DRIFTING INTO MEDIOCRITY!

DRIFTING INTO MEDIOCRITY!

Ps 71:15-18

15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

Rom 12:11

11 [Be] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

          David felt the sluggish approach of elder years when the body resents the exploits of the mind and refuses to go the full mile promised. In verse 15 he promises to work “all the day” because he could not be sure how many days remained! In verse 16 he knew that he must “go” in the strength of the Lord. He knew that he could no longer run his mile without God’s help.

          David reviews a long life in relationship with and in service to the Lord. Didn’t he stand against Goliath with only a sling and stones? Didn’t he forge a kingdom while on the run from the king? Didn’t he ache to see the house of God built in great splendor? But he was beginning to slow down. He did not want to drift into mediocrity. His exploits may no longer be on a grand scale but he still had dreams. He chased rabbits like a dreaming dog!

          David still had a passion for his generation and for the one to come. Some in his own generation had drifted into mediocrity and he stubbornly refused to do that. The generation coming along burst with unfocused zeal. David wanted to give those youth guidance based upon deep experience. David begged for power to finish his course.

Dear Lord, let me not drift into mediocrity even as the years roll on. AMEN

LIKE A TRUMPET!

LIKE A TRUMPET!

Isa 58:1

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

          It is hard to show religious people their sins. They become indignant very quickly and begin to list their religious practices. In verse 2 they responded that they sought God daily; daily mind you! They DID but not DO righteousness. Their righteousness is in the past but not the present tense. Something had happened. They had become hypocrites. Yet their religious observances were intact. Warren Wiersbe says: “When we worship because it is the popular thing to do, not because it is the right thing to do, our worship becomes hypocritical.

          We now call the preliminary musical portion of our services “worship.” In fact Christian music itself has come to be named “worship!” The result is that those who sing, or stand listening to singing, think that they are worshipping. It is all as formal as a Gregorian chant and often less appealing. When our “worship” resembles a popular music concert, complete with lights and smoke, we have lost the true meaning of the word.

          Isaiah had a hard topic and a hard task. His was to stir religious fervor in those who already thought themselves to be religious. He was assigned the task of arousing devotion in those who thought themselves to be devoted. His was to install a heart into a lifeless body of religious practices. Warren Wiersbe once again comments: “When people live on lies, they live in a twilight zone and do not know where they are going.”

Isa 59:9-11

9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.

11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

“It would be more comfortable to shrug off what our eyes behold and loyally declare our belief in the intrinsic goodness of all men; but our eternal welfare forbids that we deal dishonestly with reality. The truth is, men are not basically good; they are basically evil, and the essence of their sin lies in their selfishness. The putting of our own interests before the glory of God is sin in its Godward aspect, and the putting of our own interests before those of our fellow men is sin as it relates to society. We know men are sinners because when they must choose between others and themselves they choose themselves every time.”

~ A.W. Tozer, The Set of the Sail

Dear Lord, let me show your people their sin today, both lovingly and faithfully. AMEN

THE AGE OF DECEIT!

THE AGE OF DECEIT!

Matt 24:4-12

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

          The above is part of Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question: “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” His answer begins with a warning not to be deceived. Before Jesus actually comes there will be a climate so ripe for His coming that we will wonder why He is waiting so long. Jesus goes on to give some general information regarding the age in which He comes.

          The foremost characteristic of this age is DECEIT. Jesus warns them that the general climate of deceit will slip into the churches. Many, He said, will come “in my name.” The Amplified New Testament says: “Many will come appropriating the name that belongs to me!” I take that to mean that the programs they present will be sanitized by the use of the name of Jesus. We live in an age where most anything passes for Christianity just by saying so.

          I’m a Baptist! I don’t think that necessarily makes me a bigot. I have not found it necessary or advisable to abandon that title and distinction. I pastor a Baptist church and that identifies us to any who would worship with us. There is no deceit. We have not and will not change our name to some generic and confusing name so that we might trick someone into attending a Baptist church when they otherwise would not. We are a Baptist church and welcome all who will come but we will not cloak our identity to attract those who will not.

          Because this age “does not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:28), some churches feel that they have to make their churches less like a church and more like … something else. Pastors no longer are referred to by their respectful titles. They no longer preach in business suits or other clerical garb. Their churches have ripped up the pews and replaced them with chairs like in a conference center. Pulpits are now transparent glass or missing altogether while the minister sits on a stool in faded jeans, casual shirt and shoes. From the narthex to the nave, everything is carefully crafted to NOT look like a church.

          Jesus includes geological and natural calamities as signs of His coming. We have had enough of these to make us nervous that His coming is soon. But Jesus can’t resist another warning in verse 11 when He says: “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” The clearest distinction of this age is still DECEIT. Then in verse 12 He tells us WHY this is so; “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

Dear Lord, keep my love for you hot and my identity and purpose clear. AMEN

GRACE THAT WORKS!

GRACE THAT WORKS!

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

This is another of my favorite portions of scripture. It makes you think. It stretches your mind. It begins with grace and ends with works! Maybe that’s the way it should be! In the English New Testament grace is always a translation of (charis), a word that occurs in the Greek text over 170 times and in both Biblical and secular Greek it is used with far more meanings than can be represented by any one term in English. But the word has abundant use in secular Greek in the sense of unmerited favor, and Paul seized on this meaning of the word to express a fundamental characteristic of Christianity. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.)

For the Apostle Paul, GRACE was defined by experience.

Acts 9:1-5

9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. The Amplified New Testament puts it this way: “It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad; to offer vain and perilous resistance”.

Paul’s spiritual and emotional condition remained vile and violent. He travelled with evil authority; letters from the high priest. He was obsessed with the wicked intent to bring believers into captivity. SUDDENLY, and without any initiation of goodness on his part, the resurrected and glorified Jesus met Paul and CHANGED him forever. That is grace! But our original portion ends with the words… a peculiar people, zealous of good works. What about that? How do we reconcile the seemingly opposite aspects of grace and works? Well, one is the prod and the other is the product!

Simply put – Jesus purchased us away from a cruel and abusive master, cleaned us up, healed our wounds of abuse and gave us honorable assignments. What servant would not joyfully engage in labor for such a kind Master as Jesus? So, beginning with GRACE we engage in WORKS.

Dear Lord, thank you for purchasing me away from a cruel task master and giving me duties that are a joy to perform! AMEN

THE TYRANNY OF THE URGENT!

THE TYRANNY OF THE URGENT!

Ex 20:9-11

9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Mark 2:27-28

27 And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath:

28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.

It’s hard for me to fathom the brouhaha that raged between the Pharisees and Jesus regarding the Sabbath. The legalists had turned something good and refreshing into a meticulous taskmaster. Speaking of taskmasters, it is not unreasonable to think that the Lord meant for the Sabbath to show that He was not like the slave drivers of their Egyptian captivity. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

At the end of creation God did not rest because He was tired but because he was finished. We, on the other hand, have been given rest to refresh the body, to restore the mind and to rejoice the heart. The word recreation means to play but if you stare at the word long enough you will easily see that it says “re-creation.” In rest there is a rebuilding and a healing of those things worn away by labor.

Personality certainly defines both work and rest. Some people’s answer to weariness is more work or perhaps a different kind of work. Some who work in offices in business suits will don work clothes and chop wood or build something. They seem to thrive on it. Others, like me, are more reflective and we enjoy reclining upon the green pastures beside the still waters. To those like me rest is mental and spiritual. We like to think.

We can’t be at our best when there are so many responsibilities and deadlines that we can’t adequately deal with any of them. We lose the ability to prioritize the tasks and either one gets preferred treatment or all suffer alike. I’ve been told that even while sleeping the mind is at work sorting and organizing the files.

Mark 6:30-32

30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

Check your schedule. Take your pulse. It is possible that you need to take a break.

Dear Lord, there seems to be no time for a forced rest. There is so much to do and everything presents itself as most important. Let me see the need of reconstructive leisure and let me not abuse it. AMEN

OUR INNER SENSE OF GOD!

OUR INNER SENSE OF GOD!

Rom 1:20-23

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.

          All persons everywhere have a deep, inner sense that God exists, that they are his creatures, and that he is their Creator. Paul said that even Gentile unbelievers “knew God.” With nothing but creation to observe, humanity confirms and concludes that God exists because “God has shown it to them” (Romans 1:19) There are no true atheists; only those who deny and fight against what they know to be true deep down inside.

          Since the knowledge, and near presence, of God is inconvenient and uncomfortable to the wicked person, he first curses and then renounces the Lord. Foolishly he declares that there is no God; not because he is convinced of it, but because that is more comfortable. Because of his wickedness, he suppress the truth. (Romans 1:18)

Ps 10:3-4

3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord  abhorreth.

4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

          Sometimes truth is twisted conveniently around a particular sin. While the word “homosexual” or “homosexuality” is not used in Romans 1, certainly it is described in verses 26 and 27. The word “vile” refers to practices that are infamously disgraceful and shameful. A series of active verbs indicates that this is a willful suppression of the truth (Rom.1:23, 25, 28, 32). Changed in verse 23 means “to make different.” Changed in verse 25 means “to exchange” or to trade one thing for another. The word commit in verse 32 means “to repeatedly and habitually practice.” Homosexuality is a learned behavior that is disgusting to God who created both males and females.

          In the life of a Christian this inner awareness of God becomes stronger and more distinct. We begin to know God as our loving Father in heaven (Rom. 8:15), the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16), and we come to know Jesus Christ living within our hearts (Eph. 3:17; Phil. 3:8, 10; Col. 1:27; John 14:23). The intensity of this awareness for a Christian is such that though we have not seen our Lord Jesus Christ, we indeed love him (1 Peter 1:8). – Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.

Dear Lord, I know that you are God. I can feel you deep inside of me and I can see your handiwork all around me. While your presence may be often uncomfortable when I sin, I cannot deny you. Thank you for pressing in on me and demanding my attention. AMEN

THE BRIDE AND HER BRIDEGROOM!

THE BRIDE AND HER BRIDEGROOM!

Rev 19:6-7

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Song 2:1-4

2 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

2 As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

          Marriages and weddings have declined in our current moral climate. We seem to know much about sex but very little about love and true intimacy. It is sad that so many have traded love for only a small portion of it. They wander through relationships used up but unfulfilled.

          In biblical days, fathers selected brides for their sons but often the son informed the father of his own choice. It was not without romance! The father then would negotiate with the bride’s parents and some price or payment would be agreed upon. God the Father selects the bride for His son Jesus but the price is very high!

          The bride would wash herself and put on white robes which were often adorned with rich embroidery. Her face was covered with a veil and her head decorated with a garland. The bridegroom, attended by his friends, would set out from his house to the house of the bride. The procession was accompanied by singing and dancing.

          It won’t be long before we hear the trumpet announcing His arrival. Until then let us keep our garments white and our expectations keen. Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints. (Jude 4) I want to see Him as He is and smell the perfume on his neck.

Dear Lord, your bride waits impatiently for your coming. We fear the soiling of our gowns. We are anxious to embrace our groom. Come quickly King Jesus. AMEN

A MIND TO WORK!

A MIND TO WORK!

Neh 4:6

6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

          Nehemiah was on a time schedule! He had told his king that he would rebuild the wall in Jerusalem and then return to his cupbearer’s duties. He had no time to waste and no patience for slackers or distractions. His passion was somehow caught by the people and they attacked the task at hand vigorously. They had a mind to work!

          The word “mind” is the Hebrew word leb which is used broadly to describe strong feelings. It compares to our word “heart.” Any duty can become a drudgery if there is no heart to accomplish it. I’m thinking of the Seven Dwarfs skipping along the forest singing “Whistle While You Work!”

          Any church that decides a program is dead is correct in their evaluation because they have just described their own heart. But any church that decides to try again will succeed because they have found their heart once again. We sometimes call this “revival.” Nehemiah experienced it personally and it infected the hearts of all Jerusalem. This is how rubble is removed and walls are built.

          How’s your heart this morning? Is your church fulfilling your expectations? Perhaps your focus is wrong. Perhaps you need a “mind to work” so that your church can become alive again.

Ps 40:3

3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord .

REFRESHED!

REFRESHED!

Ex 23:12

12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

1 Sam 16:23

23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

2 Tim 1:16

16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

          The word “refreshed” is found ten times in our Authorized Version. In the Old Testament it is usually translated from the Hebrew word naphash which means “to breathe.” One can easily understand how a laborer or runner would stop for a “breather.” In the New Testament the word is usually translated from the Greek word anapano which means “to repose or to lie down.”  

          I just returned from a grueling three-day counseling modular. The days began early and ended late. The longest day, day two, was a thirteen hour day! However, after a good night’s sleep in my own bed, I feel refreshed. I understand what it is like to take a deep breath and to lay down. This morning I am ready to resume my activities with renewed strength.

          It is interesting that the very first time the word “refreshed” is used is in Exodus 23:12 when God gave us the Sabbath. All the machinery of labor was turned off; all the working animals were unshackled and given fresh food and water; and all the servants received a day off. God thought of everything; even our need to be refreshed.

          While Paul was in prison, one man dared to leave Ephesus and come to Rome to refresh Paul. Onesiphorus’ name means “profit-bearing.” He likely brought food and clothing as well as good news from the church. You can almost hear Paul take a deep breath as the tension relaxes from his neck and shoulders.

          Saturday is the day set aside for refreshment of the body and mind while Sunday is for the refreshment of the spirit. So take a deep breath and get ready for church! Let your spirit be refreshed by meeting once again with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let your soul be refreshed by a new encounter with Jesus.

Dear Lord, let me and the church be refreshed today. Meet with us and let our spirits have repose. AMEN

STRONG ANCHOR POINTS!

STRONG ANCHOR POINTS!

Mal 3:6-7

6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord  of hosts.

 

          God can’t change His character and nature. He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Heb 13:8  As we live our daily lives the unchangeable nature of God can serve as a great encouragement to us. Let me highlight three strong anchor points against the gale winds of change.

          God’s Grace never changes! In our daily struggles with sin, it is important that we remember this strong anchor point of the soul. Few of us would say that we always struggle successfully. We need God’s grace so that we do not despair.

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.

          God’s Sovereignty keeps us from defeat. If He is Lord of all then no circumstance, no matter how challenging, can defeat His purposes. What looks like failure in my life has been filtered through the unconquerable will of God.

1 Tim 6:15-16

[He] is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

          God’s Holiness does not change! We live in a sensual and unholy world. We, ourselves, are unclean. Our response to God’s holiness is to humble ourselves, tell the truth, make right decisions and be clean before Him. Isaiah was terrified when he observed the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:1-5).

1 Peter 1:14-16

14 [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel].

15 But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.

16 For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 

AMPLIFIED BIBLE

Ps 107:27-28

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

28 Then they cry unto the Lord  in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

Dear Lord, thank you for the strong anchor points in my life. These never change. I can always rely upon them. Bless your church today with strength and stability. AMEN

REASONS TO REJOICE!

REASONS TO REJOICE!

2 Cor 7:5-6

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

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

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

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

1. GOD HAS ALWAYS LOVED YOU!

Jer 31:3

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

Ps 103:17

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

2 Thess 2:13

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

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

1 Peter 1:18-19

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

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

Heb 9:12-14

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

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

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

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

Rom 8:16-17

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

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

Gal 4:7

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

4. HE IS COMING FOR YOU SOON!

Luke 21:27-28

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

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

Ps 126:2-3

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

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

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

VAST – ENORMOUS – GIGANTIC!

VAST – ENORMOUS – GIGANTIC!

Neh 9:6

6 Thou, even thou, art Lord  alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Col 1:14-17

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

          I love my Texas skies! I suppose the sky is the same, or at least similar, in other parts of the world, but in Texas there are fewer big-city lights to compete with the stars of heaven. The early mornings here are crisp but tolerable as we wait for the mid-seventies temperatures that will warm us this afternoon. If you go out the back door and lift up your eyes you will see billions of stars! The machinery of life is still at rest and the sounds of nature are all that can be heard. A coyote calls to her pups and they respond with a yip.

          It is mornings just like this that remind me how small I am and how vast, enormous and gigantic my God is. His size alone is both a terror and a comfort. If He were my enemy I could not hope to overcome Him. He would grind me to powder. Because He is my friend I need not fear a smaller enemy. He is my Big Brother who stands behind me with His strong arms folded in defiance when I confront my foes. I am sure of victory.

          As a child, I remember George Beverly Shea singing How Big Is God during the Billy Graham Crusades. His voice was almost as big as the song.

Though man may strive to go beyond the reach of space
To crawl beyond the distant shim'ring stars
This world's a room so small within my Master's house
The open sky's but a portion of His yard

How big is God? How big and wide His vast domain
To try and tell, these lips can only start
He's big enough to rule His mighty universe
Yet small enough to live within my heart

Dear Lord, the stars tell me that you are much bigger than any of my problems today. Thank you for loving me. AMEN

THE SHAMROCK & THE TRINITY!

THE SHAMROCK & THE TRINITY!

1 John 5:7-8

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

          Today is Saint Patrick’s Day and there is much to say about him; much of it simply legend. He was born in the year 387 in Scotland and died on March 17^th, 461 in Downpatrick, Ireland. He is credited with banishing all snakes from Ireland; a feat easily done since Ireland never had any snakes to begin with. New Zealand, Iceland, and Greenland also have no snakes! Patrick is known to have used the Shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity!

          The word trinity does not appear in the Bible but its truth is scattered here and there. In Creation, God says to himself “let US make man in OUR image.” (Genesis 1:26) The Father, the Son, and the Spirit were all active in creation! However, the doctrine of the Trinity is not an easy concept to grasp. On earth, Jesus prayed to the Father and, before He died, promised the Holy Spirit would come as “another comforter.”

          “A popular belief among Christians divides the work of God between the three Persons, giving a specific part to each: creation to the Father, redemption to the Son, and regeneration to the Holy Spirit. This is partly true but not wholly so, for God cannot so divide himself that one Person works while another is inactive. In the Scriptures the three Persons are shown to act in harmonious unity in all the mighty works that are wrought throughout the universe.” A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

Dear Lord, we accept by faith your triune person because you are too mysterious to be understood by human mind. Thank you for sending Jesus to relate to us in a way we can only partially comprehend. AMEN

NOT SUBJECT TO!

NOT SUBJECT TO!

Rom 8:5-8

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

          Early in Romans chapter 8, Paul explains the agony he experienced in chapter 7. In that chapter he describes a “self” out of control. The good things he desires to do he fails to do while the bad things he no longer wants to do he continues doing. He describes his condition as “wretched!” The cause of the struggle is a mind that is divided in its loyalties. In chapter 7:25 Paul uses the same Greek word, sarx, which is translated “flesh.” However in chapter 8 sarx is translated “carnally minded.” The problem is the same.

          We can’t point our finger at others with a carnal mind because we all have one. It is the desire to please ourselves instead of God. We all struggle with it. The key to being “spiritually minded” is being subject to the law of God. We stop kicking over the barriers which God erects around our lives! We stop demanding our own way! We grow up and become self-disciplined!

          What if I wanted to play some musical instrument in the church orchestra or band? What if I convince the church to invest hundreds of dollars in that instrument by promising to practice hard and being a faithful and dedicated member of the group? What if, after the money is spent and the instrument is purchased, I lose interest and walk away? This is just one way the carnal mind displays itself.

          What if I belong to a particular Sunday school class which has been formed for my specific age group and demographic? What if I choose to remain in a class that does not fit my situation either in age or life circumstance? I’ve become lawless and mildly rebellious. I want my own way. I refuse to submit myself to the rules. If the class I prefer offends me in some way I simply choose another. I force the entire church to bend itself around my fickle and ever-changing preferences. I am acting like a toddler always ready to throw a tantrum. I make the people around me nervous because they are afraid I am going to explode in some selfish display.

          The word enmity in verse 7 indicates “hostility” towards God. There is anger and frustration present and it is always seething. The carnal mind wants all that God is willing to give but is unwilling to give God His rightful place as King. The carnal mind worships self. That is painful to consider but I see no other explanation. The key to peace, joy and productivity in your relationship with God is submission to His will.

1 Peter 5:5-7

God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Dear Lord, I cannot claim to worship you while I resist your authority in my life. I yield my will to yours today and rest within the barriers you have established all around me. AMEN

UPSIDE DOWN!

UPSIDE DOWN!

Acts 17:1-6

17 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

          The Greek word that forms the basis of the words “upside down,” is anastatoo and literally means “to stand up; to drive out of home.” The implication is that comfort and complacency is disturbed. This was the accusation regarding Jason’s house guests, Paul and Silas. They had come into Thessalonica because there was a Jewish Temple where Paul, a Jew, might open a debate regarding Jesus the Messiah.

The word “alleging” in verse three means “to place alongside.” By placing Jesus alongside the Old Testament Scriptures one could clearly see that He fit every requirement. Jesus was Christ! Many believed and the calm of complacency was disturbed.

Today many newer churches, filled with young and enthusiastic fans, are striving for relevance. Worship houses resemble concert stages replete with mood lighting and smoke machines. Doctrine is often replaced by motivational and psychological messages. Snack bars and coffee shops welcome the revelers and offer a refreshing break for those who can’t abide a full hour of uninterrupted worship. Denominational names and distinctions have been removed so that all are welcomed into a swirling blend of truths and counter-truths. Smiles are everywhere as one’s own brand of religion is affirmed and welcomed. Sin is not challenged because that would make one uncomfortable. The world feels welcome here and attends regularly.

In John chapter 6, a huge crowd followed Jesus. He fed them with fish and bread and they followed him around the lake expecting more. In John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” Jesus slowly began to teach them doctrine and the crowds began to melt away. As the teaching grew more intense and deep still more walked away. I think the shrinking of the crowd was both incidental and intentional. It was incidental because of the nature of the teaching. It was intentional because Jesus didn’t want to be followed by fish nibblers but by serious students of truth.

When technology replaces truth we have abandoned faith for form. When our appetites lean more toward the physical we are left with an emptiness that cannot be filled with a coffee and Danish. Didn’t Jesus promise to fill those who had a spiritual hunger? Matt 5:6 says: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Truth must not be abandoned but applied!

Dear Lord, as our world gasps for a few last breaths, let us peel away the veneer of worldliness from our worship and feast upon the sincere milk and meat of the word. AMEN

FAITH RISKS FAILURE!

FAITH RISKS FAILURE!

Mark 5:25-34

25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

          This woman’s faith was based upon what she had heard about Jesus. She had heard that Jesus was a good and kind man. Others had told of his compassion and his ability to heal. Romans 10:17 says that “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” So the woman’s faith was born and grew by the reports she had heard of Jesus.

          She developed a plan by faith! No report had outlined a specific plan of action so she formulated her own. She would sneak up on Jesus while he was in a crowd and touch the hem of his robe. She was convinced that healing power would flow from Him to her and that she would be healed. There was, however, a strong risk of failure. What if her plan was not the right plan? She knew of no better formula. What if Jesus demanded that she confront him personally and openly? Then she would fail. What if her entire plan were flawed? She had failed so many times before that she was willing to chance failure again.

          Suddenly Jesus felt virtue, dunamis (dynamite), flow from Him! Someone had touched his clothes. The disciples wondered that Jesus had said this because he was being jostled by the crowd. Yet Jesus knew that someone had touched Him with purpose and with success. The difference was faith!

          Christians are often called fools by those without faith because faith is always accompanied by the possibility of failure. When Peter walked on the water and then began to sink, it was not because he had stepped on a soft spot on the water’s surface. It was because he had suddenly lost faith. I think Jesus was both pleased and disappointed in Peter. He was pleased because he discounted the possibility of failure to succeed in walking on water. Only when he acknowledged the impossibility of his actions did he sink.

          You have heard of Jesus and His many wonderful works. Today’s difficulties may demand a miracle. Formulate a plan based upon the fame of Jesus and follow through. Faith always risks failure.

Dear Father, honor the faith of your children today and heal us of our plagues. AMEN