JESUS IS ALIVE!

JESUS IS ALIVE!

Mark 16:1-6

16 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Dr. Robert W. Dale, one of Great Britain's leading Congregational pastors and theologians, was one day preparing an Easter sermon when a realization of the risen Lord struck him with new power.

"Christ is alive!" he said to himself. "Alive - alive - alive!" He paused, and then said, "Can that really be true? Living as really as I myself am?"

He got up from his desk and began to walk about the study, repeating, "Christ is living! Christ is living!" Dr. Dale had known and believed this doctrine for years, but the reality of it overwhelmed him that day."

(Borrowed from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)

Dear Lord, let the reality of your resurrection grip me today! AMEN

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

Gal 6:14-15

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

         The Politics of the Cross: What is it about the cross that makes is such a lightening rod of controversy? I read not long ago an article that told of the desecration of Christian graves and crosses by Muslim zealots. Perhaps it was the sign of the crusades which still enrages the Muslim world but the Psalmist, I think, has a better explanation for the geo-political animosity to the cross.

Ps 2:1-4

2 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord , and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

         The Person of the Cross: Paul knew the power of the cross. Jesus Christ is mentioned 45 times in the book of Galatians which means that one third of all the verses contain some mention of Christ. Christ had completely captivated Paul. The cross was an instrument of cruelty, horror and shame until Jesus hung thereon.

          The Power of the Cross: To Paul, a learned Jewish rabbi, the teaching of the cross was foolish. The Jews expected Messiah to come and rule by restoring the kingdom but the idea of Messiah dying on the cross was completely foreign to them because they could not understand portions like Isaiah 53. In the death and resurrection of the cross the power of God is released to defeat the world, the flesh and the devil. The power of the cross is redemption and victory.

         The Purpose of the Cross: The cross temporarily set aside the nation of Israel so that the gentiles might be grafted into the vine. Verse 15 says: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision [Judaism] availeth anything, nor uncircumcision [being a gentile], but a new creature. The cross established a new method of relationship with God. The cross levels the playing field because now there is no racial or national advantage. The cross ushered in the age of “whosoever.”

         We may roll the thunders of eloquence, we may scatter the flowers of poetry, we may diffuse the light of science, we may enforce the precepts of morality, from the pulpit. But if we do not make Christ the great subject of our preaching, we have forgotten our errand and shall do no good. Satan trembles at nothing but the cross: at this he does tremble. And if we would destroy his power and extend that holy and benevolent kingdom, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, it must be by means of the cross."

   -- J. A. James (as quoted by) -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, Inc, 1990)

Dear Lord, today let my focus be upon your cross. AMEN

IF I BE LIFTED UP!

IF I BE LIFTED UP!

John 3:14-15

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 12:32-34

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

          In the same chapter that depicts the Triumphal Entry, we find Jesus trying to explain that he should soon die. In verse 24 He explains that His life is like a seed that brings forth fruit only when it is planted in death. Unless he dies he abides alone.

          In verse 25 Jesus repeats a favorite axiom that the man who loves his life dearly and carefully will ultimately lose it anyway because death overtakes all. However if a man invests, spends and uses up his life in a worthy pursuit, he will keep it forever. This is hard to understand until you apply it to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

          The people were confused regarding Messiah and this confusion was expressed in verse 34. Adam Clarke, in his commentary, clears it up for us. “There was no part of the law nor of the Scripture that said the Messiah should not die; but there are several passages that say as expressly as they can that Christ must die, and die for the sin of the world too. See especially Isa 53:1, etc.; Dan 9:24,27. But as there were several passages that spoke of the perpetuity of his reign, as Isa 9:7; Ezek 37:25; Dan 7:14, they probably confounded the one with the other, and thus drew the conclusion, The Messiah cannot die; for the Scripture hath said, his throne, kingdom, and reign shall be eternal.” (from Adam Clarke's Commentary). Once again their confusion was centered in the resurrection.

          The question, “who is this Son of man” in verse 34, demonstrates their lack of understanding because they had forgotten about the Son of man in Daniel 7:13 who would “come with the clouds of heaven.” This was Messiah!

          Jesus clearly, I think, defined not only the person but the purpose for the Son of man being lifted up. He uses Moses’ serpent in the wilderness as an example. The people had sinned and God had sent fiery snakes to bite them. Many died! Then God told Moses to make a brass snake an put it on a staff and then lift it up. Whenever a bitten man or woman looked upon this they were healed. Jesus would be lifted up on a cross and whenever any sinner looked upon that scene in faith they too would be healed of their sin.

          When Jesus said, in verse 32, that he would “draw all men,” He meant that he would provide the means whereby man may follow Him to heaven. In fact the Greek word for draw, helkuo, literally means “to drag!” So, we are able to ride upon the coat tails of Jesus all the way to heaven. This eliminates any effort on my part along with any boasting. My entrance into heaven is based upon the broken body of the Savior entwined upon the tree. God the Father saw the sacrifice and concluded that it was enough. It was enough for me and it was enough for you too.

Dear Lord, thank you for being willing to be lifted up for me! AMEN

MAUNDY THURSDAY!

MAUNDY THURSDAY!

John 13:3-5

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

John 13:34

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

          Today is Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word mandatum which in English becomes mandate or command. Assuming that Jesus died on Friday, and assuming that one could cram “three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40) into the time between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, the Last Supper is placed on Thursday!

          Although the timing is problematic, the principle is clear. We are to serve one another lovingly. This is demonstrated by Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. It is further made clear by Peter’s protest. Peter understood that Jesus was humiliating himself by taking the position of a servant and resisted this self-demotion by his master. Perhaps Peter was actually resisting the pressure to become humble. It is well documented that the disciples argued over which of them should be the greatest (Mark 9:34).

          Today is a day to remember Jesus’ servant heart by performing selfless acts of service. Let us be aware of opportunities to be helpful to the helpless and to serve others. Let us forget our own position and stoop to a lower level. It is a “mandatum” or commandment that we love one another.

Dear Lord, let me remember others today while forgetting myself. Let me obey your command and follow your example to love one another. AMEN

HINDERANCES IN COMING TO JESUS!

HINDERANCES IN COMING TO JESUS!

Luke 14:16-20

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.

18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

This is a parable. In it Jesus seems to be showing three hindrances to following Him.

PROPERTY

A piece of ground requires our time and energy. Even a small well kept lawn cries out for care. Larger estates invade our thinking. Perhaps there is oil or gold to be found underneath it. Perhaps the highway department or some supermarket will need it and pay me much more than it is commonly worth. If it is a truly large estate it can totally define us, like the King Ranch in Texas, it makes us who we are. We can become a proud land owner without any time for God.

THE BUSINESS OF LIFE

Commerce demands that one must go to prove a yoke of oxen. Anyone who owns a business, especially a small business owner, knows the demands of enterprise. It takes commitment and determination to be an involved Christian. Service clubs, charities and other appendages of business life also require our time. These things, we think, will generate customers and demand to be placed before the Lord in our priority.

FAMILY

“I’ve married a wife!” Many jokes have been made about this excuse but family also requires maintenance, time and energy. Good marital relationships require effort. Children must be provided for, constantly instructed and corrected. Little league baseball, pee-wee football, little dribblers basketball and soccer takes our time and our treasure and threatens our sanity. Scouts, clubs and societies demand another piece of us as well.

F. B. Meyer gives this conclusion. “The excuses which were offered were very shallow--the land would not have disappeared if its owner had postponed visiting it for a day; the cattle had surely been proved already, or they would not have been bought. As to the newly-married wife, there was no reason why she should not have accompanied her husband; there was plenty of room for both. Let us respond to the love which Christ offers to us, lest we be refused by Him at the last (Heb_12:25).”

Heb 12:25

25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

Dear Lord, please alert me when the cares of this life threaten to silence your voice to my soul. AMEN

JESUS AND LAZARUS!

JESUS AND LAZARUS!

John 12:10-13

10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Matt 21:17

17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

          John clearly connects Bethany, Lazarus and Jesus with the Triumphal Entry. At least some of those waving palm branches were there to see the previously dead Lazarus. There was no argument that Lazarus had been actually and really dead. He had been dead for four whole days before Jesus raised him up. Even the Jewish leaders could not deny it. I find it curious that the chief priests wanted to return him to his dead condition. Why would the chief priests stifle a truth so wonderful? It is clear that evil doesn’t have to make logical sense.

          Jesus was a frequent guest in the house of Mary, Martha and their brother, Lazarus. They were friends. After the parade in Jerusalem, Jesus resorted to their home in Bethany. It was a familiar kick-your-shoes-off arrangement with an appropriate amount of respect. I have often mused about the conversation between Lazarus and Jesus. Did they talk about what death was like? Did Jesus confirm what Heaven was like? There must have been some knowing winks between them.

          The death, burial, and resurrection of Lazarus preceded that of Jesus! The difference, of course, is that Lazarus would suffer death again. Jesus would not. One would return to life on earth. Jesus would ascend to the father. Lazarus would walk about in his resurrected earthly body while Jesus would spend forty days in his glorified body. Jesus could walk through walls but Lazarus could not.

Abide with me

By Henry F. Lyte (1847)

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Dear Jesus, lodge comfortably in my welcoming heart today. AMEN

FINAL HOUR HEALING!

FINAL HOUR HEALING!

Matt 21:12-17

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

          Having cleansed the Temple of its improper use as a merchants market, Jesus now demonstrates its proper use as a place of healing for the spiritually sick. First of all it is to be a house of prayer where the sin-sick may resort to the healer of hearts and minds and then the blind and halt come to him for their cure.

          Imagine being blind or lame and finally reaching Jesus in his final week on earth! Soon He would resort to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus at Bethany where hospitality would be afforded once again. Later the Passover meal in the upper room, the washing of the disciples’ feet and the agonized prayer in the garden. Finally they would take him to be crucified. Imagine that this was your last chance at a healing!

          We find Jesus unhurried and surrounded by the physically ill, the outcasts, toddlers and babies. All these sing His praises while a perturbed priesthood fret and fume. The group deemed unfit to enter the temple now gains an audience with Jesus while the very priests are shut out. Jesus has turned the whole system upside down and now he invites all who are willing to come to Him. Those who sense their need come eagerly while those who feel themselves perfected remain in their ignorant infirmity. It is still that way today.

Come, Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow'r.

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

Refrain
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.

Dear Lord, thank you for welcoming me and healing my sin-sick soul. AMEN

HOSANNA!

HOSANNA!

John 12:12-13

12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Ps 118:22-26

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the Lord 's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the Lord  hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord : O Lord , I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord : we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord .

          All four of the gospels record this parade that took place during Passover. Jerusalem was flooded with people and the narrow streets were lined with those who were singing, or rather chanting, the words from their psalm book. Hosanna is a Syriac word. It is a cry for “help” and it literally means to “save now!” Here it is used as an acclamation addressed to Messiah. O, how the Jews needed saving!

          Today is the day we call Palm Sunday. We remember that day when the Jews acknowledged their king only to crucify Him a few days later. So today we joyfully crown Him and guard our hearts from rejecting our King because we know our hearts are unpredictable.

          Will you crown Him king of your life today? He is good enough! He owned no sin but yours. He is wise enough! You can trust Him with all your affairs because he owns the wisdom of the ages. He is kind enough! He loves you with an everlasting love.

Dear King of Glory! Save now, we beseech thee! Overcome and overrule in our hearts today. AMEN

O TIMOTHY!

O TIMOTHY!

The “O” used by Paul in addressing young Timothy is a Greek word which shows great emotion and intensity. Paul loved Timothy, wanted him to succeed, and would soon deliver into his young hands his entire ministry. Let’s take a look at two verses that display this passion of Paul.

1. O TIMOTHY, RUN!

1 Tim 6:9-12

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Paul was warning Timothy that the reckless pursuit of money and things would drown him in a sea of trouble. God would provide the necessary material things to conduct an earthly ministry whether it be much or little. God distributes His gifts according to current need and always cautions against grasping and hoarding. Manna stored after the expiration date rotted and produced worms. (Exodus 16:20) This, of course, flies in the face of man’s nature. O Timothy! You will have to struggle against your own desires in this case but understand that you should run from it as urgently as Joseph fled the pursuit of Potipher’s wife! (Genesis 39:12)

O Timothy! There are some things that are of such value as to urgently run after them. These are righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. (v.11) These are the treasured gifts of the Holy Spirit which Paul lists in Galatians 5.

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2. O TIMOTHY, KEEP AND GUARD JEALOUSLY!

1 Tim 6:20-21

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

The word “keep” indicates to isolate, guard and preserve safely.” O Timothy, safely and carefully keep that which has been deposited to your care. What Paul was referring to, of course, is the entire volume of his Christian faith; all the many hours of training and mentoring.

O Timothy! The gospel is not simply another philosophy! Do not dilute it with vain chatter or speculation of theories that puff up man’s intellect. O Timothy! The gospel does not belong to you but to another and it is placed in your care.

O Timothy! Soon you will have to stand on your own firmly held beliefs and convictions. Soon you will not be able to ask questions of me for challenge or confirmation. Soon I will be gone! O Timothy, learn thy lessons well and keep the treasure of truth close and safe. O Timothy! I am soon to finish my course. Begin yours in earnest!

O, Mighty God! How I love you! How I fear my own fondness for human philosophy! Lord, keep me today close to you and protect my mind as I hold tightly to your revealed truths. AMEN

JUDGING OTHERS!

JUDGING OTHERS!

2 Chron 19:4-7

4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.

5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.

7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

I’ll bet you were expecting to see this well-worn verse. Matt 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. Well, that would have been too familiar for me. Let’s take a look at the reforming heart of the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat.

Jehoshaphat had just come from a battle against the King of Syria. He had been in alliance with the King of Israel who had been killed.

2 Chron 18:33

33 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

Jehoshaphat returned to his throne in Jerusalem and continued his reform, part of which was a reform of the judicial system. One of the facets of his reform was to acknowledge that human judgment is partnered with the Divine. Therefore the judges were not to favor any man, fear any man nor be influenced by bribes or gifts from any man.

2 Chron 19:6

6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.

 

Deut 1:17

17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

Now, the problem with our judging others is that we are often judging a “snap shot” instead of a video.  You see, the Lord Jesus never judged a person by what they were but by the TREND of their life, or their potential. The Lord points this out when the Lord told the story of the Pharisee and the Publican in the Temple. At the moment the Pharisee was a fine example of right living, except for his consuming pride and it was that pride that determined the direction his life would take. The Publican was everything a Publican was proverbially known to be – except for his humility and repentance – and this would determine the direction of his life.

Luke 18:14

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Many who judge you today will not know where you have been or in which direction you are going. The same is true with the many we will judge. Rather than being tolerant of sin we must allow for the possibility that the sinner is in a repentant trend, that his life is about to change.

Dear Lord, help me to align my judgment with your own. Help me to flavor my pronouncements and decrees with your mercy and your grace. AMEN

HOW TO DEAL WITH HECKLERS!

HOW TO DEAL WITH HECKLERS!

Neh 4:3

3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

Judg 6:15

15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

1 Cor 15:9-10

9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am…

          In these three verses we see hecklers. One is external and the other is internal. Nehemiah and his people were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. This included rebuilding the homes that were attached to the wall. These were not professional builders but patriots so their work was made more of passion than perfection. Yet the work progressed and the wall began to take shape. It both impressed and frustrated the enemy who tried to shout them down by saying that the weight of a fox would cause the wall to crumble.

          Gideon’s internal heckler responded to the angel by saying that his tribe had been so thinned that it could no longer stand before its foes and he was the smallest in that weakened tribe. The angel said he was a “mighty man of valor” but Gideon just couldn’t see himself in that way. He was already defeated in his own mind.

          Paul actually used a Greek word that meant that he was short of stature. Perhaps he was. He did not feel worthy to be an apostle because of his past. He had persecuted the church that now he was trying to build. Finally he said: “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” 

The world is full of critics, self-proclaimed experts and hecklers. Usually they are spectators and not participants. Every baseball team could use a man who plays every position perfectly, never strikes out and never makes an error. The trouble is, there's no way to make him lay down his hot dog and come down out of the stands!

The best way to treat a heckler is to just go ahead and succeed. With the external heckler you might actually have to work with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. The internal heckler just needs to be quietly ignored while you work steadily on. In Walt Kelly’s comic strip, Pogo is quoted as saying: “Yep, son, we have met the enemy and he is us.”

Dear Lord, all day long the heckler inside keeps telling me that I can’t succeed while the angel of the Lord refers to me as a mighty man of valor. Help me to trust your opinion of me and not that of myself. AMEN

IT IS REQUIRED!

IT IS REQUIRED!

1 Cor 4:2

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

          Only once does the phrase “it is required” appear in our English Bible. Paul drives home the point of faithfulness which is translated from the Greek word pistos which means “trustworthy.” The word faithful also means “allegiance to duty or person; loyalty.”

          The word required is the Greek zeteo and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance invites us to go to another Greek word punthanomai which means “a demand for something due; a search for something hidden; to demand, inquire or to understand.” The idea here confirms one of my administrative maxims: “You don’t get what you EXPECT. You get what you INSPECT.”

Those who hold responsible positions in churches are mostly volunteers. This means you can’t fire them for work poorly performed but that doesn’t mean nobody is paying any attention. God, it seems, is looking on and jotting things down for that final performance review.

Our work as church volunteers is more important than our work for money. The consequences are immediate and eternal. The Devil can use a weed in the flower bed or a poorly vacuumed carpet to distract someone from the message of the gospel. Details are important. Faithfulness is required of stewards. The casual way that we approach our church responsibility speaks volumes to those seeking a life changing experience.

          The Lord requires faithfulness from those He puts in trust. He searches our hearts and inspects our work. One day there will be a general accounting. Are you faithful? Are you where you are supposed to be? Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing?  Is your volunteer job marked by excellence? The Master has given you an assignment and will, from time to time, inspect both you and your work.

Dear Lord, help me to be faithful today! AMEN

TAKING UP OUR CROSS!

TAKING UP OUR CROSS!

Matt 16:24-26

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

          All three of the synoptic gospels records Jesus saying: “If any man will come after (or follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross.” Luke adds the word “daily.” Following Jesus is not for wimps but risk takers.

1.      The Cross is PERSONAL!

It is YOUR cross. The cross of discipleship and service is not some naturally occurring inconvenience. It is more than a rainy day that spoils a picnic. My cross is so personal that nobody else can carry it.

2.      The Cross is REDEMPTIVE!

I believe that ministry does not happen unless the minister suffers some kind of loss so that the recipient can enjoy some kind of gain. Jesus’ cross redeemed the sinner but Jesus was without sin. The one hanging on the cross suffered loss so that we might gain.

2 Cor 8:9

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

3.      The Cross is an INVESTMENT!

Mark 8:35-36

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Those who are overly protective of this earthly life will ultimately lose it anyway. Those who recklessly invest their earthly life to do ministry will not lack life. Those who hoard earthly stuff will ultimately lose it but those who lay up treasure in heaven will never lose their investment.

Matt 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Dear Lord, I don’t have much but it all belongs to you. Use both me and my stuff to make gains for your kingdom. AMEN

OBEDIENCE BEFORE UNDERSTANDING?

OBEDIENCE BEFORE UNDERSTANDING?

John 7:17

17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Mark 9:24

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

          We generally think that the reason unbelievers do not believe and obey the Scriptures is because they do not understand them. In fact the opposite is probably true. They do not understand because they are unwilling to obey. We want complex religious concepts tied neatly with ribbon and presented to us in completely logical and understandable ways. We approach Christ in the same way as Star Trek’s Dr. Spock. We cock our head and declare that following Christ is illogical.

          The following comment on John 7:17 may clear things up a bit. “I will give you a sure rule by which ye may judge of my doctrine: If you really wish to do the will of God begin the practice of it; and take my doctrine, and apply it to all that you know God requires of man and if you find one of my precepts contrary to the nature, perfections, and glory of God, or to the present or eternal welfare of men, then ye shall be at liberty to assert that my doctrine is human and erroneous…” (From Adam Clarke's Commentary.)

          An honest desire to obey God is the easiest way to become acquainted with the truth. The fact is that we bring too many prejudices into our investigation. We do not want a truth that challenges our behavior. We want a truth that confirms our deliberations and decisions. We don’t want change until what we currently have becomes so painful we seek something else! But we fear that we will trade our current pain for something even more painful. We become closed to the possibilities of God. When challenged about His teaching, Jesus applied the only reasonable answer. He said “Try it.”

          I wonder just how many people sit in church each week clouded by the fog of stubborn disobedience and therefore ignorant of God’s truth? When you challenge them they will say that they can’t obey God until they understand when, in truth, they can’t understand until they are willing to obey!

Dear Lord, give me a heart that is willing to obey so that I might also have a mind that understands. AMEN

QUALITIES OF THE OVERCOMER!

QUALITIES OF THE OVERCOMER!

Ps 84:5-7

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

          The word Baca actually means “weeping tree” and might refer to the Balsam. The idea is that of a place of weeping. There are some who allow the circumstances of their life crush them beneath the weight. They are overwhelmed! Still others pass through the valley of weeping and dig a well to refresh themselves and others.. They overcome! What is the difference?

1. The Overcomer draws his strength from God!

2 Cor 12:9

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ps 28:8

8 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

2. The Overcomer is fully committed to his God!

Isa 26:9

9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

James 1:6

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Ps 57:7

7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: [nailed down] I will sing and give praise.

3. The Overcomer makes bad things better!

Ps 84:6

6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

The word for Baca is “mourning” or “the valley of weeping.” They dig a well in the dry places. God turns their journey into joy and all around them drink.

4. The Overcomer grows stronger and stronger!

Like the athlete who strains at his training, the discipline becomes easier and easier to bear.

Phil 4:13

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Isa 40:30-31

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Dear Lord, today many challenges lie ahead that will threaten to defeat me. Help me to be an overcomer.  AMEN

GOD, I AM CONFUSED!

GOD, I AM CONFUSED!

Job 1:20-22

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord  gave, and the Lord  hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord .

22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

          Much of God’s dealings with us is a mystery. He does not consult with us nor does He ask our advice before acting. Our view and our understand is local while His is universal. Ours is woefully limited while His is wonderfully limitless. God is so frustrating!

          Job had just been told that all his children and all his wealth had been either destroyed or taken away violently. All the pleasant things were gone. The future was uncertain. God had allowed pain and confusion to come into the life of a man that was meticulous in his devotion. What sin had Job overlooked that would cause God to react so unfavorably?

          Job did not “charge God foolishly.” He did not attribute folly to God. He did not accuse God of making any mistake! Oh, how unlike Job I often am. I want to know what is going on and I want to know why. I want answers to my prayers and I want them right now! When I suffer even though I have done right I cry, like a child, “that’s not fair.” If I can’t have things my own way then at least let me understand why! I begin to feel as if God has defrauded me. When I think like this – I am so very wrong.

“True piety will bear the removal of property and friends without murmuring. Religion is not based on such things, and their removal cannot shake it. It is founded deeper in the soul, and mere external changes cannot destroy it.” (from Barnes' Notes.) If we are to agree with God, we must value our character above our comfort; our purity above our possessions. This kind of thinking is not possible if we only view God as the giver of good things. We must see Him as the “good” giver of all things. When we can’t understand God’s actions we must trust His nature.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

AMPLIFIED

Dear Sovereign God, my thoughts can’t reach high enough to understand your thoughts. My hands can’t approach the far reach of your own. I can’t even conceive of your plans for my future – but I know that they are good plans. Thank you, Lord. AMEN