STRONG IN THE WIND!

STRONG IN THE WIND!

Eph 4:11-15

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

          I’ve observed what I call “boutique” churches. Merriam-Webster defines boutique as “a small, fashionable specialty shop.” This is an apt description, not because some of these are small but because they specialize in one aspect of culture. I’ve seen churches that appeal to and are attended by motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. Others seem to appeal only to those who enjoy the cowboy or western culture. Are these wrong? Perhaps not, but I think they are certainly out of balance when they produce cookie-cutter followers.

          Paul desired that the Ephesians be “no more children.” The Greek word for children is nepios which literally means “not speaking.” The idea is that of an infant who has not learned to talk or walk. The goal is maturity and the ability to discern. The word “tossed” literally means “to surge or to fluctuate.” We don’t see wind. We see trees move and debris being blown about. The goal is stability.

          The word “wind” in verse 14 is actually plural and indicates data and teaching pushing in from the four quarters of the earth. Paul sees these teachings as calculated and crafted to deceive. He counters this by saying that truth should be taught plainly but with love. As a teacher I must remember that what I teach is not MY truth but HIS truth. When I present only one aspect of truth it is no longer truth. I must constantly guard against this.

          Diversity is the natural composition of a balanced church. In our church we have two kinds of people who have trouble walking. We have those who are too young and those who are too old. We love them both and both feel welcome in an atmosphere of acceptance and support. We rejoice with each step they take.

          Take a good look at your church! Do you see children, parents, and grandparents? Do the poor worship alongside the rich? Are individual distinctions and cultural differences blended into a harmonious family? Is each person moving steadily toward being conformed to the image of Christ? This, Paul said, is the goal.

Dear Lord, thank you for a church that is more like a family than a club. Alert us to any tipping point that would endanger our balance. AMEN

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

CONFLICT RESOLUTION!

Ps 7:1

7:1 Shig-ga'-ion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.

O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

          The strange word at the very beginning of this verse is from the Hebrew shaagah which means “to wander.” So this is a wandering song, a song written and sung while David is on the run from Saul. It is also a rambling song covering different subjects and made up of different parts. As we read it we have the sense of continual interruption. David was always “bugging out!” It speaks of conflict. As for Cush the Benjamite, some scholars think this refers to Saul himself, the son of Kish who was of the tribe of Benjamin.

          David had a collection of enemies, Saul, Goliath, Shimei and even his very own son, Absalom provided constant conflict in his life. For David, conflict was a way of life and we are wise to pay attention when he speaks of it. Notice what he says when he speaks of his enemies. He pleads with the Lord to come and save him. He himself was a mighty warrior but he cries out to God for rescue. He asks God to judge between him and his enemies.

          A war is never quite finished until there is a clear winner and a complete surrender. So it is with sinful us and a righteous God. Since we can’t hope to win in our conflict with God it is wise for us to surrender early and completely.

Eph 2:13-17

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

          Enmity is the Greek word echthra and literally means “the reason for opposition.” We were afar off or estranged but now we are made near because of the blood of Jesus. He has removed the very reason for opposition. He has slain the enmity so that the warring parties can be at peace.

Dear Lord, I sense enmity still in me. It takes me away from you and causes a separation. It is painful and bitter for me and I’m sure it is for you as well. Please come and destroy the enmity with a fresh application of your own blood. Please destroy in me the very reason for opposition. I surrender, Lord. AMEN

RECONCILE WITH YOUR BROTHER!

RECONCILE WITH YOUR BROTHER!

Matt 5:23-24

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

          The movement of two opinions causes friction, heat and damage. We sometimes say that someone “rubs us the wrong way!” Such friction requires the oil of the Spirit which is readily available but so infrequently applied.

          The clear indication of Scripture is that we should not offer any gift to God while there is enmity between us and a brother. Some will quickly hang on to their anger by questioning whether or not someone who angers us so much could possibly be a “brother” but then we have added another dimension to the problem. What God wants is an unburdened heart.

          The word “reconciled” is found twice in Scripture. It is found here and again in First Corinthians 7:11 where it refers to a married couple reconciling after a fuss. In Matthew the Greek word is diallasso and it means “to change thoroughly!” In Corinthians it is the Greek katallasso and it means “to change mutually.” What God is suggesting is a mutual change in attitude one toward the other.

          We can’t presume to have plenty of time to nurse our grudge. Our life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. What a tragedy it would be if we were to plan a reconciliation with an enemy only to die a few days before it actually took place! An even greater tragedy would be to plan to come to God only to die a few days before! The joy of reconciliation should not be withheld.

Dear Lord, let me reconcile with others so that I may reconcile with you. AMEN

HE RESTORETH MY SOUL!

HE RESTORETH MY SOUL!

Ps 23:2-3

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

It refers to the spirit when exhausted, weary, or sad; and the meaning is, that God quickens or vivifies [makes alive that which is dead or dying] the spirit when thus exhausted. The reference is not to the soul as wandering or backsliding from God, but to the life or spirit as exhausted, wearied, troubled, anxious, worn down with care and toil. The heart, thus exhausted, He re-animates. He brings back its vigor. He encourages it; excites it to new effort; fills it with new joy. (From Barnes' Notes)

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, certainly knows how to deal with us during times of our backsliding but this is not the case here. Because He is the Good Shepherd, He also knows how to mend us when we are broken. When the disciples wanted to press forward – He said rest. When burdened down with care, we are urged to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us.

Often in the midst of urgent labor He will “make” us, or force us, to lie down in green pastures. Thus lying on the soft green earth, chewing contentedly, we are able to separate the urgent from the truly important. I am convinced that many of “my sheep” are not so much involved with sinful behavior as with urgent things that are not important.

Dear Lord, today a thousand voices will cry out for my attention. One of those voices will be your very own. Help me to hear you when you speak. Today, Lord, restore my soul. AMEN

SHINE ON!

SHINE ON!

Ex 34:29

29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

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;

          Yesterday was a good day! In fact, after the evening service at church, one dear elderly lady said to me: “You’ve had a glow about you all day today!” Isn’t that what believers are supposed to do – shine? As we left a local restaurant my wife commented that she sensed a “stirring” in the churches of our little town. God was doing something here!

          Moses, after a personal encounter with God, glowed! The word “shone” in Exodus is the Hebrew word qaran and literally means “to shoot our horns.” Ancient artists portrayed saints with halos having horns of light shooting from their heads. When Moses came down from the mountain the people were frightened at his appearance. He had to cover his face with a veil.  Warren Wiersbe said: “Truly spiritual people don't recognize their own godliness but usually feel as though they're failures and far from what they ought to be. At Pentecost (Acts 2), each believer could see the tongues of fire above the other believers' heads, but not over their own heads.”

          A crooked and perverse world should sense something different about Christians. They may not be able to adequately identify it but they should notice it. We are to “shine as lights in the world.” They marvel that we do things without a lot of murmuring and arguing. They take note that God is working in us to bring about His purposes. We shine!

Matt 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

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

Dear Lord, let me be so close to you today that I reflect your glory. Let others see you in me. AMEN

EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES!

EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES!

Eph 4:15-16

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

          Thom S. Rainer has written a book called I Am a Church Member. In it, he outlines certain aspects of church membership. Personally, I think being a church member, if I treat it seriously, colors every aspect of my life.

          Paul told the Ephesians that their membership in the church should supply something. Each member brings something personal into the whole. Every joint supplies something! Paul reminded the Corinthians that even the smallest and weakest members of the body are “necessary!” The Greek word for necessary is anagkios which actually means “close of kin.”  

          Church membership affects me personally! I am guided in my behavior by the church’s creeds. I am challenged by and accountable to the other members. They have my permission to arrest my spiritual decline and to encourage me when I do well. We march together.

          Church membership affects my family! Our schedule is greatly affected by the events on the church calendar. The collective moral conscience of the church shapes the morality of the family. The harmony in the home is greatly influenced by my church membership.

          Church membership affects me socially! The background noise in restaurants is made up of individual conversations. I had a lady tell me yesterday that she “knew” I was a pastor because she had overheard a conversation in a local restaurant. It’s a small town! People listen and make judgments about the church and my Savior based on my casual conversation over a taco!

          Church membership affects my church! Not only does church membership affect me but I actually affect my church for good or for ill. If I am an unhappy grumbler my church will be viewed as such. If I am involved then the church will benefit from my talents and my energy. If I am casually associated then the church will suffer by my abandonment of my post. My church is a reflection of myself. I cannot complain about my church without point a finger directly at my own face.

          As a functioning member I will give. I will serve. I will minister. I will evangelize. I will study. I will seek to be a blessing to others. I will remember that “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

Dear Lord, keep reminding me of the importance of my church membership. AMEN

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER!

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER!

Prov 6:6-8

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

          Guided by some unseen force, the ant intuitively knows that winter is coming and works hard to prepare for it. She digs deep in the earth where the temperature throughout the winter will be constant. She bites the ends off of the grain to keep it from germinating and stores it in cells against the day of famine. She is prepared. She will survive.

          The story of the ant and the grasshopper has long been told and points out the need for preparation. The grasshopper lives in the present and seems to care nothing for preparation. The grasshopper mentality drives our economy and has driven it into bankruptcy. He does not store anything and when winter comes he has no cozy den. He is not prepared. He will not survive.

          The winter of death and eternity marches steadily nearer. Hebrews 9:27 says: “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Religious sloth is the worst and most damning kind. Another proverb says: “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” Prov 22:3.

Dear Lord, let me wisely prepare for my soul. Let me resort to Thee. AMEN

FAITH IN A WORLD OF CYNICISM!

FAITH IN A WORLD OF CYNICISM!

2 Tim 4:2-5

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

          Heap! Paul warned young Timothy that there would come a day when the general population would keep on seeking those who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Demagogues, leaders who appeal to the emotions and prejudices of the people in order to gain power, are multiplying in our day.

          Cynicism reigns! Cynicism is that tired emotion that can also be described as pessimism, sarcasm, suspicion, skepticism, distrust and doubt. Faith is a hard product to sell in an age of cynicism. Malachi ministered in an age such as this. Faith had become formalism and worship had become weariness (Malachi 1:13).

          The foundations of our modern world are crumbling. Teenagers, even church-going teenagers seem ignorant of the moral moorings that once kept our culture from drifting. They enter an educational system through metal detectors and they reach adulthood in deep debt. God, the tooth fairy and Santa Claus sit dejectedly on the park bench of doubt feeding squirrels.

          So, how can a person of faith navigate a world of doubt? Paul gave Timothy these following points to pursue.

Ø Constancy! “In season and out of season.” Practice your faith even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Ø Circumspection! Simply be aware that the time is coming when people will be consumed with doubt. They will practice a form of religion but there will be none in their heart.

Ø Courage! “Endure afflictions!” Christianity, these days, is not clothed in silk but in denim. It is not for wimps.

Ø Completion! “Make full proof of your ministry.” Don’t be a slacker. Fill up the hours and minutes because there are not many hours and minutes left.

Dear Lord, the days are desperate. Let me be all I can be and all I should be until you come. AMEN

GOOD MORNING, LORD!

GOOD MORNING, LORD!

Ps 5:1-3

5 To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

          Morning seems best for my devotional meditations. Often I rise before anyone else so that I may be alone with my thoughts and my God without interruption. David seemed to prefer the mornings as well. In the scripture above, we may see an awakening prayer.

          The word “meditation,” in verse one is the word hagiyg which means “to murmur or to complain.” Grumblers may take courage knowing that God considers what we are considering. Those deep, perhaps disappointing, thoughts are intercepted by a listening God. The fretful unfinished projects of yesterday and the daunting challenges of today we may bring to a considerate God.

          David moves on to the word “cry” in verse two. This word is the Hebrew word sheva’ and is basically a “haloo.” Moving from murmuring thoughts, David now directly addresses God with a hello! Formal communication is initiated and a response is earnestly expected. Hello, Lord!

          In verse three the two words “my prayer” are not present and are italicized in your Bible. The entire meaning is wrapped up in the word “direct” which is the word ‘arak which means “to set things in order.” Now we see the list appear. On this list is written all the things that challenge and trouble me. I now have God’s attention! He is aware of my emotions and I have engaged Him in direct communication. Now I offer Him my list of complaints.

          In verse two David, the king, acknowledges God as King of Kings. He says, “thou art my king and my God.” Authority and Majesty are wrapped in worship. He rules the affairs of my life and His power is a comfort to my weakness.

          Finally, in verse three, David “looks up” expectantly. He has groaned while God listened. He has formally addressed the Lord with a hello and given a detailed list of complaints. He has acknowledged God as King and God and now he looks up expectantly. It’s time to begin the day knowing that God now knows what is troubling me. Throughout the day I will be watching for God’s intervention.

             A quote from Benjamin Franklin seems appropriate here: “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of man; and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”

Dear Lord, acquaint yourself with my pains and my problems. Provide both ointment and remedies. I acknowledge your authority and majesty. As I lay my list before you, I can look up expectantly for answers. All day long I will watch for your intervention. Thank you, Lord. AMEN

DON’T BE DECEIVED!

DON’T BE DECEIVED!

Eph 4:14-15

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

          The increase of information has increased the possibility of being deceived. The idea presented in verse 14 is that of being blown around in a storm of conflicting ideas. Which are true and will fill my sails toward my destination? Which will capsize my vessel with lies? We need God-given discernment.

          The truth welcomes questions and investigation. The truth will set us free (John 8:32). I fear that much of what produces fear in us is not truth at all. Deceit is designed to produce a calculated response and even panic. The truth is that God is still very much in control. We need not fear.

          Spiritual maturity (being no more children) requires personal responsibility! Our actions and behavior should be the result of truth instead of cultural consensus. A thing is not right because a majority of people think so. It is right because it is right. Do not follow religious novelties.

          Spiritual maturity (being no more children) requires consistency and stedfastness. Truth has sure boundaries! Those who follow truth are solid. They have developed the power to say “No” with decision and “Yes” with calculated concentration. Those who follow truth are predictable.

          Spiritual maturity (being no more children) requires that truth be joined with love. “Little children do not know how to blend truth and love. They think that if you love someone, you must shield him from the truth if knowing the truth will hurt him. It is a mark of maturity when we are able to share the truth with our fellow Christians, and do it in love.” (Warren Wiersbe)

A client went to his attorney and said, "I am going into a business deal with a man I do not trust. I want you to frame an airtight contract that he can't break, which will protect me from any sort of mischief he may have on his mind." The attorney replied, "Listen, my friend. There is no group of words in the English language that will take the place of plain honesty between men, which will fully protect either of you if you plan to deceive each other."

Dear Lord, give me discernment of the truth! Make me wary of deception. When I share truth, let me do it in love. AMEN

IN THE DITCH AGAIN!

IN THE DITCH AGAIN!

Matt 26:73-75

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

          The rooster announced Peter’s denial and brought to mind the prophecy of the One he had just denied. Peter was wounded in his conscience and pained by self condemnation. He left the enemy’s fire and had a cleansing cry.

What should we do when the rooster crows for us? How should we handle the occasions when sin so easily besets us? Let me suggest three urgent things.

1. IMMEDIATELY CONFESS!

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.

2. RECEIVE THE GIFT OF GRACE!

Ps 130:3-4

3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Rom 8:1

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

3. RESUME – START AGAIN!

Prov 24:16a

16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.

Ps 37:23-24

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

          Saint Francis, a seventh century believer said this about his failures. “Well, my pour soul, here we are in the ditch again – in spite of our earnest resolve to stay out of it. Ah well, let us get out and be on our way; and we will do well enough, God helping us.”

Dear Lord, I often find myself in that familiar ditch. Let me confess my sin, receive your grace and start again. AMEN

IGNORANCE OF GOD!

IGNORANCE OF GOD!

John 16:1-3

16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

We are currently suffering an obscene ignorance of God. Our cultural god is a consensus creature put together by folklore and human intelligence so called. There is evidence everywhere of gross misunderstanding and misapplication of the Holy Bible. Even those who attend worship services seem blissfully unaware of some of the foundational truths of their religion. The result is a gypsy stew in a troublesome cauldron.

1. What are some of the evidences of this ignorance?

Ø A world without love or natural affection.

Rom 1:28-31

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Ø A religious system without obedience.

1 John 2:4

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Ø A monstrous self-manufactured religion.

Rom 10:3

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Titus 1:16

16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

2. The great need of compassionate religious activism!

Jude 21-23

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Heb 5:1-2

1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

1 Tim 1:12-13

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Dear Lord, it is amazing that some church members think that a Sunday spent napping is acceptable to you. How casually we treat you! How seriously we regard our entertainment and enjoyments. Shake us and wake us to the realities of our faith and our times. AMEN

AMAZING JESUS!

AMAZING JESUS!

Luke 4:33-37

33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

The New Testament is full of events in which Jesus is acting just like God. People were “astonished” (Greek: ekplesso “to strike out” = it was as if they had been punched) at the teaching abilities and scholarship of this carpenter. He taught as if he were personally acquainted with the writer!

Jesus also had an almost frightful connection to the unseen spirit world. He not only perceived that demons were present but communicated with them. In every case the spirits responded to Jesus as if He were their superior. The people were “amazed” (Greek: thambos “rendered immovable” by astonishment; momentarily frozen in place). Who was this man who could not only speak with the demons but command them? The Pharisees logically, but wrongly, assumed that Jesus was a demon himself and was able to cast out demons by the prince of demons. But the chain of command reached much higher than the prince of the devils.

Matt 9:34

34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Well, the “fame” (Greek: echos “loud uproar and rumor”) of Jesus spread. The result would be the same if the Dairy Queen was rumored to be giving away free ice cream! Everyone wanted their personal problems solved before this curious spell expired and Jesus once again became just a man. There was a rush and a crush.

Moreover, they wanted to secure Jesus as a franchise. They tried to keep Him for themselves. Verse 42 says that they “stayed” Him (Greek: katecho “to hold down fast” or to restrain from leaving). Isn’t that what we do ourselves? We treat Jesus like a dwindling commodity and we become selfish rather than sharing Him with the “other cities” of the world.

We are an interesting people. We are amazed when God acts godlike but when He does we want to keep the magic for ourselves. Too often we simply don’t understand that Christ’s mission is to the world and that we are only a very fortunate but small part of His purpose.

Christ Receiveth Sinful Men (Erdmann Neumeister)

Sinners, Jesus will receive! Sound this word of grace to all

Who the Heavenly pathway leave, All who linger all who fall.

Sing it o’er and o’er again, Christ receiveth sinful men!

Make the message clear and plain; Christ receiveth sinful men!

Dear Lord, why am I surprised when you act like the God you are? Help me to share the blessing of salvation with others today. AMEN

WHERE IS HE THIS MORNING?

WHERE IS HE THIS MORNING?

It is often true that the God I love seems to have taken the day off. He is far away from me or, if He is near, has chosen to sit silently by while I pray. He sometimes gives no indication that He is with me.

For the careless there would be no need or reason to search for Him but for the lover there can be no calm of soul until He is found and communion restored. Such is the occasion of the maiden in Solomon’s Song.

Song 3:2

2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

The Commentary of Keil & Delitzsch suggests that this is a dream since such a night search would have been immodest for a maiden. She is not searching with feet and eyes but with her whole heart. There is such a longing for him that her sleep is disturbed.

The maiden is a type of the church because she is the “bride” and longs to be joined to her husband, Christ. Oh, how dry is the church where Christ is not evidently felt. Yet Christ allows this apparent absence to test the church’s love. Do we continue in formal and unsatisfying ritual or do we fall upon our faces and beg for His presence and power? The answer reveals the true heart of that church. If we seek Him we will find Him when we search for Him with all our heart.

Song 3:4

4 It was but a little [I hadn’t searched long or far] that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go…

Ps 63:1

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; AMEN

AN URGENT CRY!

AN URGENT CRY!

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 given false importance to trivial things. We are so burdened with the pebbles that we can no longer shoulder the boulders. 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. This, then, includes you.

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

HIGH TIME TO AWAKE UP!

HIGH TIME TO AWAKE UP!

Rom 13:11-14

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

The word “chambering” in verse 13 is very graphic and is from the Greek word koite (koy'-tay); a couch; by extension cohabitation; by implication, “illicit intercourse.”

The Lord is coming – on His way, perhaps! Our salvation, full and complete, is nearer than it was when we first believed.

Dr. Alexander MacLaren said: Time is closing in upon us! "The time is short," or, as we might perhaps render it so as to give the full force of the metaphor, the time is pressed together. It is being squeezed into narrower compass, like a sponge in a strong hand. There is an old story of a prisoner in a cell with contractile walls. Day by day his space lessens -- he saw the whole of that window yesterday, he sees only half of it to-day. Nearer and nearer the walls are drawn together, till they meet and crush him between them. So the walls of our home (which we have made our prison) are closing in upon us.

Our national ills are a reflection of our personal ones. We have a “representative” form of government and in many ways our government represents us very well both morally and ethically. We don’t like what we see but we can hardly deny it.

Dr. Adrian Rodgers said: When a nation loses its ability to discern morality, it embarks on a slippery slope toward self-destruction. America is in a crisis, and unless we have a moral rebirth, we will join the graveyard of the nations.

It is time to Wake Up! Samson lay in the lap of Delilah and laughed at her tricks time after time because he trusted in his amazing God-given strength. Looking back Samson knew he had slept too long.

It is time to Look Up! Jesus is coming. Now our full and complete salvation – even our entrance into heaven – is nearer than when we first believed. Jesus said when you see these things coming to pass; look up for your redemption draweth nigh.

It’s time to Pray Up! Satan is working as never before because he knows his time is short. We need to resist the devil so that he will flee from us. It is time for God’s people to clearly choose who we will serve.

Dear Lord, shake me awake! Show me what I can do to not only keep myself pure and prepared but to help my fellow believers to be ready for your arrival. AMEN