Today we read Job 22 and Mark 7 & 8.
The alarm went off this morning and I hit the button to get a couple more 10 minute time slots. While lying there, not really asleep and not really awake, I was thinking that my day was leaving me and I know I have a lot to do today. In my delirious state I imagined that it was late in the day and I had not finished what I needed done today. I started to worry because time was getting away from me. When I woke up and 'got up' and realized that it was still early, I was glad. For me it seems that everything gets 'bigger' in the night than it is when the sun comes up. We worry about stuff that we should not worry about. The disciples did too. Look at Mark 8.16-19- And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.”
They knew better than to worry. They had seen Him in action. Why worry about that kind of thing? Well, don't point a finger at them. We do the same thing. But let's decide today to not do it. Let's not worry about things that we know God is always on top of....and what in the world is He not already on top of?
We'll have storms today in Mississippi, but we know Who is in charge, even in the storm. The same goes for the storms in your life. No worries today. Rest in Him...and be happy.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Change
Today we read Job 21 and Mark 5 & 6.
An interesting, somewhat fascinating thing happens in Mark 5 that reminded me of something that we need to be careful about. The passage is when Jesus exorcized the demons out of the demoniac and sent the demons into nearby swine. The pigs then ran off a cliff and died. Some were amazed by his power but the owners of the pigs grew upset by the event. Notice their response in Mark 5.17- And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.
After a great moment of God, they just wanted God to leave. When God moves, things change. Some folks don't like the change. Please realize that many times when things change, it is because God is on the move. Let's be careful not to shun change or the God of change. Pray through matters when you see things coming. Even better, stay prayed up before it comes. When our relationship with God is where it needs to be, we will be made more ready for His Movement in our lives, regardless of the change that may come through it.
An interesting, somewhat fascinating thing happens in Mark 5 that reminded me of something that we need to be careful about. The passage is when Jesus exorcized the demons out of the demoniac and sent the demons into nearby swine. The pigs then ran off a cliff and died. Some were amazed by his power but the owners of the pigs grew upset by the event. Notice their response in Mark 5.17- And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.
After a great moment of God, they just wanted God to leave. When God moves, things change. Some folks don't like the change. Please realize that many times when things change, it is because God is on the move. Let's be careful not to shun change or the God of change. Pray through matters when you see things coming. Even better, stay prayed up before it comes. When our relationship with God is where it needs to be, we will be made more ready for His Movement in our lives, regardless of the change that may come through it.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Scattering Seed
Today we read Job 20 and Mark 3 & 4.
'Scattering seed' is an illustrative way that Christ described our sharing His Love with others and telling folks how to be forever changed by the power of salvation. Notice how He describes the effect of our 'scattering seed' in Mark 4.26-27 -And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.
When we scatter seed, it will produce fruit that we did not anticipate and do not understand. That is the power of God in the message of the Gospel. Scatter the message today and let's see what pops up in our tomorrows...and in our eternity.
Share His Love today!
'Scattering seed' is an illustrative way that Christ described our sharing His Love with others and telling folks how to be forever changed by the power of salvation. Notice how He describes the effect of our 'scattering seed' in Mark 4.26-27 -And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.
When we scatter seed, it will produce fruit that we did not anticipate and do not understand. That is the power of God in the message of the Gospel. Scatter the message today and let's see what pops up in our tomorrows...and in our eternity.
Share His Love today!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Keeping It All In Perspective
Today we read Job 19 and Mark 1 & 2.
After all Job had been through, he kept The Main Thing in perspective. Even when God moved in his life and he couldn't understand it, he never forgot The Main Thing. What is The Main Thing?
Job tells us in Job 19. 25- For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
Whatever you face, whatever questions you have, keep it all in perspective. This is not all there is. The Lord is on the throne. He knows your circumstances. He is coming again. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!
Keep it all in perspective today.
After all Job had been through, he kept The Main Thing in perspective. Even when God moved in his life and he couldn't understand it, he never forgot The Main Thing. What is The Main Thing?
Job tells us in Job 19. 25- For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
Whatever you face, whatever questions you have, keep it all in perspective. This is not all there is. The Lord is on the throne. He knows your circumstances. He is coming again. Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!
Keep it all in perspective today.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Just Keep Sharing
Today we read Job 18, Psalm 114, and Acts 27 & 28.
Let's be faithful to point people to Jesus and leave the results to the Lord. Notice Paul's dedication to the Gospel and the results of his faithful sharing in Acts 28.23b-24 - From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Share the Word faithfully. Give folks the opportunity to respond. Keep sharing regardless. Leave the Results to God.
Let's be faithful to point people to Jesus and leave the results to the Lord. Notice Paul's dedication to the Gospel and the results of his faithful sharing in Acts 28.23b-24 - From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Share the Word faithfully. Give folks the opportunity to respond. Keep sharing regardless. Leave the Results to God.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Popping the Question
Today we read Job 17 and Acts 24-26.
Paul stands before Agrippa and all his entourage and proclaims the Gospel. It is not enough to share, you need to also ask one to come to Christ, if given the opportunity in the situation to lead to the spiritual question. Paul asks Agrippa about coming to Christ and notice Agrippa's answer as well as Paul's response in Acts 26.28-29- And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Whether we have to share with someone a long time or just one short conversation, let's share the hope of Jesus with a world that so desperately needs Him.
Paul stands before Agrippa and all his entourage and proclaims the Gospel. It is not enough to share, you need to also ask one to come to Christ, if given the opportunity in the situation to lead to the spiritual question. Paul asks Agrippa about coming to Christ and notice Agrippa's answer as well as Paul's response in Acts 26.28-29- And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Whether we have to share with someone a long time or just one short conversation, let's share the hope of Jesus with a world that so desperately needs Him.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Come What May
Today we read Job 16 and Acts 21-23.
Paul was determined to do exactly what the Lord led Him to do, whatever the cost. Read Acts 21.10-14 - While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews[c] at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
That, my friend, is a heart set on doing what God wants done in a life. May we be so doggedly sure that God's Will is best for our lives that we follow Him, not matter where He leads.
Just do what God tells you to do today....nothing more and nothing less. Have a great day following the Lord.
Paul was determined to do exactly what the Lord led Him to do, whatever the cost. Read Acts 21.10-14 - While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews[c] at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
That, my friend, is a heart set on doing what God wants done in a life. May we be so doggedly sure that God's Will is best for our lives that we follow Him, not matter where He leads.
Just do what God tells you to do today....nothing more and nothing less. Have a great day following the Lord.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Staying On Course
Today we read Job 15 and Acts 19-20.
How is your service for The Lord? Paul served the Lord at all costs. He held nothing back. Reading to words of his testimony will challenge your heart. Just look at Acts 20.24- But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
You are not finished yet! Strive on for The Lord! Finish the Course! Value Christ direction for your life more than your own opinions. Live for Christ today!
How is your service for The Lord? Paul served the Lord at all costs. He held nothing back. Reading to words of his testimony will challenge your heart. Just look at Acts 20.24- But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
You are not finished yet! Strive on for The Lord! Finish the Course! Value Christ direction for your life more than your own opinions. Live for Christ today!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Faith Conversations
Today we read Job 13-14 and Acts 17-18.
A man named Apollos is mentioned in Acts 18. Notice how Priscilla and Aquila took him aside to teach him the rest of the story in Acts 18.26- He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
He spoke boldly of the truths of Scripture, but he did not know the Lord. They sat him down and shared the complete Gospel message of salvation through Christ.
There are still a lot of people that know a lot about God but they do not know Him personally. I want you to know about God, but more importantly I want you to know the Lord through a personal relationship that can only come by salvation through Christ.
I would love to come alongside you by appointment, phone call, email, snail mail, or any other way, if you have any doubt about your relationship with Christ.
It is not enough just to know about Him. Know Him today!
A man named Apollos is mentioned in Acts 18. Notice how Priscilla and Aquila took him aside to teach him the rest of the story in Acts 18.26- He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
He spoke boldly of the truths of Scripture, but he did not know the Lord. They sat him down and shared the complete Gospel message of salvation through Christ.
There are still a lot of people that know a lot about God but they do not know Him personally. I want you to know about God, but more importantly I want you to know the Lord through a personal relationship that can only come by salvation through Christ.
I would love to come alongside you by appointment, phone call, email, snail mail, or any other way, if you have any doubt about your relationship with Christ.
It is not enough just to know about Him. Know Him today!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Right Way
Today we read Job 11-12 and Acts 15-16.
Everything did not always go smooth. Everyone did not always get along. They did not always go where they had expected to go. Notice, however, how Paul and the other followers of Christ determine the path that they will follow.
Acts 16.7-10- And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Folks, everything will not always go smooth. Everyone will not always get along. Life won't always take you where you expect to go, however, follow the Spirit of the Lord. You will go the right way.
Everything did not always go smooth. Everyone did not always get along. They did not always go where they had expected to go. Notice, however, how Paul and the other followers of Christ determine the path that they will follow.
Acts 16.7-10- And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Folks, everything will not always go smooth. Everyone will not always get along. Life won't always take you where you expect to go, however, follow the Spirit of the Lord. You will go the right way.
Monday, October 21, 2013
The Right Focus
Today we read Job 9-10 and Acts 13-14.
If you want to see the good that God is doing around you, you can. If you want to be negative and constantly come up with something to complain about, that is your choice as well. However, if your cup is half-full instead of half-empty, you will do two things better: keep some friends and give God praise. Nobody likes to be around one who always sees the bad in everything. It is also refreshing to be around one that gives God the glory and the praise.
Paul and Barnabas had a lot to be negative about. People misunderstood them and treated them as gods. Religious leaders misunderstood them and treated them as dogs. A mad crowd threw rocks at Paul's head until they left him for dead. Yet, Paul and Barnabas knew God was at work and they stayed at it. After all of that, notice what they focused on when the church got together in Acts 14.27- And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
That is what the church ought to always focus on...and that is what the Christian ought to always focus on.
If you want to see the good that God is doing around you, you can. If you want to be negative and constantly come up with something to complain about, that is your choice as well. However, if your cup is half-full instead of half-empty, you will do two things better: keep some friends and give God praise. Nobody likes to be around one who always sees the bad in everything. It is also refreshing to be around one that gives God the glory and the praise.
Paul and Barnabas had a lot to be negative about. People misunderstood them and treated them as gods. Religious leaders misunderstood them and treated them as dogs. A mad crowd threw rocks at Paul's head until they left him for dead. Yet, Paul and Barnabas knew God was at work and they stayed at it. After all of that, notice what they focused on when the church got together in Acts 14.27- And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
That is what the church ought to always focus on...and that is what the Christian ought to always focus on.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Expectant Prayer
Today we read Job 6-8 and Acts 12.
How expectant is your prayer? When you pray, do you expect God to answer?
Acts 12.12-16 -When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
Although they prayed for him, they thought Rhoda was crazy when she said Peter was free and knocking at the door.
When you pray, pay attention, God's answer could be knocking at your door.
Not a typical Sunday for me...I am in Kansas City for a Midwestern Seminary board meeting. I noticed on the plane yesterday that Tom Elliff, the president of the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention was abroad as well. I knew he would probably be speaking at a missions conference that is going on at Lenexa Baptist Church. I checked and he is. Today I will attend Lenexa, a big supporter of the seminary, and hear Dr. Elliff. I am thankful that back in Houston, my folks get to hear Ken Rhodes speak about Mississippi mobilizing missions. I am excited about their opportunity. Wherever you worship today, have a great day of worship.
How expectant is your prayer? When you pray, do you expect God to answer?
Acts 12.12-16 -When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
Although they prayed for him, they thought Rhoda was crazy when she said Peter was free and knocking at the door.
When you pray, pay attention, God's answer could be knocking at your door.
Not a typical Sunday for me...I am in Kansas City for a Midwestern Seminary board meeting. I noticed on the plane yesterday that Tom Elliff, the president of the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention was abroad as well. I knew he would probably be speaking at a missions conference that is going on at Lenexa Baptist Church. I checked and he is. Today I will attend Lenexa, a big supporter of the seminary, and hear Dr. Elliff. I am thankful that back in Houston, my folks get to hear Ken Rhodes speak about Mississippi mobilizing missions. I am excited about their opportunity. Wherever you worship today, have a great day of worship.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
A Divine Appointment
Today we read Job 5, Psalm 108, and Acts 10 & 11.
Today, as you read Acts 10, you will read about Peter's visit to Cornelius' house. On that visit Peter shared the Gospel and Cornelius' house was forever changed. We know that Peter was led to do it by the Holy Spirit. When we share the love of Jesus with someone, it always begins with the Spirit working in us, whether we realize it or not. In our own flesh, we won't share Christ. In the Spirit's power and with His Leading, we will share mightily.
Notice the other side of the conversation. Notice what happened to Cornelius before he thought of Peter or Peter's message. You will see it begin in Acts 10.3- About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”
Some never realize that God is working in the person's life that He is leading us to share with, as well. God is working on both ends of the conversation. When both ends will listen to the leading of the Lord, lives will change. It is what I call a divine appointment. It is not set up or prepared by us, but by Him. When we follow His Lead, we walk right into it.
I am praying that God will allow me to walk into it today. I pray the same for you.
Today, as you read Acts 10, you will read about Peter's visit to Cornelius' house. On that visit Peter shared the Gospel and Cornelius' house was forever changed. We know that Peter was led to do it by the Holy Spirit. When we share the love of Jesus with someone, it always begins with the Spirit working in us, whether we realize it or not. In our own flesh, we won't share Christ. In the Spirit's power and with His Leading, we will share mightily.
Notice the other side of the conversation. Notice what happened to Cornelius before he thought of Peter or Peter's message. You will see it begin in Acts 10.3- About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”
Some never realize that God is working in the person's life that He is leading us to share with, as well. God is working on both ends of the conversation. When both ends will listen to the leading of the Lord, lives will change. It is what I call a divine appointment. It is not set up or prepared by us, but by Him. When we follow His Lead, we walk right into it.
I am praying that God will allow me to walk into it today. I pray the same for you.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Scatter and Share
Today we read Job 3 & 4 and Acts 8 & 9.
Persecution hit the church. Saul is one of the leaders in the persecution of those that are sharing the Gospel. The Roman government doesn't like them. The religious leaders don't like them. They all want to silence the Gospel message. The persecution becomes so strong that the people scatter. Christians that were centralized in Jerusalem spread to other parts of the known world. Notice what happened when they did. Acts 8.3- Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
The reality is that one of the greatest events that led to the spreading of the Gospel message to so much of the world was the persecution that the church was facing. The church scattered but they broadcasted the Gospel everywhere they went.
We live in a day when people resent the Gospel message. The 'Jesus only' mode of Christianity makes it sound exclusive and binding. It is, however, exclusive and binding, and that is the way that Jesus explained it as well (John 14.6). People will not like it. Alienation, ostracizing, and even persecution could come. Whatever may come, just make sure that as you scatter, you scatter sharing Jesus. I believe the church had her greatest days of growth in the first century, partially due to the persecution she suffered. I KNOW her growth came because Christians, wherever they went, whatever happened to them, spread the love, message, and joy of Jesus with who God put them in contact with.
May we do the same...whatever may come.
Persecution hit the church. Saul is one of the leaders in the persecution of those that are sharing the Gospel. The Roman government doesn't like them. The religious leaders don't like them. They all want to silence the Gospel message. The persecution becomes so strong that the people scatter. Christians that were centralized in Jerusalem spread to other parts of the known world. Notice what happened when they did. Acts 8.3- Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
The reality is that one of the greatest events that led to the spreading of the Gospel message to so much of the world was the persecution that the church was facing. The church scattered but they broadcasted the Gospel everywhere they went.
We live in a day when people resent the Gospel message. The 'Jesus only' mode of Christianity makes it sound exclusive and binding. It is, however, exclusive and binding, and that is the way that Jesus explained it as well (John 14.6). People will not like it. Alienation, ostracizing, and even persecution could come. Whatever may come, just make sure that as you scatter, you scatter sharing Jesus. I believe the church had her greatest days of growth in the first century, partially due to the persecution she suffered. I KNOW her growth came because Christians, wherever they went, whatever happened to them, spread the love, message, and joy of Jesus with who God put them in contact with.
May we do the same...whatever may come.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Need In The Church
Today we read Job 1 & 2 and Acts 6 & 7.
Acts 6.3- Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
Never be confused about who God uses and what the church really needs. Our greatest needs are not great scholars, businessmen, persuaders, or sages. Our greatest needs are people that honor God with their lives, walk in His Ways, are led by His Spirit, and who have the mind of Christ.
May we prepare our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit to live ready to be used by God.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
But If Of God
Today we read Malachi 3-4, Psalm 148, and Acts 5.
As those in authority were toying with what to do with the apostles, Gamaliel, the sage, stepped forward and told them to be careful in their judgment. He put it this way in Acts 5.38-39 -
So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice..
Let's be about the things of God so that we can succeed in Him, instead of failing and drifting away on our own. Please the Lord today and follow His Will.
As those in authority were toying with what to do with the apostles, Gamaliel, the sage, stepped forward and told them to be careful in their judgment. He put it this way in Acts 5.38-39 -
So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice..
Let's be about the things of God so that we can succeed in Him, instead of failing and drifting away on our own. Please the Lord today and follow His Will.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Being With Jesus
Today we read Nehemiah 13, Malachi 1-2, and Acts 4.
Acts 4.13- Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
May we be so bold for Christ that others know that we have been with Jesus. May our focus, however, be upon being with Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our boldness...our words...our actions....our ministries.
Acts 4.13- Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
May we be so bold for Christ that others know that we have been with Jesus. May our focus, however, be upon being with Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our boldness...our words...our actions....our ministries.
Monday, October 14, 2013
What Do I Hear?
Today we read Nehemiah 11-12, Psalm 1, and Acts 3.
They are rebuilding the torn down walls in Nehemiah. God uses them to accomplish this great feat.
In the end they celebrate. Notice the description of the celebration in Nehemiah 12.43- And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
What do folks hear out of us? I am the PA announcer for our high school football team. I am a loud guy. I have been told I'm heard blocks away and people just walk outside some nights to hear what is happening at the ball game. They probably hear some of the fans too. What do folks hear out of us?
I hear folks grumble about politics, gas prices, work strains, kid stresses, and rivalry ball teams. What do folks hear out of us? Think about it.
May the joy of Jesus bubbling out of lives be heard far and far away!....Today!
They are rebuilding the torn down walls in Nehemiah. God uses them to accomplish this great feat.
In the end they celebrate. Notice the description of the celebration in Nehemiah 12.43- And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
What do folks hear out of us? I am the PA announcer for our high school football team. I am a loud guy. I have been told I'm heard blocks away and people just walk outside some nights to hear what is happening at the ball game. They probably hear some of the fans too. What do folks hear out of us?
I hear folks grumble about politics, gas prices, work strains, kid stresses, and rivalry ball teams. What do folks hear out of us? Think about it.
May the joy of Jesus bubbling out of lives be heard far and far away!....Today!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
A Legacy of His Faithfulness
Today we read Nehemiah 9-10 and Acts 2.
When you read Nehemiah 9, you will see that they are celebrating their great accomplishments in The Lord. They are celebrating it by celebrating Him. They take time to reflect on the legacy of the faithfulness of the Lord. We will be a lot more appreciative to the Lord if we took time to reflect on these matters as well. Remember Joshua laid the stones in the bed of the Jordan in celebration of what God had told for them. They laid down Ebenezers or stones of remembrance, which were markers for future generations to ask about and to learn about the Lord who has been so faithful. Take time today to reflect on the legacy of the faithfulness of the Lord in your life today.
I particularly relate to Nehemiah 9.25a- And they captured fortified cities and a rich land, and took possession of houses full of all good things, cisterns already hewn, vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in abundance.
Over the last 20 years I have moved four times and served with three different congregations. Everywhere I have served, it has been obvious that God has went before me and dug the wells to provide all I need each and every time. His care and guidance is a blessing.
May our lives be marked with faithfulness as well.
When you read Nehemiah 9, you will see that they are celebrating their great accomplishments in The Lord. They are celebrating it by celebrating Him. They take time to reflect on the legacy of the faithfulness of the Lord. We will be a lot more appreciative to the Lord if we took time to reflect on these matters as well. Remember Joshua laid the stones in the bed of the Jordan in celebration of what God had told for them. They laid down Ebenezers or stones of remembrance, which were markers for future generations to ask about and to learn about the Lord who has been so faithful. Take time today to reflect on the legacy of the faithfulness of the Lord in your life today.
I particularly relate to Nehemiah 9.25a- And they captured fortified cities and a rich land, and took possession of houses full of all good things, cisterns already hewn, vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in abundance.
Over the last 20 years I have moved four times and served with three different congregations. Everywhere I have served, it has been obvious that God has went before me and dug the wells to provide all I need each and every time. His care and guidance is a blessing.
May our lives be marked with faithfulness as well.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Jesus Is Coming
Today we read Nehemiah 7 & 8 and Acts 1.
Let me give you some Saturday refreshment from Acts 1.10-11- And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them inwhite robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Jesus is coming again! That should give you a lot of hope, however, if you are not certain about your relationship with the Lord and uncertain about your eternity with Him, it may frighten you. It should. His Return should not frighten you. It should reassure you. However, if you are uncertain about your salvation in the Lord, you simply need to confess your sins to Him, turn from your sinful ways, and surrender your life to the Lord Jesus. It is not special words that you must say. It is a special commitment of the heart that you must make. It is easy to do, but it is life changing when you really do it. Come to Jesus today....
....because He is coming again!
Let me give you some Saturday refreshment from Acts 1.10-11- And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them inwhite robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Jesus is coming again! That should give you a lot of hope, however, if you are not certain about your relationship with the Lord and uncertain about your eternity with Him, it may frighten you. It should. His Return should not frighten you. It should reassure you. However, if you are uncertain about your salvation in the Lord, you simply need to confess your sins to Him, turn from your sinful ways, and surrender your life to the Lord Jesus. It is not special words that you must say. It is a special commitment of the heart that you must make. It is easy to do, but it is life changing when you really do it. Come to Jesus today....
....because He is coming again!
Friday, October 11, 2013
When They Notice
Today we read Nehemiah 5-6, Psalm 146, and Luke 24.
Nehemiah followed the Lord's lead and did great things for God. People noticed...they always will. He let the Lord use Him and notice what his neighbors saw in Nehemiah 6.16- And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
They saw the work that Nehemiah and his workers had accomplished and even their pagan neighbors knew it was only done by the hand of God.
Be a witness for Christ today. Follow His Lead. Do great things for God. People will notice and, when they do, give Him the glory.
Nehemiah followed the Lord's lead and did great things for God. People noticed...they always will. He let the Lord use Him and notice what his neighbors saw in Nehemiah 6.16- And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
They saw the work that Nehemiah and his workers had accomplished and even their pagan neighbors knew it was only done by the hand of God.
Be a witness for Christ today. Follow His Lead. Do great things for God. People will notice and, when they do, give Him the glory.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Just Keep Building
Today we read Nehemiah 3-4 and Luke 23.
Nehemiah is a great testimony of how a man led by God helped a people do a great work. It was not without conflict. Good, Godly work never is. Somebody is not going to like it when you do a work for God. Somebody might not even like you. Do you know what you do? Do what they did in
Nehemiah 4.6- So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
When the naysayers, the woosters, and the criticizers will not celebrate the work that you are trying to accomplish in Christ, just keep rebuilding lives. Keep your mind on the work. Stay at it. One brick at a time. Let's do mighty things for God! Have a great one!
Nehemiah is a great testimony of how a man led by God helped a people do a great work. It was not without conflict. Good, Godly work never is. Somebody is not going to like it when you do a work for God. Somebody might not even like you. Do you know what you do? Do what they did in
Nehemiah 4.6- So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
When the naysayers, the woosters, and the criticizers will not celebrate the work that you are trying to accomplish in Christ, just keep rebuilding lives. Keep your mind on the work. Stay at it. One brick at a time. Let's do mighty things for God! Have a great one!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
God's Waterboy
Today we read Nehemiah 1-2, Psalms 133 & 134, and Luke 22.
Today we read of a man who had a huge responsibility. Jesus was setting up his time in the upper room with the disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. This was, of course, a very important time in a special place. In those preparations he told them to look for a man carrying water in
Luke 22.10- He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters...
Now we don't know the back story here. We don't know if Jesus had arranged with this jar toter or if Jesus just foreknew that he was coming. We do know two things: 1) it was crucial that the man was in his spot with his water jug. 2) We also know that dudes didn't carry water. Women carried water.
This man would stand out because he was totting water. However, he was carrying the water, they did meet with them, and they did have their crucial time with Jesus in the upper room.
Our lesson is to never underestimate the importance of doing a job for the Lord. A man doing women's work (for that time and place) who shall remain nameless set up one of the most significant events in all of history--the Lord's time with the disciples in the upper room.
Whatever The Lord leads you to do in service for Him, do it. You will never know this side of eternity the impact you may make.
Today we read of a man who had a huge responsibility. Jesus was setting up his time in the upper room with the disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. This was, of course, a very important time in a special place. In those preparations he told them to look for a man carrying water in
Luke 22.10- He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters...
Now we don't know the back story here. We don't know if Jesus had arranged with this jar toter or if Jesus just foreknew that he was coming. We do know two things: 1) it was crucial that the man was in his spot with his water jug. 2) We also know that dudes didn't carry water. Women carried water.
This man would stand out because he was totting water. However, he was carrying the water, they did meet with them, and they did have their crucial time with Jesus in the upper room.
Our lesson is to never underestimate the importance of doing a job for the Lord. A man doing women's work (for that time and place) who shall remain nameless set up one of the most significant events in all of history--the Lord's time with the disciples in the upper room.
Whatever The Lord leads you to do in service for Him, do it. You will never know this side of eternity the impact you may make.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
'Fessing Up
Today we read Ezra 9-10, Psalm 131, and Luke 21.
There comes a time when you have to face up to your wrongdoing. In Ezra 9-10 the people of Israel are facing up to it. They have so mingled with the pagan culture of their world that they have fallen into a sinful trap. It is the job of the Christian to be like Christ who influenced His World for His Cause and would not allow the world to influence Him. That is what we are supposed to do. It seems that, instead, too many times, we become influenced, weakened, and sinful in our world and are influenced by them. The sinful world colors us. Of course, there are also those Christians that pull away from the world to make sure they are not tainted, but that does little to influence the world. We are to be in the world, but not of it.
However, when you fall for the devil's traps, how do you deal with it? You ought to be heartbroken, before the Lord, and repentant. Read the prayer of Ezra as he confessed his sin before God in
Ezra 9.6- O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.
If we would be that serious about our sin, we could walk out of such a prayer closet and influence our world for Christ by His Strength with His Guidance in His Spirit. I guarantee you that!
There comes a time when you have to face up to your wrongdoing. In Ezra 9-10 the people of Israel are facing up to it. They have so mingled with the pagan culture of their world that they have fallen into a sinful trap. It is the job of the Christian to be like Christ who influenced His World for His Cause and would not allow the world to influence Him. That is what we are supposed to do. It seems that, instead, too many times, we become influenced, weakened, and sinful in our world and are influenced by them. The sinful world colors us. Of course, there are also those Christians that pull away from the world to make sure they are not tainted, but that does little to influence the world. We are to be in the world, but not of it.
However, when you fall for the devil's traps, how do you deal with it? You ought to be heartbroken, before the Lord, and repentant. Read the prayer of Ezra as he confessed his sin before God in
Ezra 9.6- O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.
If we would be that serious about our sin, we could walk out of such a prayer closet and influence our world for Christ by His Strength with His Guidance in His Spirit. I guarantee you that!
Monday, October 7, 2013
The Right Diet
Today we read Ezra 7-8 and Luke 20.
Ezra was used mightily by the Lord. We gain evidence of the reason God chose to use him in
Ezra 7.10- For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
Ezra loved the Word of God and studied it faithfully. God rewards such as that. God's Word is rewarding for its direction, guidance, comfort, correction, conviction, and blessing.
Make sure a steady diet of God's Word is in your life daily.
Ezra was used mightily by the Lord. We gain evidence of the reason God chose to use him in
Ezra 7.10- For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
Ezra loved the Word of God and studied it faithfully. God rewards such as that. God's Word is rewarding for its direction, guidance, comfort, correction, conviction, and blessing.
Make sure a steady diet of God's Word is in your life daily.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
The Business At Hand
Today we read Esther 9-10 and Luke 19.
Luke 19.13- Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
The Lord has left to His followers the business of the Kingdom. It is our job to help 'the business' grow by 'advertising it' with our lives, 'selling' it with our words, and 'growing it' with the investment that He has made in us (the power of His Spirit).
(This is a great example of how you don't take every aspect that a parable may relate to.) Although I took the analogy a little too far, let's work till Jesus comes with our lives, our words, and the power of the One that He has placed within us.
Make the Lord's House a priority today.
Luke 19.13- Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
The Lord has left to His followers the business of the Kingdom. It is our job to help 'the business' grow by 'advertising it' with our lives, 'selling' it with our words, and 'growing it' with the investment that He has made in us (the power of His Spirit).
(This is a great example of how you don't take every aspect that a parable may relate to.) Although I took the analogy a little too far, let's work till Jesus comes with our lives, our words, and the power of the One that He has placed within us.
Make the Lord's House a priority today.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
For Such A Time As This
Today we read Esther 3-8 and Luke 18.
Esther was put in a spot of leadership that gave her the opportunity to be an influence. Mordecai asked her to seriously consider her opportunity in Esther 4.14b- And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
We are in such a time in our country that it would do us good to realize our potential. We need to make a difference for Christ in a world and in a country that is not only less Christian, but more anti-Christian. How do we make such a difference? We can throw up our fists and fight against the lost and dying world. OR We can yell loudly against the lost and dying world. OR We can penetrate it like yeast in flour, expose it like light in darkness, pray for it and through it like Christ prayed for such situations.
Sometimes it is hard to know what to do. However, always remember that any change has to start with you. I never thought I would quote Michael Jackson, but I am:
I'm Starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking Him to Change His Ways, and No message could have been any clearer- If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
Now, I happen to believe that it starts with the Lord and I ask Him to empower me to change. However, I will do the world a lot better service to make sure my life is in complete compliance with The Lord and allowing Him to lead my action, before I go out and bang my drum for His Causes in the midst of our world.
Do your part for Christ today and let it begin in you.
Esther was put in a spot of leadership that gave her the opportunity to be an influence. Mordecai asked her to seriously consider her opportunity in Esther 4.14b- And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
We are in such a time in our country that it would do us good to realize our potential. We need to make a difference for Christ in a world and in a country that is not only less Christian, but more anti-Christian. How do we make such a difference? We can throw up our fists and fight against the lost and dying world. OR We can yell loudly against the lost and dying world. OR We can penetrate it like yeast in flour, expose it like light in darkness, pray for it and through it like Christ prayed for such situations.
Sometimes it is hard to know what to do. However, always remember that any change has to start with you. I never thought I would quote Michael Jackson, but I am:
I'm Starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking Him to Change His Ways, and No message could have been any clearer- If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
Now, I happen to believe that it starts with the Lord and I ask Him to empower me to change. However, I will do the world a lot better service to make sure my life is in complete compliance with The Lord and allowing Him to lead my action, before I go out and bang my drum for His Causes in the midst of our world.
Do your part for Christ today and let it begin in you.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Where are the Nine?
Today we read Esther 1 & 2, Psalm 150, and Luke 17.
When Jesus healed the lepers, nine out of ten never bothered to go back and say thanks. Jesus asked in Luke 17.17- Where are the nine? Where are the ones that Jesus has forever changed their lives? Did they not go back to give Him praise and thanks?
How about yout? Has Jesus changed your life? Do you take a moment daily to thank Him for the eternal difference He has made in your life?
Take time today...and have a great day!
When Jesus healed the lepers, nine out of ten never bothered to go back and say thanks. Jesus asked in Luke 17.17- Where are the nine? Where are the ones that Jesus has forever changed their lives? Did they not go back to give Him praise and thanks?
How about yout? Has Jesus changed your life? Do you take a moment daily to thank Him for the eternal difference He has made in your life?
Take time today...and have a great day!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
The Reality of Hell
Today we read Ezra 5-6, Psalm 138, and Luke 16.
It is not very popular today to talk about hell. It is spoken of more as a joke, slang, or an exasperation, but that does not take away from the reality of it. Scripture is clear...Jesus is clear....that if one dies without having acknowledged Christ with life surrender, he or she will spend eternity separated from God in a place of agony. It is real, folks. If you believe anything Jesus says, believe what He says about hell. Jesus told about the man in hell who grew so burdened for his hellbound brothers that he asked someone to go tell them specifically. Jesus replied, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”- Luke 16.31.
Jesus was saying that if one does not acknowledge what the Word says about it now, they would not listen to firsthand testimony either. If you do not know Jesus, take what He says about eternity seriously. He means it. If you do know Jesus, tell folks about the reality of eternity based on the words of Jesus.
This is not all there is. There is more when this is over. Live your life tettering between celebrating eternity in Christ and warning about eternity without Christ. I pray He burdens your heart and opens doors of opportunity for you.
It is not very popular today to talk about hell. It is spoken of more as a joke, slang, or an exasperation, but that does not take away from the reality of it. Scripture is clear...Jesus is clear....that if one dies without having acknowledged Christ with life surrender, he or she will spend eternity separated from God in a place of agony. It is real, folks. If you believe anything Jesus says, believe what He says about hell. Jesus told about the man in hell who grew so burdened for his hellbound brothers that he asked someone to go tell them specifically. Jesus replied, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”- Luke 16.31.
Jesus was saying that if one does not acknowledge what the Word says about it now, they would not listen to firsthand testimony either. If you do not know Jesus, take what He says about eternity seriously. He means it. If you do know Jesus, tell folks about the reality of eternity based on the words of Jesus.
This is not all there is. There is more when this is over. Live your life tettering between celebrating eternity in Christ and warning about eternity without Christ. I pray He burdens your heart and opens doors of opportunity for you.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Rejoicing With Heaven
Today we read Zechariah 13-14, Psalm 147, and Luke 15.
Luke 15.10 - Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Do you want to do something to make all of heaven rejoice? Share Jesus today! All of heaven is looking over the edge of eternity to see one come to Jesus. Let's do all we can today to be a part of the increased praise and joy of heaven today.
Luke 15.10 - Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Do you want to do something to make all of heaven rejoice? Share Jesus today! All of heaven is looking over the edge of eternity to see one come to Jesus. Let's do all we can today to be a part of the increased praise and joy of heaven today.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Count the Cost
Today we read Zechariah 10-12, Psalm 126, and Luke 14.
Luke 14.28- For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
If you are going to build something, you need to count the cost. I would encourage you also to count the cost of what you build your life on. What do you spend your time on? Where is your energy focused? How do you make decisions? What are your priorities? Count the cost, figure it up, sort it out- What kind of life are you building- for you and for your family? What kind of legacy are you leaving?
I encourage you to build your life on Christ. Live by His Principles. Stay in His Word. Let it rule and reign in your life. When you do, you will build something on a firm foundation that will last.
Count the cost today.
Luke 14.28- For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
If you are going to build something, you need to count the cost. I would encourage you also to count the cost of what you build your life on. What do you spend your time on? Where is your energy focused? How do you make decisions? What are your priorities? Count the cost, figure it up, sort it out- What kind of life are you building- for you and for your family? What kind of legacy are you leaving?
I encourage you to build your life on Christ. Live by His Principles. Stay in His Word. Let it rule and reign in your life. When you do, you will build something on a firm foundation that will last.
Count the cost today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)