PURE RELIGION!

PURE RELIGION!

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.

          We have just finished celebrating undeserved abundance by setting aside a day of Thanksgiving and are fast approaching the season of “comfort and joy!” Unfortunately there are many who are not comfortable and there is little joy. Our vast governmental relief system has not produced the utopia we were promised and Jesus was right when He said: “The poor ye have with you always!” (John 12:8) But citing the impossibility of relieving all suffering does not free us from relieving some suffering! I think it would be good to focus our attention on the verse above.

          The word “religion” is the Greek threskeia and refers to ceremonial observance. James’ point here is that we can be very pious but of no practical good. James even presumes to know that what he is about to offer as a lifestyle is “undefiled before God.” James is a master of sarcasm and wields it like a scalpel to remove separate presumptive acts from practical Christianity. James would probably agree that there are some who are so “heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.”

          The little word “visit” is the Greek episkeptomai and it basically means “to inspect.” Some think a pastoral visit is just a contrived way for ministers to appear busy. We roam around town sipping coffee and tea from house to house. In actuality a pastoral visit is a surprise inspection. Those being visited seem to know this and perhaps that is why they are so unpopular with some. James, however, recommends it not only for pastors but for all believers. If we want to be truly “religious” we will check up on each other and especially the orphans, widows, sick and elderly.

          The word “affliction” is the Greek thlipsis and means “pressure.” Orphans are pressured by the lack of adequate parenting. Widows and widowers are pressured by loneliness and the lack of companionship. I remember Tom Hanks, in the movie Castaway, who’s best friend on the island was a soccer ball. A Christian visit provides some relief from this pressure. Practical help through financial gifts understood.

          The best portions of a good man's life are his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.

   William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

Dear Father, give me thy heart. Let me often say: “I must needs go through Samaria.” AMEN

EAT AND FORGET!

EAT AND FORGET!

Deut 6:10-13

10 And it shall be, when the Lord  thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord  thy God, and serve him…

          God knew that when the Israelites conquered Canaan they would inherit vast wealth in the form of houses, lands and crops. The temptation would be to ascribe these blessings to the personal sacrifice involved in conquering the land or to some other wooden god found in the land. God knew that man has a tendency to eat and to forget.

          The “Black Friday” trend has now become as much a part of our Thanksgiving “holiday” as the turkey! It is well named as there was a report last night of a fist fight between two customers at Wal-Mart regarding the last remaining specially priced television. One man was led away in handcuffs. I wonder if he is thankful this morning for his new orange jumpsuit, plastic shoes and stainless steel toilet?

          Another temptation the Israelites faced was to compromise with the neighboring nations and to forget their separatist position. The Pilgrims sacrificed bitterly to found this new country so that they could worship freely, but we do not credit those hardy individuals with all our blessings today. No, God did that!   

Most people find it easier to handle adversity than prosperity, because adversity usually drives us closer to God as we seek His wisdom and help. When things are going well, we're prone to relax our spiritual disciplines, take our blessings for granted, and forget to "praise God from whom all blessings flow."

(from The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001-2004 by Warren W. Wiersbe. All rights reserved.)

Now Thank We All Our God

Words: Martin Rinkart
Music: "Nun Danket" by Johann Crüger; harmony by Felix Mendelssohn

Meter: 13.13.12.12

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep still in grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest heaven;
The one eternal God, Whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

Dear Lord, we are fallen from our original estate and, with that fall, have lost our ability to reason and remember. Remind us often that every good gift comes from you. AMEN

MY BIRTHDAY WISHES!

MY BIRTHDAY WISHES!

3 John 4

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

Today is not only Thanksgiving Day, it is also my birthday!  The day of my birth was also a Thanksgiving Day in 1946. 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.

To comprehend is from the Greek katalambano which 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

EVIDENCE!

EVIDENCE!

Heb 11:1

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

          The word “evidence” is found in the Bible only seven times and six of those times it is found in Jeremiah chapter 32. Jeremiah had prophesied that the Chaldeans would conquer God’s people. Jeremiah – by faith – had purchased a piece of land knowing that losing a war would nullify any title deeds to property. The document, or evidence of purchase, would be valid only after Israel returned to her land.

                The seventh time the word “evidence” is used it describes faith. We know that God exists because of those things that point to His existence. Paul points to those evidences in Romans 1:20 “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.” Paul was saying that, though God is invisible, He has proven himself clearly by the things He created.

          On this Thanksgiving eve, we look around at the evidence of God’s goodness toward us. We count our blessings and list them as evidence in the court of opinion regarding our God.  We know God is because we have evidence. We know that God is good because there is evidence of His goodness. We are surrounded by loving family and friends! Our table is laden with good things and the evil that others would have done to us has been deflected by the mighty and unseen hand of God so that those evil things have been turned into good.

Gen 50:19-20

19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

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.

Rom 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Dear Lord, I am surrounded by evidences of your goodness! My pockets and my heart are full and I am compelled by these evidences to give you thanks. Amen

THANKSGIVING BEGINS IN THE HEART!

THANKSGIVING BEGINS IN THE HEART!

Ps 116:12-14

12 What shall I render unto the Lord  for all his benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord .

14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord  now in the presence of all his people.

Luke 17:12-17

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

          The word “render” as it is used in Psalm chapter 116 and verse 12 is the Hebrew word shuwb and literally means “to turn back” with the idea of “returning to the starting point.” This is perfectly illustrated in Luke 17:15 where we find only one of ten lepers returning to give thanks for his healing. Ninety percent displayed no thanks.

          The plain fact is that no one can force you to be thankful! You either are thankful or you are not. Our parents taught us to say a simple table grace. This introduced to our young minds the concept of thanksgiving. If someone were nice to us or gave us candy, mother would always ask: “Now what do we say?” The answer, of course, was “Thank you.” But even mother could not make us truly thankful. She could only teach us the actions of thanksgiving.

          When we receive benefits for which we did not have to work it should make us grateful. However it is also possible to begin to think of these benefits as entitlements. We think someone else owes us all these things and we become pouting and spoiled children who throw their toys and pick at their food. Good things are greedily gobbled up without thanks.

          Thanksgiving always causes us to turn back and sometimes to return to the starting point. We begin to consider our true self-worth and how little we actually deserve. When we make lists they are not wish lists but lists of blessings already received. We look around and observe a bounty that is not only sufficient but enough to share. Thankful people are always giving people.

          I was born on Thanksgiving Day 1946. It’s true! I have been told that the timing of my arrival interrupted the doctor’s dinner but this did not make me a thankful person. No, I am thankful because of an event that happened many years before on a lonely hill in Jerusalem. On that hill the Son of God hung on a cross and paid my sin-debt. I didn’t deserve it, and certainly was not entitled to it, but God adopted me into His family because of the sacrifice of His Son. Since that day, because Daddy is a great king, I have lived like a prince!

Dear Father, you have lavished upon me great gifts and privileges. Lord give me one more thing. Give me a thankful heart. AMEN

RECLAIMING OUR CULTURE!

RECLAIMING OUR CULTURE!

James 1:18-25

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

KJV

James 1:21

21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.

AMPLIFIED

          We are born again by the power of the Word of Truth. This is an obvious reference to the Bible and an explanation of the battle that rages for an authoritative text. Why are there so many versions and translations? On the one hand there is a sincere desire to understand what God wanted to communicate to man. On the other hand there is an unconscious desire to remanufacture the Word to lower God’s standards to match my behavior. I will never hold to or teach a standard higher than my own behavior! I think there is a cycle of decline.

          When my behavior begins to decline it first begins with my ignoring or abandoning the clear teaching of the Word of God. Perhaps I misunderstand it or, more likely, I decide it does not apply to me! The result is that I have become a transgressor – a rule breaker. As a transgressor, I have broken the peaceful relationship between me and the Lawgiver. I am culpable – guilty. I am unwilling to remain in this guilt for long.

          At this point repentance should be the action taken but, if I am unwilling to abandon my sin, I still try to reconcile with the rules -- so I change the rules! If I divorce then I redefine the portion of the Bible that speaks to that topic. I make the rules more agreeable to my sin. If I have begun to drink then I must rearrange the Bible to make my behavior acceptable. Gradually the Bible begins to be reshaped to agree with my behavior.

          If I am a teacher then my teaching begins to reflect the changes in my behavior. I am no longer comfortable teaching that my behavior is wrong so instead of changing my behavior I change my teaching. I make the Word of God to confirm my practices. All my followers will rise no higher in their devotion and obedience than my highest behavior. I have become the new law unto them. I have become a false teacher! Slowly a study group; a church; a denomination; or even an entire culture is transformed!

          So, how can we turn this ship around? We will not recover until we rediscover and return to the authority of Scriptures. I must no longer practice my faith based upon my feelings and opinions. During the reconstruction of Jerusalem under Nehemiah, a copy of the Scriptures was found in the ruble. It is a lengthy portion but it is germane to our topic.

Neh 8:1-4

8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose…

8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

          If we are to reclaim our culture we must return to the understanding and practice of Biblical teaching. Whenever my behavior and the Bible disagree I must make revisions to my practice and not to the text.

Jer 15:16

16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Dear Lord, as I view myself in the mirror of Your Word, let me yield to its truth and make changes in my life. Let me not be a forgetful hearer but one who practices the truths within. AMEN

ONLY MORONS REFUSE TO GIVE THANKS!

ONLY MORONS REFUSE TO GIVE THANKS!

Rom 1:19-23

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

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.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

          Set like a deformed stone in a horrible piece of jewelry, we find the words neither were thankful! Man began his journey well aware of who God is and much of His nature and character. Yet they disrespected Him and disobeyed Him. God released their distorted minds to imagine vile and foolish things.

          The word “thankful” which we find in verse 21 is the Greek word euchariseo and it means “to express gratitude towards; especially to say grace at a meal.” The word Eucharist is familiar because it is associated with the Lord’s Supper and because the Lord Himself “gave thanks” for the cup.

          The word eucharistia means “grateful language to God as an act of worship.” This is more than a casual table grace. This word indicates prayer and praise for good things provided or bad things withheld. It is easy enough to be grateful for good things provided but we are never aware of the bad things which might have come along were it not for the grace and mercy of our God. What about the accidents which never happened and the sickness which never afflicted us? Have you expressed your thanks to God?

          Another word, eucharistos, means “well favored.” It is the message of the angel to Mary. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour (charis) with God” Luke 1:30. Mary’s response was: “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” Luke 1:46. She gave thanks and, in her mind and heart, she “made God great.”

Only morons refuse to give thanks! This is the exact language of Romans 1:22 which says: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” The word which is translated “fools” is the Greek word moraino which means “a simpleton.” Thinking themselves to be “sophisticated” they bowed down before rocks, sticks and chunks of metal. Only morons refuse to give thanks!

Dear Lord, like Mary, I am highly favored. I am the recipient of many good things which I don’t deserve. I have also been kept from sufferings of which I am unaware. I think of you as large and great rather than small and portable. I am a speck of dust. I give you thanks. AMEN

THE BLESSING!

THE BLESSING!

Gal 6:10

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

          My wife and I had gone to Wichita Falls on some business and inevitably we always visit Hobby Lobby and Mardel’s Christian store. The day was blustery with suddenly cold temperatures and freezing rain. While Irene was at Hobby Lobby, I took refuge in Mardel’s and poured myself a cup of free coffee. I was sitting near the front of the store, in a comfortable chair next to the Christmas tree, when I observed a curious thing.

          A man entered the store wearing a green parka with the hood pulled up over his head. He was soaked! He carried a black trash bag with mysterious contents. He asked if there was a bathroom and was directed to the back of the store. Then he asked if he could leave his parcel with the clerk near the register. Always accommodating, the clerk told him he could leave his burden with her while he went to the bathroom.

          Now, I’m watching all this and thinking that this could be a bomb! Then I dismissed that notion because a bomber would not leave a bomb and then retreat into the building and not from it. While I continued to sip my coffee and ponder, the man returned to retrieve his package.

          The clerk offered the man some coffee and he eagerly and gratefully accepted. He walked over to the coffee pot and took a seat next to me. I noticed that he did not fit the homeless model. He was young, clean and had recently shaved. He had a nice smile and a military haircut. I asked him if he was in the military because Sheppard Air force base is in Wichita Falls. He answered that he was a Marine. Marines never talk of their service as “former.” I was prompted to speak to him of his salvation but he said something that stopped me.

          He said: “The Lord has been blessing me all day long!” He said this with a smile that nearly glowed. He then told me that he lived in an apartment near Wal-Mart.  I knew that this apartment was a considerable distance to walk and thought I might offer him a ride home. He stopped that thought by saying he had a few stops along the way. There was something about this young man that made you want to help him even though he asked for little.

          Then the blessing happened! Another clerk came from the rear of the store with an old golf umbrella. While it was a bit dirty, it was solid. She apologized for its condition and explained that it had been left at the store by a customer. His face lit up with understanding and thanksgiving. I remembered what he had said to me: “The Lord has been blessing me all day long!” Then I thought of a Bible verse …

Heb 13:2

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for there by some have entertained angels unawares.

Dear Lord, today may bring opportunities to do good and be a blessing. Don’t let me overlook these. AMEN

BALANCING RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE!

BALANCING RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE!

John 4:23-29

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

          The search for the word “emotion” or “emotional” is futile in the King James Version. The word “passion” refers to Christ’s death and is translated from a Greek word that means “to suffer.” Therefore, the search for religious fervor and feeling is hard to track. Even the word “zeal” is often used in a bad way to describe the Pharisees. Our quest is for balance and I think I have found it at a well in Samaria.

The woman at the well in Samaria was a disillusioned former worshipper. She was caught between the denominational demagoguery of the Samaritans and the Jews and was finally trapped in the cynical reality of an irreligious life. Her question to Jesus was both an accusation and an urgent plea. Where and how should I worship? Jesus answered both her questions!

As to where, Jesus answered with “neither!” For the Samaritans seemed to lack knowledge (see verse 21) and the Jews had lost their heart for true worship. But what does it mean to worship “in spirit and in truth?” Only those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and who obey the truth, can worship God acceptably. Beyond that, it’s personal.

Regarding a right relationship with God, churches, denominations, sects, cults and other religious groups promote religious experiences as diverse and dramatic as conversions at camp meetings and revivals, the glossolalia (speaking in tongues) of the charismatics, the silent worship of the Quakers, and the stately liturgy of Catholics and Episcopalians. (from Dictionary of Christianity in America, edited by Daniel G. Reid, Robert D. Linder, Bruce L. Shelley and Harry S. Stout. © 1990 by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA; published by InterVarsity Press. All rights reserved.) We are left asking the same question as the baffled woman; “where and how should we worship?”

The word “spirit” in verse 24 is the Greek word pneuma and it is NOT capitalized in the text so it does not, in this case, refer to the Holy Spirit. The basic meaning of the word is “breath” but also can mean “the rational soul or mental disposition.” We understand Jesus to mean that spiritual worship is internal and not external. The expression of my worship is personal and diverse. It is genuine and unique.

In verse 24 the word “truth” simply refers to that which is actual and factual. This is why Paul told Timothy to study in Second Timothy 2:15. The more we know of the truth the more completely we will be able to obey the truth.

As to my personal expression of worship, I suppose I am a pragmatist. I tend to work methodically based upon the truth I know. When I am “in the spirit” I do not express myself in public and open displays of emotion, as do some, nor do I practice the silence of the Quakers. I most often weep. I just weep. It is a personal thing and it is precious.

Dear Lord, today let me worship you in spirit and in truth. AMEN

ACCESS!

ACCESS!

Rom 5:1-2

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Eph 2:18-19

18 For through him [Jesus] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Eph 3:11-12

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

          The word “access” is found in the King James translation only THREE times! In each case it is translated from the Greek word prosagoge which literally means admission. Merriam-Webster says that the word “access” means “the capacity to enter or approach.” It means you can’t enter without a ticket!

          Yesterday our church changed the locks on the front and rear doors not because we wanted to exclude anyone but so that those who already had keys could have access. The lock on the doors were old and the keys worn by much use. Some people who needed to enter could not gain access even though they had keys! I expect there will be some confusion as we trade old keys for new ones but eventually everyone who needs access will gain access.

In each of the three occurrences, the word “access” indicates that Jesus Christ is our key! But even a key doesn’t guarantee access unless it is used!

Heb 10:19-22

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Dear Lord, let me not stand on the outside of your blessings while holding a new key in my hand. AMEN

I CAN – THROUGH CHRIST!

I CAN – THROUGH CHRIST!

Phil 4:13

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

          The Great Pyramids in Egypt were either built by ancient aliens that laid out the design from their space ships or they were built by the slave labor of the Jews from Goshen. Crumbling after thousands of years but still standing, the structures are a wonder and a cause for ridiculous speculation by man so modern he can’t conceive of such a feat being done by anything less than modern means. I prefer to believe that these magnificent structures were built with the skills given by God and the sacrifices of the builders. It takes as much faith to believe either theory!

          The “I can” spirit is the Spirit of God. The “through Christ” spirit is the humble testimony to the real brains and power behind any venture. Paul was not bragging on his own ability but on God’s. His confidence was not in himself but in the one who energized him.

          When my daughter was a little girl she would try to remove the lid from a jar. She would twist and grip and grunt but the lid would not come off. I watched her grow increasingly frustrated until she would say, “I can’t do it.” Then I would ask her if she was using all her strength. “Yes, I am.” She would wail. “I am using all the strength I have!” I then took the jar, twisted off the lid for her and said, “No, you didn’t ask me for help. I am also part of your strength.”

Ps 121:2

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Dear Lord, today many hard tasks may lay before me. Be my strength. AMEN

CHURCH: A PLACE OF SAFETY!

CHURCH: A PLACE OF SAFETY!

Ps 27:5

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Prov 29:25

25 … whoso putteth his trust in the Lord  shall be safe.

          Tornadoes ripped through Washington, Illinois a few days ago destroying as many as 500 homes. Daniel Bennett was officiating Sunday services where between 600 and 700 people were gathered. When the tornado sirens began to scream, Bennett ushered the congregation into a safe place until the threat had passed. On Monday there was speculation that the reason for the relatively low death toll was that many families were in church.

          “I don’t think we had one church damaged,” said Gary Manier, mayor of Washington, Ill., a community of 16,000 about 140 miles southwest of Chicago.  (Source: Wichita Falls, Texas Times Record News, November 19, 2013)

          The above story either describes another strange tornado coincidence or the protection of God. Like most of God’s actions we are given the choice of either belief or unbelief. One thing, however, can’t be denied by the people of Washington, Illinois and that is that church is a really safe place to be.

Amazing Grace

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come.

‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far

And grace will lead me home.

Dear Lord, hide us in the safety of your pavilion. Protect us in your tabernacle today. AMEN

HE IS MY COUNSELOR!

HE IS MY COUNSELOR!

Isa 9:6

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Ps 16:7-9

7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

The Hebrew ya’ats (yaw-ats) means to advise, to deliberate and to resolve. Isn’t that what we desire when we need a good counselor? It is the same Hebrew word used in both portions above. Counsellor is His name! The government rests upon His shoulder.

1. GOOD COUNSEL IS NEEDED WHEN I AM IN TROUBLE!

A good lawyer is a must when I am in trouble. As a sinner that trouble means my eternal damnation if convicted and sentenced according to my guilt. A good lawyer knows the ins and outs of the law. A good lawyer will get me off the hook. Jesus did this for me.

Col 2:14

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances [indictments] that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Ø Blotting out the indictments. Erasing them from any court records so that they may never be found.

Ø Nailed them to the cross. Posting them openly as proof of final judgment.

2. GOOD COUNSEL IS NEEDED WHEN I AM CONFUSED!

Ps 16:7

7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins [my own thoughts] also instruct me in the night seasons.

Our own thoughts [reins] are often unreliable at the times when we most need good advice. We sleeplessly wrestle with the knotty issues of life without resolution.  We struggle to put all the pieces together but can’t. We need trustworthy advice.

Isa 30:21

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

3. GOOD COUNSEL IS NEEDED WHEN I NEED PROTECTION!

Ps 16:8

8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

The right hand was regarded as the post of honor and dignity, but it is also mentioned as a position of defense or protection. To have one at our right hand is to have one near us who can defend us. Thus, in Ps 109:31, "He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him," etc. So Ps 110:5, "The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath." Ps 121:5, "The Lord is thy Keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand." The idea is, that as we use the right hand in our "own" defense, we seem to have an additional and a needed helper when one is at our right hand. The sense here is, that the psalmist felt that God, as his Protector, was always near him; always ready to interpose for his defense.

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

Dear Lord, be at my right hand today to give me good advice, to protect me and to represent me. AMEN

THERE IS LIFE IN THE SEED!

THERE IS LIFE IN THE SEED!

James 5:7

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Luke 8:11

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

          I’m not a farmer but I am more familiar with the dirt of the country than the steel and glass of the city. Sometimes I forget the most basic aspects of farming are hard work, persistence and patience. Planting seed is costly, tiring and, at the end of the day, seems to have done no good. To the casual observer, the buried seed seems to be a loss – but there is life in the seed.

          I’ve been preaching for forty-two years and I am just now seeing seed planted long ago sprout and produce fruit. Many seemed to not be listening when I planted the seed of the Word, but the seed nestled into a spot prepared by the Holy Spirit and began to grow.

          I am constantly being reminded to never give up on anyone. God is still God and the Word of God is alive and powerful. Just as the tiny seed can lift and break the giant stone, so the seed of truth will not be denied. Lately I am seeing seed bring forth fruit which I thought was long ruined. Praise the Lord!

Ps 92:13-14

13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord  shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Dear Lord, remind us that the harvest begins with the words “a sower went forth to sow!” AMEN

SO BLESSED I BLUSH!

SO BLESSED I BLUSH!

Prov 28:20

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings…

Ps 68:19

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

Ezek 34:26

26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

Ps 139:17-18

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand…

          Lately God has been blessing me so much that I’m embarrassed by His attention; I blush. When I search my heart and review my deeds there is nothing that should trigger God’s goodness and much that should bring a reproach. Why, then, does God do such things?

          God is a God of Grace! Grace is that quality that enables Him to bless those who are unworthy. Good is given when wrath is deserved. Kindness is extended when anger is warranted. Tenderness is present when punishment has been earned. God blesses because of grace!

                God is a God of Hope! His hope is that we will perceive His goodness and turn from our wickedness. “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Rom 2:4

Ps 116:12-14

12 What shall I render unto the Lord  for all his benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord .

14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord  now in the presence of all his people.

It’s strange that God’s blessings immediately cause me to review my behavior and condemn myself! Perhaps that is one of God’s purposes. I have more than I need. I have been given much more than I deserve.

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul and blessing me with so much that I’m embarrassed. I blush at your bountiful goodness to me. AMEN