficiently important to warrant His attention yet He bends near to lead and to provide guidance in every thing.

2. I must be careful not to “grieve” this guiding Spirit!

Eph 4:29-32

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Grieve means “to distress or to make sad” obviously by our responses and our behavior. My wife is my most important life partner and I surely know when I have said or done something to make her sad. Communication is broken and the entire relationship needs to be mended. I must monitor my behavior if I am to expect clear direction from the Lord.

3. The Holy Spirit is a “pledge” – a promise!

Eph 1:13-14

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The word “earnest” means a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest. When we trusted Christ we were immediately sealed with the Holy Spirit and this is the down payment for all that God will one day give to us. If we have the Spirit we will surely have the remainder of God’s blessings.

Dear Lord, clear away the fog of confusion that darkens my way today. Guide me clearly by your spirit. AMEN

THE SCATTERED CHURCH!

THE SCATTERED CHURCH!

Acts 1:8

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Mark 16:20

20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Acts 8:1

8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his [Stephen’s] death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Did you know that YOU are the best argument for Christianity? You and the way you live your life in the world is more convincing than Scripture, archaeological finds or other evidences. When believers began to walk as Jesus walked then the world took notice.

Did you know that YOU are also the best argument AGAINST Christianity? The world knows enough about Jesus to measure your life by His. The world is discerning, watching and merciless in its evaluation of your behavior. In a strong moment you may convince and win a soul but in a weak moment you may damn a soul by behaving in a way that contradicts your Christian profession.

The Great Commission was a charge to reach the world but the believers huddled in Jerusalem more than three thousand strong. It was the first “mega-church.” Jesus never asked them to huddle but rather to scatter.

Charles Stanley said: We are called to act out our faith every day. God works through us to reach those who may never otherwise open the Bible or enter a church. What's more, He borrows our voice to tell His story and uses our life to demonstrate His grace and glory.

Dear Lord, let me faithfully present Christ wherever I go today. AMEN

WHAT YOUR MINISTER WANTS FOR YOU!

WHAT YOUR MINISTER WANTS FOR YOU!

3 John 4

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Today is my birthday and I have already received many wonderful greetings from friends made through the years. I have been asked what I want for my birthday and, generally, I don’t need or want anything. But after some more thought I realize that there are THREE THINGS I want for all my people. Here they are.

1. I WANT YOU TO COMPREHEND THE TRUTH!

Eph 3:16-19

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Comprehend is the Greek katalambano and means “to take eagerly, to seize and to possess.” This is why the minister prepares and preaches so that the veil that is spread upon the eyes and heart might be torn away to reveal the light of the gospel. Oh, I want you to comprehend the truth!

2. I WANT YOU TO CONFORM TO THE TRUTH!

Rom 8:29

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Rom 12:2

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Truth apprehended is one thing but truth applied is quite another.

James 4:17

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

3. I WANT YOU TO COMMUNICATE THE TRUTH!

Matt 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

2 Tim 2:24-26

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Although the Amplified New Testament does not flow with the poetry of the King James, yet it might be helpful here.

2 Tim 2:24-26

24 And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.

25 He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it],

26 And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God's] will.

AMPLIFIED

So, what do I want today? I want you to know and understand the truth, to see it clearly, to grasp it eagerly and make it a part of your life. I want you to communicate the truth to others who are yet in the same bondage which once enslaved you.

Dear Lord, grant that the gospel would be clearly presented and eagerly grasped today. AMEN

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

Phil 2:13-15

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Positive people produce a positive impact on the world around them. They are pleasant to be around and others are attracted to them. Today is a fresh page for us and we have a choice. Here are a few suggestions from the Bible on how to have a bright outlook.

1. BEGIN WITH FAITH IN GOD!

Ps 37:3-5

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

People of faith live as if they know a secret. Indeed they do for they have an unseen helper in every trouble and an unseen guide in every confusing circumstance.

2. ADD GENUINE LOVE!

Love causes us to desire the very best for others.

1 Thess 2:7-8

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

3. LOOK FOR GOD IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE!

Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers and falsely imprisoned by his master but he kept looking for God’s purpose in it all.

Gen 50:20

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

4. VIEW YOUR WORK AS A GIFT TO GOD!

2 Chron 31:21

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Col 3:23

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

5. LEARN TO FORGIVE!

Matt 18:21-22

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Learning to forgive makes it unnecessary to carry around a heavy load of anger and hate. The mind is free to focus on productive things instead of always thinking of ways to get even.

6. CONTROL YOUR THINKING!

Phil 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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

Dear Lord, by your strength, let me turn my obstacles into steppingstones. Thank you that my future is bright because of your promises! AMEN

ENCOURAGING TRUTHS FOR THE DOWNHEARTED!

ENCOURAGING TRUTHS FOR THE DOWNHEARTED!

2 Cor 7:5-6 KJV

5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

We all get down from time to time. Even the Apostle Paul, though a spiritual giant, admitted to being “troubled on every side.” Externally there were fightings and internally there were fears. He was cast down and then comforted.

What can we do when we are cast down? Let me suggest that we check the balance in our spiritual account. We need a reality check to see just who we are in Christ. Consider the following truths.

1. GOD HAS ALWAYS LOVED YOU!

Jer 31:3 KJV

3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ps 103:17 KJV

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

2 Thess 2:13 KJV

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2. GOD LOVED YOU ENOUGH TO ALLOW JESUS TO DIE!

1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Heb 9:12-14 KJV

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

3. GOD HAS INVITED YOU TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY!

Rom 8:16-17 KJV

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Gal 4:7 KJV

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

4. HE IS COMING FOR YOU SOON!

Luke 21:27-28 KJV

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Ps 126:2-3 KJV

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Dear Lord, whenever my heart is downcast help me to count the many blessings of my salvation. AMEN

GIVE HIM THANKS!

GIVE HIM THANKS!

Ps 50:14-15

14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Ps 107:21-22

21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

God delights in delivering His people out of trouble. There is, throughout the Bible, a symphony of redemption. From the first rescue from the fall to the last amen of Revelation God is righting wrongs and man is singing songs.

Thanksgiving Day in America ushers in a season of extravagance and joy even in the midst of turmoil. At this writing North Korea has rattled her sword in shelling a disputed island in the south and we must wonder if there will be another war for our nation or even our world. Another earth quake has hit the heartland of Oklahoma and we are reminded that the prelude to the coming of the Lord is “earthquakes in various places.” Yet our God is worthy of praise for the following reasons.

1. Thank Him for His wonderful plan of redemption!

Gal 4:3-6

when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

2. Thank Him for His daily load of provision!

Ps 68:19

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

I like the word picture painted by the Hebrew word amac (aw-mas) which means “to impose a burden.” He just heaps upon us good things. Our wagons groan with the weight of His goodness. Our barns burst with harvest!

3. Thank Him for the blessedness of family!

Ps 68:6

6 God setteth the solitary in families…

Ps 113:9

9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

James 1:17

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Today I wish for you a house full of laughter – a table full of good things – and a heart full of hope!

Dear Father, we take time today to give you thanks for your unnumbered blessings. AMEN

ON THE EVE OF THANKSGIVING!

ON THE EVE OF THANKSGIVING!

Rom 1:21 KJV

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Thanksgiving Day is a uniquely American holiday and has been celebrated here since the landing of the first European settlers. It was first celebrated by those we call “pilgrims.” Expelled by religious persecution they hacked out a living in the estuaries of our continent’s east coast. But other countries also observe times of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Around The World!

Canada – They observe Thanksgiving the second Monday of October.  At this time they commemorate the end of the harvest season and celebrate in a similar fashion as in the United States.

Korea – Known as Chu Suk, this celebration takes place during the harvest season for three days and is also celebrated as a mark of respect to elders.  For this reason, many families will visit their ancestral properties in hometowns and will hold memorial services at the gravesites of their elderly.

Ghana and Nigeria – These countries celebrate a Yam Festival in August, marking the end of the rainy season.  Yams are one of the most common foods and are the first crop to be harvested.  Celebrations of this festival include dancing, singing, and giving of offerings to ancestors.   The yams are later distributed among the villagers.

Southern India – A festival called Pongal is celebrated in January.  During this festival, community feasts are held during which neighbors get together to share their crops and thank everyone who contributed to a successful harvest.

Many of the harvest-related festivals around the world include thankfulness for successful crops, but the one, true God is not always the recipient of that gratitude.  As we prepare and celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, let us not forget to express our thankfulness to Almighty God for His provision, love, and salvation through Jesus Christ. (Source: weeklycp@bbfimissions.com)

Dear Lord, we have so much for which to be thankful! Give us thankful hearts today. AMEN

SHARING THE WORLD’S CONTEMPT FOR JESUS!

SHARING THE WORLD’S CONTEMPT FOR JESUS!

Matt 10:25

25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

The word “enough” is found in the King James Version of the Bible some 32 times. Here it is from the Greek arketos and means “satisfactory!” Verse 25 is part of a larger teaching of Jesus as he sent out the twelve to preach. He warned them that their message would not be universally well received.

 Matt 10:17-18

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Matt 10:16

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Regarding the word “Beelzebub” we read the following: "Beelzebub" was a god of the Ekronites. See 2 Kings 1:2. The word literally means "the god of flies," so called because this idol was supposed to protect them from the numerous swarms of flies with which that country abounded. The correct reading here, as in Luke 11:15,18-19; Mark 3:22, is supposed to be, not "Beelzebub," but "Beelzebul" (Griesbach, Hahn, Robinson, Lexicon) an Aramean form of the word meaning the "god of dung" or "filth." The name, thus altered by the Jews by changing a single letter, was given to Satan to express supreme contempt and aversion.

(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Matt 5:10-12

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The word “persecuted” is the Greek word dioko which means “to flee as one being pursued.” The word itself focuses on the victim, the one running away. Now, I suppose that not many of us have been persecuted in the same manner as was our Lord. I have had some very uncomplimentary things said to me and probably more things said about me. I’ve had people refuse to shake my hand and at least one person threaten me but I have not shared a fraction of the sufferings of Christ.

Heb 12:4

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Dear Lord, I enjoy the fruits of your sufferings and have not been so cruelly mistreated. Let me quit my complaining and count my blessings today. AMEN

THREE ESSENTIALS FOR AN UNTROUBLED HEART!

THREE ESSENTIALS FOR AN UNTROUBLED HEART!

John 14:1-3

14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Even the most faithful of God’s servants are subject to occasional troubled hearts. What troubles us is our own sin, the sin of others and the feeling that God is absent. Many are the tangled knots of circumstance that seem to defy solution and our hearts to be troubled. In our text the disciples had just been told that Jesus was going away and that they could not follow. Peter specifically was told that his faith would fail.

John 13:33-38

33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Now Jesus offers three essentials for an untroubled heart.

1. A FIRM FAITH IN GOD! “Ye believe in God…”

I am told that this can be read either in the indicative mode or the imperative and that it is best to read it in the imperative. As such it is a strong urging to not abandon one’s faith in God. Untroubled hearts are firmly convinced in the existence and goodness of God.

2. AN EQUAL FAITH IN JESUS! “Believe also in me…”

If we read the first indicative and the second imperative we read it this way. “Since ye already believe in God you must also believe in me.”

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

3. A CONFIDENCE IN JESUS’ PROMISES! “I will come again…”

Samuel Goldwyn said, "A verbal agreement isn't worth the paper it's written on." No promise either verbal or written is of any value if the one making the promise is not a person of integrity. We can trust the promise because it is Jesus who makes it.

Ps 56:3

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Dear Lord, my only safe refuge is in you and your promises. When I am afraid let me trust in you. AMEN

TELLTALE SIGNS OF SIN!

TELLTALE SIGNS OF SIN!

Gen 3:9-13

9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Let’s look at the direct questions presented by God and the attempted deflections of guilty man.

1. WHERE ART THOU?

Ø     “I heard” – and your voice no longer sounded pleasant to me. It pierced my heart like a knife. I was filled with guilt.

Ø     “I was afraid” – a sensation I had never felt before. It was strange to me but very real. I felt the whole creation looking at me and I had no covering.

Ø     “I hid myself” – because I could not stand before Thee in my present condition. I must try to find a way to cover myself!

2. WHO TOLD YOU?

Ø     If someone has told you this then I will deal with THEM but if this feeling of nakedness springs from within then I must deal with YOU.

Num 32:23

Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

3. HAST THOU EATEN?

Ø     This is the most direct question of all. It cuts to the heart of the matter and brings all the forensic evidence to bear upon the guilty. Did you do what I specifically told you NOT to do?

Ø     The appropriate answer would have been a simple yes or no – but that is not how guilt ever responds.

Ø     The natural response when someone confronts us is to deny the sin and to be angry at the accuser.

Ø     “…and the man said, THE WOMAN!” The guilt is not mine…at least not mine alone!

Ø     The response was actually worse than that because Adam said: “The woman WHOM THOU gavest to be with me.”

Ø     I wonder if Adam actually intended to indict God, to follow the trail all the way back to the source. Adam said it was really God’s fault.

Ø     Every parent knows that whenever a guilty child is confronted he will implicate his brother or sister or dog or cat! Ultimately he will accuse the parent for making the rules somehow unclear or unreasonable. The very last thing we do is to simply say, yes, I did it.

4. TO THE WOMAN HE ASKS: “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

Ø     Alright, please explain the mitigating circumstances. Tell me, if you can, why you are not guilty even though you did the deed.

Ø     “The serpent beguiled [tricked] me.” He lied to me and convinced me of many things that were false. I was stupid and stopped believing what you had told me. I did eat!

Sin, like the stink on a skunk, is hard to hide. There are always telltale signs. How foolish we are to hide when there is a God ready to pardon.

Neh 9:17

Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness!

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Dear Lord, thank you for always treating me with kindness. When I am confronted with sin help me not to accuse my partner or my neighbor. Thank you for your forgiveness. AMEN

HE’S CALLED FATHER!

HE’S CALLED FATHER!

John 14:6-9 KJV

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

We read this from Adam Clarke’s Commentary:

[Philip] This apostle was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. Eusebius says he was a married man, and had several daughters. Clemens Alexandrinus mentions it as a thing universally acknowledged that it was this apostle who, when commanded by our Lord to follow him, said, Let me first go and bury my father, Matt 8:21-22. Theodoret says he preached in the two Phrygias; and Eusebius says he was buried in Phrygia Pacatiana. He must not be confounded with Philip the deacon, spoken of Acts 6:5.

(from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

One source says that God is referred to as “Father” only about 15 times in the Old Testament but 245 times in the New Testament!  In the Old Testament the names of God often reveal the awesome majesty of His nature but in the New Testament God comes down and dwells with man. Notice how tenderly John describes this condescension.

John 1:14 KJV

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Yesterday a gentleman came into the office to tell me he and his family intended to join our church. Before he left he asked me what I preferred to be called. I told him that some call me “preacher” because that is what I do. Others have known me long enough to call me “pastor” because our relationship has grown and they have granted me permission to shepherd their souls. Still others call me Brother Abbott or Pastor Abbott simply in recognition of my office. Only a few call me by my first name without regard to office or relationship. Of all my titles and monikers the one I like best is Father or Dad.

Father is an apt description of God since He is the source of my life and in the midst of life He is the one I can turn to for provision and advice. Yes, Father is a wonderful way to describe God.

Dear Father, thank you for bending way down to my lowly level to walk with me today. AMEN

THE TRAGEDY OF DEMAS’ DECLINE!

THE TRAGEDY OF DEMAS’ DECLINE!

Philemon 24

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Col 4:14

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

2 Tim 4:10

10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Philemon was written earlier than Colossians and Second Timothy quite a while later. It is tragic to imagine the gradual decline of Demas whom Paul referred to as “my fellow laborer.” Demas was in grand company with John Mark and Luke. He labored with them with the same resources and the same zeal and, we might think, with the same results.

There is some evidence that Demas was from Thessalonica and joined Paul’s troupe there. As long as he was serving he was held aloft from the world. As long as he was serving he was safe. But it seems that he was an earthling in exile inwardly longing for the things that this world held. We can’t be certain of the things that drew him back. John Bunyan speculated that it was the desire for money and wealth, things that ministry in those days would not provide. Perhaps it was simply the allure of a lowered standard of living; weary with the pressure of expectations. Perhaps he was just tired of being good. Paul is silent, perhaps because of grief.

Years dragged by and Demas’ conflicted heart caused his fidelity to fade. Little by little you could see it. Perhaps Paul had tried to head it off with some wise counsel and prayer but Demas did not respond. I can imagine the sorrowful scene when Demas informs Paul that he was quitting the evangelistic team. He was going home and there was no staying him.

How can we avoid a fate like this? Is there a formula for success? Is there one devilish thing we should watch out for? Well, if you look carefully at Paul’s brief explanation you will see that Demas’ problems were internal. He was the problem. It was the focus of his love! “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world!”    

James 1:27

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Dear Lord, I live in a world of great temptations and allurements but I am bound for a world where the half of its wonders has never been told. Help me to keep my heart rightly focused. AMEN       

THE CALL OF THE CRYER IS COME!

THE CALL OF THE CRYER IS COME!

Isa 55:1-3

55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

1. THE MESSAGE IS URGENTLY SENT – HO!

“Ho” is the Hebrew word howy and is simply an exclamation meant to attract urgent attention. It is like our word “hey” which does not communicate anything except urgency. Ho is not the message but it gives flavor to the message.

I’m afraid we have lost the urgency of our message today because we have false importance to trivial things. We are so burdened with the pebbles of trivialities that we can no longer shoulder the boulder of gigantic truth. The result of making the trivial important is that we have made the truly important trivial.

2. THE INVITATION IS UNIVERSALLY EXTENDED – EVERY ONE!

Luke 14:16-17

16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

Rom 10:13

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Strong’s Concordance tells me that the word “whosoever” here is a combination of two Greek words ho and an. The first word indicates “one” and the other word indicates uncertainty. The invitation then is not to a specific one or even a specific group but to any one.

3. THE PRICE IS ALREADY SPENT – WITHOUT MONEY OR PRICE!

"In the 1920s 90-year-old Harvey Penick bought a red spiral notebook and began jotting down observations about golf. He never showed the book to anyone except his son until 1991, when he shared it with a local writer and asked if he thought it was worth publishing. The man read it and told him yes. He left word with Penick's wife the next evening that Simon & Schuster had agreed to an advance of $90,000.

   "When the writer saw Penick later, the old man seemed troubled. Finally, Penick came clean. With all his medical bills, he said, there was no way he could advance Simon & Schuster that much money. He had mistakenly thought that the publisher required him to pay rather than receive the advance.

When we are confronted with the unimaginable value of eternal life in Christ we ask “What must I do?” God answers, “Simply receive!”

4. OUR OBJECTIONS ARE UNREASONABLE!

Why do we spend money on that which is not bread? The Hebrew term is actually “no bread!” It is anti-bread; the very opposite of bread. Not only does it not satisfy it creates even more hunger. Yet we spend our resources for this.

5. THE BLESSINGS ARE SURE!

“The sure mercies of David” is a reference to Messiah. The blessings of salvation are not only free for the receiving but come with an eternal guarantee. The Hebrew word “sure” here is aw-man and literally means “to take the right hand road.” It means that which is sure, steadfast and certain. You can trust both the One who gives the invitation and the gifts offered. They are sure and certain!

Lord, send out your Holy Spirit today crying urgently. May many turn to you in faith and receiving the sure mercies of David. AMEN