Today we read Amos 7-9, Psalm 104, and Titus 2.
Paul had a way of speaking right where we live! Never is that more obvious than when he starts singling out husbands or wives or children or bosses or workers, etc. He does some of that in Titus 2 and while I was reading that this morning, the Spirit of God threw me a curve ball in the ol' soul.
It came as I was reading Titus 2.9-10 - Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Another word for bondservant is slave, so he is speaking to slaves. Does that relate to us? The shot to the gut to me this morning was that, yes, it does speak to us. As former slaves to sin, we are now slaves to Christ. What does that mean for us? Well, the passage tells us that we are to obedient and submissive in everything to our Master. We ought to please Him, or, as I often say, live to make Him smile. Don't argue about it. Don't steal away the opportunities that He gives us. Instead, live in good faith.
If you have committed your life to Christ, you are His slave, a servant bought with the bond of Christ's sacrificial love. Let's please Him with our submission to His Will and His Way...today!
It is going to be a great day of worship! Don't you miss a bit!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
A Restoration Project
Today we read Amos 1-3, Psalm 80, and 2 Timothy 4.
The repetitive phrase of Psalm 80 is very appropriate as we approach the celebration of our national freedom. Psalm 80.3- Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!
May God in His Mercy and Wisdom guide us with His Strong Hand and help us not to ruin the freedom and liberties that so many have fought and died to provide and protect.
God Bless America...and restore us as well, O God!
The repetitive phrase of Psalm 80 is very appropriate as we approach the celebration of our national freedom. Psalm 80.3- Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!
May God in His Mercy and Wisdom guide us with His Strong Hand and help us not to ruin the freedom and liberties that so many have fought and died to provide and protect.
God Bless America...and restore us as well, O God!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
The Standard
Today we read 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, and 2 Timothy 3.
In a day when the morals of yesteryear and, more importantly, the standards of Scripture are being abandoned, not only by citizens, but also by lawmakers and courts, let me give you a sweet reminder. The Word of God still stands. God knew what He was doing when He breathed the Word into the hearts and the minds of the Biblical writers. He knew what this day would bring to America. Hey, He knew what the Roman Empire was bringing in the day in which it was written. The challenges of today may be new to us, but they are not new. Sin came to the first man and has been breaking out every sense. The kind of sin that is being glorified today was glorified in the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. When you wonder where to stand on the issues that face us today, please be reminded of
2 Timothy 3.16-17 -All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Trust the Word. God will not let you down.
In a day when the morals of yesteryear and, more importantly, the standards of Scripture are being abandoned, not only by citizens, but also by lawmakers and courts, let me give you a sweet reminder. The Word of God still stands. God knew what He was doing when He breathed the Word into the hearts and the minds of the Biblical writers. He knew what this day would bring to America. Hey, He knew what the Roman Empire was bringing in the day in which it was written. The challenges of today may be new to us, but they are not new. Sin came to the first man and has been breaking out every sense. The kind of sin that is being glorified today was glorified in the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. When you wonder where to stand on the issues that face us today, please be reminded of
2 Timothy 3.16-17 -All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Trust the Word. God will not let you down.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Aiding the Escape
Today we read the book of Jonah and 2 Timothy 2.
We will not be perfect...but we ought to be careful. How we respond to others today could have a direct result on how they respond to Christ. That sounds heavy, but it's true. Read what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2.24-26- And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
God could do a mighty work in them and through us, if we don't burn bridges by being argumentative or impatient or harsh or not presenting ourselves or His message properly. We are not to ignore what is spiritually wrong with others. We are to acknowledge their need of Christ, but we are to do it gently.
May God help us to have a deep passion, a kind word, and a guiding hand today as the Lord puts others in our path.
We will not be perfect...but we ought to be careful. How we respond to others today could have a direct result on how they respond to Christ. That sounds heavy, but it's true. Read what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2.24-26- And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
God could do a mighty work in them and through us, if we don't burn bridges by being argumentative or impatient or harsh or not presenting ourselves or His message properly. We are not to ignore what is spiritually wrong with others. We are to acknowledge their need of Christ, but we are to do it gently.
May God help us to have a deep passion, a kind word, and a guiding hand today as the Lord puts others in our path.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
What Ya Talkin' Bout?
Today we read Joel 1-3 and 2 Timothy 1.
Joel 1.3- Tell your children of it and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.
Hey, what y'all talkin' bout? You ought think about what you are talking about today. Take advantage of every opportunity. Don't miss the time to make a spiritual investment.
Joel 1.3- Tell your children of it and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.
Hey, what y'all talkin' bout? You ought think about what you are talking about today. Take advantage of every opportunity. Don't miss the time to make a spiritual investment.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Like Nobody Else
Today we read 2 Kings 11-12, 2 Chronicles 24, and 1 Timothy 6.
Watch what you aim for! You might just get it. Paul warned Timothy to watch out for the constant desire to have what everyone else has, to do what everyone else does, and to live like everyone else. When Dave Ramsey, the money management guru, encourages someone to live with thrift so they can have later, he says- Live like nobody else, so you can live like nobody else! Of course, he speaks of not getting into the traps of credit card debt, big mortgages, and lacking a consistently feed savings. By avoiding such common traps, you can 'build wealth.'
When the apostle Paul speaks to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6 about living like nobody else, however, it speaks of pursuing God with all that he had. He put it this way in 1 Timothy 6.11- But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
If we are not careful, we will set our standards by watching other people. We will try to live like them: both financially and spiritually. Both are traps. Pursue God and the things of God and watch Him take care of the rest.
Today, live like nobody else, so you can live like nobody else--solely for Jesus! Have a great day!
Watch what you aim for! You might just get it. Paul warned Timothy to watch out for the constant desire to have what everyone else has, to do what everyone else does, and to live like everyone else. When Dave Ramsey, the money management guru, encourages someone to live with thrift so they can have later, he says- Live like nobody else, so you can live like nobody else! Of course, he speaks of not getting into the traps of credit card debt, big mortgages, and lacking a consistently feed savings. By avoiding such common traps, you can 'build wealth.'
When the apostle Paul speaks to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6 about living like nobody else, however, it speaks of pursuing God with all that he had. He put it this way in 1 Timothy 6.11- But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
If we are not careful, we will set our standards by watching other people. We will try to live like them: both financially and spiritually. Both are traps. Pursue God and the things of God and watch Him take care of the rest.
Today, live like nobody else, so you can live like nobody else--solely for Jesus! Have a great day!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Weigh It Out
Today we read 2 Kings 10, 2 Chronicles 22 & 23, and 1 Timothy 5.
1 Timothy 5.22- Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Don't be light in spiritual matters. Don't be flippant in sinful matters. Live to please the Lord.
Be blessed today with a great day of worship and be a blessing.
1 Timothy 5.22- Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Don't be light in spiritual matters. Don't be flippant in sinful matters. Live to please the Lord.
Be blessed today with a great day of worship and be a blessing.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Try Both
Today we read 2 Kings 8-9, 2 Chronicles 21, and 1 Timothy 4.
1 Timothy 4.7b-8- Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Exercise is good for the Body. Devotion to and with the Lord is good for the Soul. You need both. Let's do both today! Have a great weekend!
1 Timothy 4.7b-8- Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Exercise is good for the Body. Devotion to and with the Lord is good for the Soul. You need both. Let's do both today! Have a great weekend!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Open Our Eyes
Today we read 2 Kings 6 & 7, 2 Chronicles 20, and 1 Timothy 3.
One of the challenges this week given to some of our children in Vacation Bible School was to go home and see where they could see God. Many creative and beautiful answers came back to us the next day.
Today we read about the same thing but yet in a different manner. 2 Kings 6.16-17- He said, “Do not be afraid,for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Oh, that God would open our eyes and our interest would be perked to see God at work in our midst! Be sensitive today to see His Hand, hear His Voice, and envision His Army at work in our lives.
One of the challenges this week given to some of our children in Vacation Bible School was to go home and see where they could see God. Many creative and beautiful answers came back to us the next day.
Today we read about the same thing but yet in a different manner. 2 Kings 6.16-17- He said, “Do not be afraid,for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Oh, that God would open our eyes and our interest would be perked to see God at work in our midst! Be sensitive today to see His Hand, hear His Voice, and envision His Army at work in our lives.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Centering Your Worship
Today we read 2 Kings 4 and 5, Psalm 83, and 1 Timothy 2.
One of my favorite sayings is a quote from Jesus when He spoke to the Pharisees. He told them- You strain out the gnat, but swallow the camel. He was talking about how they would strain drinks through a cheese cloth to make sure that it had not been contaminated by bugs or gnats before they drank it. His real message, however, was that they maximized the minimal and minimized the big stuff. We do the same thing...many times in our evaluation of Scripture.
There are troublesome and difficult passages in Scripture. There is no doubt about that. However, some have been made out to be a lot more difficult than they really are. You have to keep some things in mind when you read the New Testament.
You have to remember that these words were written about two thousand years ago. They were written, at least Paul's letters, to people under the influence of the Roman Empire in a time when the Empire was controlling their known world. You have to remember that they were written first to people that did not have a Western mindset. In other words, they looked at things, evaluated things, and understood things differently. People from the eastern world still evaluate things differently than us Westerners. Yet, through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit the message has been perfectly protected, preserved, and presented to and for us, as well. I had a seminary professor explain it like this one time, "We will gain a much better understanding, if we filter what we read through the first audience and then see how it is applicable to us." Don't forget who Paul was first writing to. Take their culture into consideration, their circumstances, and try not to maximize the minimal and minimize the big stuff. 1 Timothy 2 is a great example of this. If you get caught up in the specific instructions that Paul gave to that particular church due to their particular circumstances in their particular culture, you will miss the applicable meaning for us. The Lord spoke to me today through 1 Timothy 2.8-10 --I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
Now what is the point of the passage? It is not what you do with your hands in worship and it is not whether you wear gold or pearls. The message is that we do not need to be self-centered. When we are focused on our self, it will effect our corporate worship as a church. If we are arguing, it effects worship. If people are scantily dressed or over-the-top, so that they can gain everybody else's attention, they are being self-centered. Does that mean don't wear gold or nice clothes? No. It means be God-centered in worship, others-centered in life, and self-centered very little.
Keep that in mind today and your personal worship and our corporate worship will be much better because of our self-control. I hope you have a great day and shine for Him.
One of my favorite sayings is a quote from Jesus when He spoke to the Pharisees. He told them- You strain out the gnat, but swallow the camel. He was talking about how they would strain drinks through a cheese cloth to make sure that it had not been contaminated by bugs or gnats before they drank it. His real message, however, was that they maximized the minimal and minimized the big stuff. We do the same thing...many times in our evaluation of Scripture.
There are troublesome and difficult passages in Scripture. There is no doubt about that. However, some have been made out to be a lot more difficult than they really are. You have to keep some things in mind when you read the New Testament.
You have to remember that these words were written about two thousand years ago. They were written, at least Paul's letters, to people under the influence of the Roman Empire in a time when the Empire was controlling their known world. You have to remember that they were written first to people that did not have a Western mindset. In other words, they looked at things, evaluated things, and understood things differently. People from the eastern world still evaluate things differently than us Westerners. Yet, through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit the message has been perfectly protected, preserved, and presented to and for us, as well. I had a seminary professor explain it like this one time, "We will gain a much better understanding, if we filter what we read through the first audience and then see how it is applicable to us." Don't forget who Paul was first writing to. Take their culture into consideration, their circumstances, and try not to maximize the minimal and minimize the big stuff. 1 Timothy 2 is a great example of this. If you get caught up in the specific instructions that Paul gave to that particular church due to their particular circumstances in their particular culture, you will miss the applicable meaning for us. The Lord spoke to me today through 1 Timothy 2.8-10 --I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
Now what is the point of the passage? It is not what you do with your hands in worship and it is not whether you wear gold or pearls. The message is that we do not need to be self-centered. When we are focused on our self, it will effect our corporate worship as a church. If we are arguing, it effects worship. If people are scantily dressed or over-the-top, so that they can gain everybody else's attention, they are being self-centered. Does that mean don't wear gold or nice clothes? No. It means be God-centered in worship, others-centered in life, and self-centered very little.
Keep that in mind today and your personal worship and our corporate worship will be much better because of our self-control. I hope you have a great day and shine for Him.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Showing Change
Today we read 2 Kings 1-3, Psalm 82, and 1 Timothy 1.
1 Timothy 1.15-16 - The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Salvation in Christ is not just a spiritual badge, a community involvement, or a church affliation. Salvation in Christ is a life-changing commitment. When we are saved, it comes by surrendering our lives to The Lord and yielding to His Prompting and then following His Lead. Did we deserve to have such an opportunity? By no means. How are we to respond to such a gift? It is simple: we share it. We live it out before others. We tell others about the difference that He has made in our lives. We invite others to join us in this great journey of faith and life.
May we be examples today of what the perfect patience of Christ and His salvation power in us can do to change lives! Keep your eyes on Him today!
1 Timothy 1.15-16 - The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Salvation in Christ is not just a spiritual badge, a community involvement, or a church affliation. Salvation in Christ is a life-changing commitment. When we are saved, it comes by surrendering our lives to The Lord and yielding to His Prompting and then following His Lead. Did we deserve to have such an opportunity? By no means. How are we to respond to such a gift? It is simple: we share it. We live it out before others. We tell others about the difference that He has made in our lives. We invite others to join us in this great journey of faith and life.
May we be examples today of what the perfect patience of Christ and His salvation power in us can do to change lives! Keep your eyes on Him today!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Not An Inch
Today we read 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18-19, and Colossians 4.
There was a lot of pressure on the prophet to say the things the king wanted to hear. There was a lot of pressure on him to just go along with what others were saying...to go along with the culture that he was ministering in. However, he did not back up from what God had told him to say. 1 Kings 18.14 quotes him- But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak."
In other words, as much as ya'll don't want to hear it, I have got to stick to the truth of God's Word. I cannot bend what God tells me nor pretend that He did not say it.
Folks, we live in a mixed up world. Everything seems a little upside down. What is right and has been right doesn't seem so anymore. What was always wrong, don't seem so wrong anymore. However, mark it down, God's Word has not changed. His Word is not outdated. It is as timeless as the truth, the Hand, and the promises of God. Stick to the Word. Properly interpret it and properly apply it. Don't just apply to the areas of life that you want to. Apply it to all areas of life and trust It. You will wonder sometimes about what God says about something, but stick to it anyway. We will understand it better by and by.
Don't back up! There is a spiritual battle waging all around us and in us. We can win, but we must stick to God's Truth. Don't back an inch!
There was a lot of pressure on the prophet to say the things the king wanted to hear. There was a lot of pressure on him to just go along with what others were saying...to go along with the culture that he was ministering in. However, he did not back up from what God had told him to say. 1 Kings 18.14 quotes him- But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak."
In other words, as much as ya'll don't want to hear it, I have got to stick to the truth of God's Word. I cannot bend what God tells me nor pretend that He did not say it.
Folks, we live in a mixed up world. Everything seems a little upside down. What is right and has been right doesn't seem so anymore. What was always wrong, don't seem so wrong anymore. However, mark it down, God's Word has not changed. His Word is not outdated. It is as timeless as the truth, the Hand, and the promises of God. Stick to the Word. Properly interpret it and properly apply it. Don't just apply to the areas of life that you want to. Apply it to all areas of life and trust It. You will wonder sometimes about what God says about something, but stick to it anyway. We will understand it better by and by.
Don't back up! There is a spiritual battle waging all around us and in us. We can win, but we must stick to God's Truth. Don't back an inch!
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Haven of the Heavenly Mind
Today we read 1 Kings 20-21, 2 Chronicles 17, and Colossians 3.
It may be true that one can be so heavenly minded he/she is no earthly good. I guess it depends on what you mean by heavenly minded.
If you mean absent-minded from the real world, I would not consider it earth-minded. I would consider it absent-minded.
If you mean thaat one seemingly is floating on a cloud above all the stuff of the world, that is not better either. It is amazing how some can float above others' problems boasting in the Lord, but grow strangely silent in their own struggles. That is not what I would consider heavenly minded. I would think that is self-minded.
If you mean by heavenly minded that one is irresponsible about the demands of the world, I would call that not being responsibly-minded.
However, if you mean that one seeks to see what God is doing in the midst of their circumstances, seeks to shine before others in the love of Christ, and seeks to lay all their burdens at the feet of Jesus, instead of being more and more perplexed in the middle of it, I would say that is heavenly minded. I would also say that would do this old world a lot of good. The apostle Paul put it this way in Colossians 3.2- Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Although there are things today that are happening in our lives that will make that difficult, let's strive for it in all we face. My family's struggle today is a major surgery in the life of my father-in-law. It will be a weighty day. At the same time, the church that God has blessed me to be able to pastor will kick off VBS this morning. Pray with me that teachers will exhort, the Spirit will move mightily, and children will know personally the love of Jesus. That is a weighty day...a weighty week...as well.
Let's lay it all in His Hand today and set our minds on Him.
It may be true that one can be so heavenly minded he/she is no earthly good. I guess it depends on what you mean by heavenly minded.
If you mean absent-minded from the real world, I would not consider it earth-minded. I would consider it absent-minded.
If you mean thaat one seemingly is floating on a cloud above all the stuff of the world, that is not better either. It is amazing how some can float above others' problems boasting in the Lord, but grow strangely silent in their own struggles. That is not what I would consider heavenly minded. I would think that is self-minded.
If you mean by heavenly minded that one is irresponsible about the demands of the world, I would call that not being responsibly-minded.
However, if you mean that one seeks to see what God is doing in the midst of their circumstances, seeks to shine before others in the love of Christ, and seeks to lay all their burdens at the feet of Jesus, instead of being more and more perplexed in the middle of it, I would say that is heavenly minded. I would also say that would do this old world a lot of good. The apostle Paul put it this way in Colossians 3.2- Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Although there are things today that are happening in our lives that will make that difficult, let's strive for it in all we face. My family's struggle today is a major surgery in the life of my father-in-law. It will be a weighty day. At the same time, the church that God has blessed me to be able to pastor will kick off VBS this morning. Pray with me that teachers will exhort, the Spirit will move mightily, and children will know personally the love of Jesus. That is a weighty day...a weighty week...as well.
Let's lay it all in His Hand today and set our minds on Him.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The Prayer and Pressures of Elijah
Today we read 1 Kings 17-19 and Colossians 2.
We often study the prayers of Scripture and in today's readings we come across a great one. Elijah is facing the many Baal prophets and they are calling on their gods for rain. While they attempted to draw fire from the heavens, Elijah mocked. When their attempts were complete, Elijah doused his altar with water before praying for God to do a mighty work. He then prayed- And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” - 1 Kings 18.36-37.
What a powerful prayer! How many more of our prayers would be answered if we wanted Him to answer so that the Lord would be make more known to others? God answered his prayers mightily.
I believe it is just as important to notice 1 Kings 19. Elijah bottomed out. His enemies were pursuing him and he felt sure that he would die at their hands. He asked, instead, that the Lord would take him. How can a man have God move through his life in such a powerful way and then quickly seem in such despair? Well, it happens. We don't stay on the mountaintop all the time. None of us do. You are not alone in your struggles. The devil will try to convince you that you are. He will try to convince you that no one has been there, no one understands, and no one cares. NOT TRUE!!! None of it is true.
Let's seek the Lord in our every trial and rest in the confidence of knowing that He is always there. He has provided a host of people, called the church, that care deeply about our struggles and pray with us through them...even when we don't sense it. Remember something: the Lord's presence is not based upon your feelings, your emotions, or your trials. His Presence is based on His Promises. That is what we rest in and I believe we need the Word of God daily so that we will often be reminded.
Speaking of valleys, today is a different day for us. We plan to attend a local church in Hattiesburg and celebrate Father's Day with Dawn's father this afternoon in a local hospital. We also wait with great anticipation as Dawn's father, W.C. Sumrall, has surgery on Monday morning. It will be a lot of surgery for a man as sick as he is, but it can make his life better and, maybe, a little longer, if it is successful. After losing their mother last year at Thanksgiving, there is a lot of sickness and death in Dawn and her brother's, Brad, lives these days. It is a valley. Thank God for the host of people, the church, that are so supportive prayerfully. Thank God for His Presence that is just as real as His Promises.
Let's rest in that today and let's thank God for Godly fathers that have given us so much in Christ. Love you, Pop, and thank you for being the Godly father that you have always been for me!
We often study the prayers of Scripture and in today's readings we come across a great one. Elijah is facing the many Baal prophets and they are calling on their gods for rain. While they attempted to draw fire from the heavens, Elijah mocked. When their attempts were complete, Elijah doused his altar with water before praying for God to do a mighty work. He then prayed- And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” - 1 Kings 18.36-37.
What a powerful prayer! How many more of our prayers would be answered if we wanted Him to answer so that the Lord would be make more known to others? God answered his prayers mightily.
I believe it is just as important to notice 1 Kings 19. Elijah bottomed out. His enemies were pursuing him and he felt sure that he would die at their hands. He asked, instead, that the Lord would take him. How can a man have God move through his life in such a powerful way and then quickly seem in such despair? Well, it happens. We don't stay on the mountaintop all the time. None of us do. You are not alone in your struggles. The devil will try to convince you that you are. He will try to convince you that no one has been there, no one understands, and no one cares. NOT TRUE!!! None of it is true.
Let's seek the Lord in our every trial and rest in the confidence of knowing that He is always there. He has provided a host of people, called the church, that care deeply about our struggles and pray with us through them...even when we don't sense it. Remember something: the Lord's presence is not based upon your feelings, your emotions, or your trials. His Presence is based on His Promises. That is what we rest in and I believe we need the Word of God daily so that we will often be reminded.
Speaking of valleys, today is a different day for us. We plan to attend a local church in Hattiesburg and celebrate Father's Day with Dawn's father this afternoon in a local hospital. We also wait with great anticipation as Dawn's father, W.C. Sumrall, has surgery on Monday morning. It will be a lot of surgery for a man as sick as he is, but it can make his life better and, maybe, a little longer, if it is successful. After losing their mother last year at Thanksgiving, there is a lot of sickness and death in Dawn and her brother's, Brad, lives these days. It is a valley. Thank God for the host of people, the church, that are so supportive prayerfully. Thank God for His Presence that is just as real as His Promises.
Let's rest in that today and let's thank God for Godly fathers that have given us so much in Christ. Love you, Pop, and thank you for being the Godly father that you have always been for me!
Friday, June 14, 2013
The Prayer of Asa
Today we read 1 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 13-14, and Philippians 4.
We read today in 1 Kings and in 2 Chronicles about Asa, king of Judah. Asa did some things right. He did not do enough right. He was conflicted too often and there is a reason. 1 Kings tells us that he did not destroy the high places. The high places were the alternative spots for cultic, idol worship. If you try to clean up your life, but leave yourself spots to go off and sin in, you are probably going to....go off and sin. We all need a clean sweep of repentance when we turn from previous action. Because he didn't, he did a lot of things right, but he also messed up a lot.
One thing that he did right is recorded in 2 Chronicles 14.11-And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” That prayer was followed by victory.
Several years ago the prayer of Jabez got a lot of attention in a little pocket-size book. It was a good book and read with a lot of enthusiasm. Many came away from it believing that if you prayed Jabez's prayer that God would 'enlarge your borders.' Remember Jesus told us to pray his prayer, not Jabez's. The prayer of Jabez was answered because of Jabez the man and his life and the God that he prayed to and served...not because of his wording in his prayer. I like the prayer of Asa though. If we are going to study others' prayers in Scripture (and that is not a bad thing), let's study Asa's prayer and even pray something like it today. God rewards such as that.
Whatever you pray today...pray...seek His Face...and Rely on Him....and have a great one!
We read today in 1 Kings and in 2 Chronicles about Asa, king of Judah. Asa did some things right. He did not do enough right. He was conflicted too often and there is a reason. 1 Kings tells us that he did not destroy the high places. The high places were the alternative spots for cultic, idol worship. If you try to clean up your life, but leave yourself spots to go off and sin in, you are probably going to....go off and sin. We all need a clean sweep of repentance when we turn from previous action. Because he didn't, he did a lot of things right, but he also messed up a lot.
One thing that he did right is recorded in 2 Chronicles 14.11-And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” That prayer was followed by victory.
Several years ago the prayer of Jabez got a lot of attention in a little pocket-size book. It was a good book and read with a lot of enthusiasm. Many came away from it believing that if you prayed Jabez's prayer that God would 'enlarge your borders.' Remember Jesus told us to pray his prayer, not Jabez's. The prayer of Jabez was answered because of Jabez the man and his life and the God that he prayed to and served...not because of his wording in his prayer. I like the prayer of Asa though. If we are going to study others' prayers in Scripture (and that is not a bad thing), let's study Asa's prayer and even pray something like it today. God rewards such as that.
Whatever you pray today...pray...seek His Face...and Rely on Him....and have a great one!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
No Slackers
Today we read 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, and Philippians 3.
In our Kings and Chronicles reading today we read about deceit, struggles, and worries. Those people had problems....so do we. In Philippians 3.12 Paul tells us to keep it all in perspective:
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Jeroboam wasn't there yet. Rehoboam wasn't there yet. Paul wasn't there yet. We aren't there yet. However, we press to be more for Christ, have the mind of Christ, and to faithfully serve Christ daily. That is a task that is worth our efforts today. Don't slack up today! Press On!
In our Kings and Chronicles reading today we read about deceit, struggles, and worries. Those people had problems....so do we. In Philippians 3.12 Paul tells us to keep it all in perspective:
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Jeroboam wasn't there yet. Rehoboam wasn't there yet. Paul wasn't there yet. We aren't there yet. However, we press to be more for Christ, have the mind of Christ, and to faithfully serve Christ daily. That is a task that is worth our efforts today. Don't slack up today! Press On!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
A Breath of Fresh Air
Today we read 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, and Philippians 2.
Philippians 2 .14-15- Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Nobody enjoys grumbling except the person doing the grumbling. Although it seems some come looking for a fight, surely no one loves to dispute. Let's be better than that today. Let's not bellyache. Let's not be hard to get along with. How refreshing we could be to just get along and be happy.
We could be a breath of fresh air or a bright, shining star for this old crooked, twisted world we live in. Let's pleasantly shine for Him today!
Philippians 2 .14-15- Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Nobody enjoys grumbling except the person doing the grumbling. Although it seems some come looking for a fight, surely no one loves to dispute. Let's be better than that today. Let's not bellyache. Let's not be hard to get along with. How refreshing we could be to just get along and be happy.
We could be a breath of fresh air or a bright, shining star for this old crooked, twisted world we live in. Let's pleasantly shine for Him today!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
A Simple Reminder
Today we read Song of Songs 5-8 and Philippians 1.
A Simple Reminder for today that I think we all need to keep in mind. Philippians 1.6- And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
You are not there yet. You have not reached your goal. You have not been wholly sanctified yet. It is a process that will last the rest of your life. In one sense, when one surrenders his or her life to the Lord, they are saved instantly. Salvation takes effect immediately. In another sense, you are being saved. That is what Philippians 1.6 is referring to. It is also about the process of 'working out your salvation.' In a third sense, we are looking to salvation. We are looking to the consummation of our salvation when we see Him face to face.
Now some Christians seem to think they have already reached the goal. If you do or you act like you do, I've got news for you. You are wrong.
Others of us know that God is still at work in us and there is much work to do. The good news today and the simple reminder of the day is that He who began it will continue it. He has not given up on you. Don't stop in your dedication service of Him or your effort to be all that you can be for Him.
May He bless our efforts today!
A Simple Reminder for today that I think we all need to keep in mind. Philippians 1.6- And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
You are not there yet. You have not reached your goal. You have not been wholly sanctified yet. It is a process that will last the rest of your life. In one sense, when one surrenders his or her life to the Lord, they are saved instantly. Salvation takes effect immediately. In another sense, you are being saved. That is what Philippians 1.6 is referring to. It is also about the process of 'working out your salvation.' In a third sense, we are looking to salvation. We are looking to the consummation of our salvation when we see Him face to face.
Now some Christians seem to think they have already reached the goal. If you do or you act like you do, I've got news for you. You are wrong.
Others of us know that God is still at work in us and there is much work to do. The good news today and the simple reminder of the day is that He who began it will continue it. He has not given up on you. Don't stop in your dedication service of Him or your effort to be all that you can be for Him.
May He bless our efforts today!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Those Little Foxes
Today we read Song of Songs of Solomon 1-4 and Ephesians 6.
In his early days Solomon wrote about young love. There are blessed overtones that point to the Savior throughout the book, however, the primary purpose for him writing was to express his love to the one most precious to him.
You can build big stone walls around your vineyard to keep out the wild animals from eating your product up, however, if you are not careful, the little animals will squeeze through the cracks. While big animals will consume the whole plant, the little animals will just eat the skin off the vine and kill the plant. We look out for the big things, but ignore the small things. Notice what Solomon says about it in Song of Songs 2.15- Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards,
for our vineyards are in blossom.”
It is the little things that often spoil the fruitfulness in a relationship. Little words, little acts, little thoughts can be destructive, even though they are little at the time. It hurts human relationships. It damages spiritual relationships that we have with the Lord.
Watch the little things today. Protect what is most precious.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
The Greatest Offer
Today we read Ecclesiastes 10-12, Psalm 94, and Ephesians 5.
Solomon was the wisest man and, maybe, the richest man that has ever lived. He had anything and everything known to man at his disposal. He surrounded himself with ladies from all known parts of the world. He collected the greatest artisans in the world to produce for him the greatest products. He searched high and low for anything and everything that satisfies and tried them all apparently. Yet, toward the end, he was disenchanted. All that he had experienced had not satisfied. As an old, experienced man, he sat down and wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. He ends the book with the conclusion to all of his life experiences. He writes it in Ecclesiastes 12.13- The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
In the end he realized again that it all came back to the Lord. Don't waste a lot of your life...or even this day...pursuing all the world offers. Instead, pursue the One that offers you the world.
Solomon was the wisest man and, maybe, the richest man that has ever lived. He had anything and everything known to man at his disposal. He surrounded himself with ladies from all known parts of the world. He collected the greatest artisans in the world to produce for him the greatest products. He searched high and low for anything and everything that satisfies and tried them all apparently. Yet, toward the end, he was disenchanted. All that he had experienced had not satisfied. As an old, experienced man, he sat down and wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. He ends the book with the conclusion to all of his life experiences. He writes it in Ecclesiastes 12.13- The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
In the end he realized again that it all came back to the Lord. Don't waste a lot of your life...or even this day...pursuing all the world offers. Instead, pursue the One that offers you the world.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Slip This On
Today we read Ecclesiastes 7-9 and Ephesians 4.
Solomon always knew how to put it! I found a good word today to keep in mind. It is found in Ecclesiastes 4.21-22- Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22 Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Watch what you say to others but don't be offended by what they say to you. You have said some dumb stuff in the past as well. I think that is a good word.
You know what they say- If the shoe fits... well, I am going to wear this one today.
You might need to as well. Have a great Saturday.
Solomon always knew how to put it! I found a good word today to keep in mind. It is found in Ecclesiastes 4.21-22- Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22 Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Watch what you say to others but don't be offended by what they say to you. You have said some dumb stuff in the past as well. I think that is a good word.
You know what they say- If the shoe fits... well, I am going to wear this one today.
You might need to as well. Have a great Saturday.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Today's Ride!
Today we read Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 18, and Ephesians 3.
Ephesians 3.14-19 - 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family[c] in heaven and on earth is named,16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Oh, that today, you...I...we may be strengthened in the Spirit and comprehend better than ever before the weightiness of the love of God. It is more than we can know! More than we can imagine! More than we can ponder! But, oh, let's have a good time exploring it as far as we can go today!!
Enjoy the Love of God today! Ride it as far as you can go!
Ephesians 3.14-19 - 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family[c] in heaven and on earth is named,16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Oh, that today, you...I...we may be strengthened in the Spirit and comprehend better than ever before the weightiness of the love of God. It is more than we can know! More than we can imagine! More than we can ponder! But, oh, let's have a good time exploring it as far as we can go today!!
Enjoy the Love of God today! Ride it as far as you can go!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Artisan In You
Today we read Ecclesiastes 1-3, Psalm 45, and Ephesians 2.
I am not an artisan. I can hardly write my name, but I cannot make anything. Now, don't misunderstand. When I was a single man, just out on my own and needed a TV cart, I bought a pressed wood put-it-together version and snapped to it. When I needed a home bookcase, Sauder here I come. For our first microwave, I put together a high quality 'put-it-together.' When the church I pastored added on, I put a couple of staff desks together. When kids came along, my abilities grew in type of crafts and in construction time. I could build castles, kitchens, and cars on a Christmas Eve night with just a screwdriver, an Allen wrench (provided by the company), a hammer (not always suggested but always used), and a set of instructions. Like Solomon was for the Temple, so I am for children's toys and cheap furniture. However, I am no artisan.
When we attend street festivals and look at all the things that a jigsaw, some plywood, paint and creativity can build, I always look at Dawn and say, "I can build that.", if she looks interested in any of it. However, we both know. This is not Sauder nor Mattel, so I will have to bow out and pay up. I am no artisan.
I will tell you what I can do though: I can do the work of the Lord. I sure can. I am not always good at it, but that does not mean I don't have the ability or the innate giftedness to carry it out. God has set me a part for His purposes and has crafted in me what He would have me to do. And He is an artisan.
Now, if you think that sounds a little puffed up, you will probably think what I am about to say is just flattery, but it isn't. You are equipped, gifted, and able to carry out the work of Christ everyday of your life as well. We all have different abilities and different levels at different things, but, if you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit that He breathed into you, is the Spirit that enables you to carry out His Work. The Artisan is in you. Working through you. Ephesians tells me so. Notice what else this promising passage says:
Ephesians 2.10- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The Work of God in us ought to mark our walk and everybody that come across our walk as we go.
Artisan or not, if in Christ, you have one in you. Walk in His Work today!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
For This Day
Today we read Proverbs 30 & 31, Psalm 33, and Ephesians 1.
Well, I wake up this morning in the outerskirts of Atlanta with a bus full of youth and chaperones. We spent yesterday riding the bus to get here, dipping in the pool, and watching the Atlanta Braves play. It was a great day. All showed up when they were supposed to and the Braves won in the bottom of the 10th inning. What more could you ask for! Today we invade Six Flags over Georgia. This morning before we leave the young are dreaming dreams and the old are seeing visions. The young are dreaming of a big day and the old are hoping that they can have some fun without it being too big a day. (When will the spinning the stop? I thought it stopped when the ride was over.)
I slept later than I ever thought I would, however, I woke up and was blessed to read an appropriate blessing for our day. It is found in
Psalm 33.20- Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
It is my hope today that His Shield will protect us and will watch over us throughout our day. May His Love be upon us and may He shine through us in all we do and say today.
Well, I wake up this morning in the outerskirts of Atlanta with a bus full of youth and chaperones. We spent yesterday riding the bus to get here, dipping in the pool, and watching the Atlanta Braves play. It was a great day. All showed up when they were supposed to and the Braves won in the bottom of the 10th inning. What more could you ask for! Today we invade Six Flags over Georgia. This morning before we leave the young are dreaming dreams and the old are seeing visions. The young are dreaming of a big day and the old are hoping that they can have some fun without it being too big a day. (When will the spinning the stop? I thought it stopped when the ride was over.)
I slept later than I ever thought I would, however, I woke up and was blessed to read an appropriate blessing for our day. It is found in
Psalm 33.20- Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
I pray the same for you.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The Row To Hoe
Today we read Proverbs 28-29, Psalm 60, and Romans 16.
I write here practically everyday to encourage you to spend daily time in the Word to receive direction in your decisions, reminders in your walk, and answers to your questions. Some of Paul's last words in his letter to the Romans reminds us that we have come far, but there is still a row to hoe.
Romans 16.19- For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
Seek the Lord and His Guidance today and everyday and let's please Him in the way that we live.
Have a great day in the Lord today!
I write here practically everyday to encourage you to spend daily time in the Word to receive direction in your decisions, reminders in your walk, and answers to your questions. Some of Paul's last words in his letter to the Romans reminds us that we have come far, but there is still a row to hoe.
Romans 16.19- For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
Seek the Lord and His Guidance today and everyday and let's please Him in the way that we live.
Have a great day in the Lord today!
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Hope Envelope
Today we read Proverbs 25-27 and Romans 15.
Just a good word for you today to ponder on that is found in Romans 15.13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
You can do nothing without hope and true hope is only found in the Lord. May His Joy and His Peace envelope your day today and everyday.
Just a good word for you today to ponder on that is found in Romans 15.13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
You can do nothing without hope and true hope is only found in the Lord. May His Joy and His Peace envelope your day today and everyday.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Never a Vacation
Today we read Proverbs 22-24 and Romans 14.
Proverbs 23.12- Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
I hope this summer that in the midst of all the vacation plans and fun days that you prioritize corporate worship and congregational study of God's Word. I also pray that daily you spend time with the Lord.
There is never a vacation from our growing relationship with the Lord.
See ya at the church house!
Proverbs 23.12- Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
I hope this summer that in the midst of all the vacation plans and fun days that you prioritize corporate worship and congregational study of God's Word. I also pray that daily you spend time with the Lord.
There is never a vacation from our growing relationship with the Lord.
See ya at the church house!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
When Making Plans
Today we read Proverbs 19-21 and Romans 13.
Proverbs 19.21- Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Before you make many plans today...or any plans in life, listen to the consultant that knows all, has already been there, knows you better than you know yourself, and is always looking out for you. His Will will be done anyway, so get on board from the top.
Have a great Saturday!
Proverbs 19.21- Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Before you make many plans today...or any plans in life, listen to the consultant that knows all, has already been there, knows you better than you know yourself, and is always looking out for you. His Will will be done anyway, so get on board from the top.
Have a great Saturday!
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