Today, on the day that we celebrate the Lord's Birth, we read the book of 1 John.
One of my favorite verses reminds me of what this day is really all about. 1 John 5.13- I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
The promise of eternity is really the joy of Christmas. Eternal life is really the reason for the season. From a humble manger to a mangled cross to an empty tomb to an eastern sky to the land of the river of life, Christmas is all about the opportunity for each of us in Christ. Take time to celebrate that today.
After today, I will be taking a little break in my 'almost daily dairy'. I will be with family and taking some time to focus my direction, both personally and pastorally, toward 2014. Be not mistaken, I will still be in the Word daily, just not writing to you about it. If you were to dare miss it in these days, please voice a prayer for me when it comes to mind as I seek God's direction and vision for this blog, for my church, and for my life.
I will see in 2014, if it's the Lord's will (James tells us to say that). It is a joy to be your friend on the world wide web!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
By The Cross At Christmas
We read John 19-21 today.
John 19.25-...Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
This time of year we often think of Mary by the manger. Mary, also, stood by the cross. This time of year we often think of Jesus in the manger. I believe we ought to see Him on the cross as well, because the joy of Christmas comes in the victory of the cross.
We will celebrate as a church both of these: the coming of Christ incarnate and the sacrifice of Christ eternal at 5 PM in a short Lord's Supper worship at FBC. If you are in town, take a few moments to look past the manger and look to the cross with us.
John 19.25-...Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
This time of year we often think of Mary by the manger. Mary, also, stood by the cross. This time of year we often think of Jesus in the manger. I believe we ought to see Him on the cross as well, because the joy of Christmas comes in the victory of the cross.
We will celebrate as a church both of these: the coming of Christ incarnate and the sacrifice of Christ eternal at 5 PM in a short Lord's Supper worship at FBC. If you are in town, take a few moments to look past the manger and look to the cross with us.
Monday, December 23, 2013
A Daily Guide
Today we read John 15-18.
When Jesus spent that valuable time in the upper room with His disciples, He told them truths to remember when He was not physically with them, when they felt alone, and when times may get tough. One of the greatest truths he shared is found in John 16.13- When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
What makes the truth so great is that it applies to us as well. The Holy Spirit will guide you daily preparing you for whatever may come. Prepare for tomorrow with the Word of God in your hand and the Spirit of God leading your life.
Have a great day!
When Jesus spent that valuable time in the upper room with His disciples, He told them truths to remember when He was not physically with them, when they felt alone, and when times may get tough. One of the greatest truths he shared is found in John 16.13- When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
What makes the truth so great is that it applies to us as well. The Holy Spirit will guide you daily preparing you for whatever may come. Prepare for tomorrow with the Word of God in your hand and the Spirit of God leading your life.
Have a great day!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Son in Your Clouds
Today we read John 12-14.
I am blessed to spend a couple of days with my brother-in-law and one of his daughters. I look forward to spending time with my parents, brothers, and their families after Christmas. It is always fun to celebrate with Dawn and the girls. However, I understand the other side of Christmas now. Although we were blessed to go to a nursing home and celebrate Dawn's father's recent hospital release, we will not be going to Hattiesburg this year. Her mother will celebrate Christmas in glory for the second time and that leaves a cloud over the season for us. We realize so very often now how life changes through the days.
I am thankful, however, we are not alone...even when we may feel like we are. There is a lot of folks that have clouds hanging over their festive seasons. However, they are not alone. John 14.1- "Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." He is the reason for the season and He is there with us in the midst of it.
May He shine through your clouds!
I am blessed to spend a couple of days with my brother-in-law and one of his daughters. I look forward to spending time with my parents, brothers, and their families after Christmas. It is always fun to celebrate with Dawn and the girls. However, I understand the other side of Christmas now. Although we were blessed to go to a nursing home and celebrate Dawn's father's recent hospital release, we will not be going to Hattiesburg this year. Her mother will celebrate Christmas in glory for the second time and that leaves a cloud over the season for us. We realize so very often now how life changes through the days.
I am thankful, however, we are not alone...even when we may feel like we are. There is a lot of folks that have clouds hanging over their festive seasons. However, they are not alone. John 14.1- "Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." He is the reason for the season and He is there with us in the midst of it.
May He shine through your clouds!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Cool Numbers
Today we read John 5-6.
One of the great joys that I have in ministry is being able to minister alongside my fellow church members. We have ongoing ministries that keep us busy all year long. This time of year, however, always has a lot more people asking and I have been blessed in recent days to be a part of wonderful experiences that have been blessed and led by the Lord.
At Thanksgiving we provided 99 turkeys to 100 families. One man said that he did not want a turkey because he 'wouldn't know what to do with it.' Last Thursday night we served 100 families hams that were donated by a local grocer and, just like at Thanksgiving, each family also got a good bag of groceries to accompany the meat. Did we plan for 100? Yes. However, we have planned for that many before, but never had that many. This year it was a blessing to turn no one away and to have none left over. The day before the last giveaway a local farmer and faithful member of our church donated 15 boxes of world famous Vardaman Sweet Potatoes and each family went home with a good sack o' taters. That ministry comes alongside the Samaritan Purse Christmas Shoebox Ministry, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the Prison Christmas Bag Ministry, the monthly free medical clinic, our ministry to travelers (twice just this week), and the many families that have been adopted for the Christmas season. It is a blessing to be a part of these wonderful works of God.
I was reminded of all of that this morning as I read about the feeding of the 5,000. One key verse that we base our ministry policies on is found in John 6.10a- Jesus said, "Have the people sit down."
Why is that important? It is important because that was the processing procedure for the Lord. Sit them down so that the feeding can be organized. That is what we do. We do not ask financial questions. We do not ask for identification. We simply ask that they allow us to get their name, pray for them, and only take one bag per household. Most need it. Some may not. That is for the Lord to work out with each individual. He told us to feed the hungry and I am happy to be a part of such a ministry as I am with First Baptist Church.
Exactly 100 families...twice...ain't that cool! Have a blessed day!
One of the great joys that I have in ministry is being able to minister alongside my fellow church members. We have ongoing ministries that keep us busy all year long. This time of year, however, always has a lot more people asking and I have been blessed in recent days to be a part of wonderful experiences that have been blessed and led by the Lord.
At Thanksgiving we provided 99 turkeys to 100 families. One man said that he did not want a turkey because he 'wouldn't know what to do with it.' Last Thursday night we served 100 families hams that were donated by a local grocer and, just like at Thanksgiving, each family also got a good bag of groceries to accompany the meat. Did we plan for 100? Yes. However, we have planned for that many before, but never had that many. This year it was a blessing to turn no one away and to have none left over. The day before the last giveaway a local farmer and faithful member of our church donated 15 boxes of world famous Vardaman Sweet Potatoes and each family went home with a good sack o' taters. That ministry comes alongside the Samaritan Purse Christmas Shoebox Ministry, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the Prison Christmas Bag Ministry, the monthly free medical clinic, our ministry to travelers (twice just this week), and the many families that have been adopted for the Christmas season. It is a blessing to be a part of these wonderful works of God.
I was reminded of all of that this morning as I read about the feeding of the 5,000. One key verse that we base our ministry policies on is found in John 6.10a- Jesus said, "Have the people sit down."
Why is that important? It is important because that was the processing procedure for the Lord. Sit them down so that the feeding can be organized. That is what we do. We do not ask financial questions. We do not ask for identification. We simply ask that they allow us to get their name, pray for them, and only take one bag per household. Most need it. Some may not. That is for the Lord to work out with each individual. He told us to feed the hungry and I am happy to be a part of such a ministry as I am with First Baptist Church.
Exactly 100 families...twice...ain't that cool! Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
As You Are
Today we read John 2-4.
It is mighty reassuring to me this morning when I read of the woman at the well in John 4. She was a woman with a lot of personal problems and a woman that did not seem very spiritual. To most she would not had been considered even a candidate for a walk with Christ. However, He met her where she was, welcomed her, spoke to the heart of the matter, and changed that woman right there on the spot. He knew her downfalls and He took her as she was and changed her to be what He would have her to be.
After she met Christ, she went into town and told some folks and John 4.30 captures well- They went out of the town and were coming to him. She told them about a man who knew her unbelievably but loved her beyond measure. Once they heard it, they went out of their way to come to Him 'as they were.'
What an opportunity we have in Christ. He will receive us and change us, if we will come to Him (He even comes to us. We just have to respond in obedience.) Plus, whoever we share Him with can be changed as well. What a friend we have in Jesus!
Sop your biscuit in that gravy today and enjoy His Presence.
It is mighty reassuring to me this morning when I read of the woman at the well in John 4. She was a woman with a lot of personal problems and a woman that did not seem very spiritual. To most she would not had been considered even a candidate for a walk with Christ. However, He met her where she was, welcomed her, spoke to the heart of the matter, and changed that woman right there on the spot. He knew her downfalls and He took her as she was and changed her to be what He would have her to be.
After she met Christ, she went into town and told some folks and John 4.30 captures well- They went out of the town and were coming to him. She told them about a man who knew her unbelievably but loved her beyond measure. Once they heard it, they went out of their way to come to Him 'as they were.'
What an opportunity we have in Christ. He will receive us and change us, if we will come to Him (He even comes to us. We just have to respond in obedience.) Plus, whoever we share Him with can be changed as well. What a friend we have in Jesus!
Sop your biscuit in that gravy today and enjoy His Presence.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Patience
Today we read the book of 2 Peter and John 1.
I admire patience. I do not admire slowness, procrastination, or lollygagging, but I do admire patience. Patience is not the person that is really, really slow at carrying out a task. Patience is the person that waits on the person that is really slow...I am not very patient and I am sometimes around folks that do not work as fast as I wish they did. I admire patience. Some people say you should not pray for patience, because God will teach it to you in the longest lines at Wal-Mart. I believe patience is a good, Godly trait, actually a fruit or evidence of His Spirit. Seek to have it in Him. I want patience....I just need it in a hurry.
Sometimes people get impatient with God. He doesn't work on their schedule. He does not work on any of our schedules...and He is not going to. He does not have to. He works the way He works and we wait on Him. During the wait keep something in mind. 2 Peter 3.8-But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Peter is pointing to God's patience with us in His Love. He is slow to anger and He is abounding in love. He works with us with patience. Therefore, we ought to be...better be...patient with Him. Don't try to figure out God's timetable. Trust it. He is patient with you. You will have a much more fulfilling walk with Him, if you wait on Him....with patience.
I admire patience. I do not admire slowness, procrastination, or lollygagging, but I do admire patience. Patience is not the person that is really, really slow at carrying out a task. Patience is the person that waits on the person that is really slow...I am not very patient and I am sometimes around folks that do not work as fast as I wish they did. I admire patience. Some people say you should not pray for patience, because God will teach it to you in the longest lines at Wal-Mart. I believe patience is a good, Godly trait, actually a fruit or evidence of His Spirit. Seek to have it in Him. I want patience....I just need it in a hurry.
Sometimes people get impatient with God. He doesn't work on their schedule. He does not work on any of our schedules...and He is not going to. He does not have to. He works the way He works and we wait on Him. During the wait keep something in mind. 2 Peter 3.8-But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Peter is pointing to God's patience with us in His Love. He is slow to anger and He is abounding in love. He works with us with patience. Therefore, we ought to be...better be...patient with Him. Don't try to figure out God's timetable. Trust it. He is patient with you. You will have a much more fulfilling walk with Him, if you wait on Him....with patience.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Be Ready
Today we read the book of 1 Peter. Man, we are zooming through some Scripture right now, but remember, if you have been reading all year, this is a review of the New Testament.
It's coming. Don't be threatened by it. Don't be surprised by it. Be prepared for it. The evil one is as faithful to terrorizing each day as the sun is to rising. 1 Peter 4.12 warns us to prepare- Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Be ready for it! Rejoice that you are not in it alone. He walks with you today.
It's coming. Don't be threatened by it. Don't be surprised by it. Be prepared for it. The evil one is as faithful to terrorizing each day as the sun is to rising. 1 Peter 4.12 warns us to prepare- Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Be ready for it! Rejoice that you are not in it alone. He walks with you today.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Just Do It!
Today we read the book of James.
Let's read it! Let's ponder on it! But not just that....Let's do it!
James 1.22- Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
As Dabo Swinney, coach of the Clemson Tigers, made famous: ALL IN! Let's let nothing stop us!
Hope to see you in church.
Let's read it! Let's ponder on it! But not just that....Let's do it!
James 1.22- Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
As Dabo Swinney, coach of the Clemson Tigers, made famous: ALL IN! Let's let nothing stop us!
Hope to see you in church.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Son on a Cloudy Day
Today we read Hebrews 12-13 and the book of Jude.
I spent time yesterday visiting some folks that are going through some heavy, cloudy times. I will see some more today. What do you do on a 'cloudy' day?
Hebrews 12.2- ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith....
Sometimes on a 'cloudy' day, it is harder to see the Son, but you just keep on looking. It is cloudy and rainy in Mississippi today, but the sun is still present and it is still shedding light on the day. So it is the cloudy times of our lives, He is there and He will shed light. Keep looking to Him today!
I spent time yesterday visiting some folks that are going through some heavy, cloudy times. I will see some more today. What do you do on a 'cloudy' day?
Hebrews 12.2- ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith....
Sometimes on a 'cloudy' day, it is harder to see the Son, but you just keep on looking. It is cloudy and rainy in Mississippi today, but the sun is still present and it is still shedding light on the day. So it is the cloudy times of our lives, He is there and He will shed light. Keep looking to Him today!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Drawing Near
Today we read Hebrews 9-11.
The day does not always go like you want to and things come up that can be less than expected. I did not get to write when I wanted to, but before anything else went down today, the Lord encouraged me with the following passages:
Hebrews 10.19-25- Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Let us Draw Near to God in Prayer. Jesus has opened the door of access. Let's make the most of it through faithfully praying.
Let us Hold Fast in the Strength of Our Faith. Trusting Him at His Word, let us let it reflect in our lives.
Let us Draw Near to Each Other in Worship. Faithful commitment to the Body of Christ is something that both the Body needs and each and every Christian needs.
Let us draw near to the opportunity that God has given us in Christ. Have a blessed day....and night.
The day does not always go like you want to and things come up that can be less than expected. I did not get to write when I wanted to, but before anything else went down today, the Lord encouraged me with the following passages:
Hebrews 10.19-25- Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Let us Draw Near to God in Prayer. Jesus has opened the door of access. Let's make the most of it through faithfully praying.
Let us Hold Fast in the Strength of Our Faith. Trusting Him at His Word, let us let it reflect in our lives.
Let us Draw Near to Each Other in Worship. Faithful commitment to the Body of Christ is something that both the Body needs and each and every Christian needs.
Let us draw near to the opportunity that God has given us in Christ. Have a blessed day....and night.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
All for Me...and You
Today we read Hebrews 5-8.
Hebrews 7.25- Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
I celebrate today to know that I serve a God that saves. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you know, through Christ you can draw near to God and be changed forever. Not only that, but He prays for us. As a matter of fact, He LIVES TO pray for us!
I don't know about you but for me that puts a fresh perspective on my day! Celebrate it, live in it! Celebrate Him! Live in Him....and have a great day!
Hebrews 7.25- Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
I celebrate today to know that I serve a God that saves. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you know, through Christ you can draw near to God and be changed forever. Not only that, but He prays for us. As a matter of fact, He LIVES TO pray for us!
I don't know about you but for me that puts a fresh perspective on my day! Celebrate it, live in it! Celebrate Him! Live in Him....and have a great day!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Be Refreshing
Today we read Philemon and Hebrews 1-4.
Philemon is a short letter that is written by Paul on behalf of a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus apparently escaped or went bad and then met up with Paul and had his life changed by the power of Christ. Now to make things right, Paul is sending him back home to his owner to settle the account. Paul's hope is that Philemon, Onesimus' former owner, will set him free and enjoy his Christian fellowship.
Therefore, Paul is writing and asking Philemon to do a very Godly, selfless thing. Paul is asking him to do it for a man that wronged him. Notice what he says, when he asks: Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. - Philemon 20. That last phrase got me.
How refreshing it is to see someone do the right thing in the Lord! How much more refreshing it is to see them do it on behalf of others! I want to encourage you to strive to be refreshing today on behalf of others and for the sake of the Lord.
Have a great day!
Philemon is a short letter that is written by Paul on behalf of a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus apparently escaped or went bad and then met up with Paul and had his life changed by the power of Christ. Now to make things right, Paul is sending him back home to his owner to settle the account. Paul's hope is that Philemon, Onesimus' former owner, will set him free and enjoy his Christian fellowship.
Therefore, Paul is writing and asking Philemon to do a very Godly, selfless thing. Paul is asking him to do it for a man that wronged him. Notice what he says, when he asks: Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. - Philemon 20. That last phrase got me.
How refreshing it is to see someone do the right thing in the Lord! How much more refreshing it is to see them do it on behalf of others! I want to encourage you to strive to be refreshing today on behalf of others and for the sake of the Lord.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
A Tennessee Thankful Heart
Today we read 2 Timothy 1-4.
Years ago I began investing in a Bible software program that has recently expanded over the years and that I have continued to invest in. Now I have a lot more books on my computer than I do on my shelves and in boxes in closets, in my shed, and on my shelves. It is an expansive (and expensive) program that can do a lot of wonderful things...and which I have always had very limited knowledge in how to use. A training conference has been available for years and I have always wanted to attend. When I saw the opportunity opening up for me to receive such training, I was excited about the possibility. I now sit in Murfreesboro, TN after one day of training. Two more days of training and I will know all that I can remember (It is a lot to take in).
Why the trouble? Because I believe it is important that I preach the Word as effectively as possible. There is a lot that goes on besides writing sermons, so time efficiency is important and management is always needed. I enjoy preaching and being a pastor and I constantly want to be better at both while being the husband, father, and son that I need to be. It is a balance that I need to continue to analyze, pray over, and be careful with. The training is wise, but while I am here, some folks in my congregation are hurting miles away, phone calls don't feel so effective, and I miss the joy of threatening my daughters to get out of bed...RIGHT NOW!
When I read 2 Timothy this morning, I began praying prayers of thanks to God after reading 2 Timothy 4.3-4- For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
I believe we live in the day in America when many will not listen to the Word of God and the truth of it. A watered down gospel is welcome to many. However, I am thanking God this morning that God has blessed me with a church that appreciates Biblical preaching. There is an understanding of the need, the time it takes, and an appreciation for the attempts that I make to preach effectively. I am thankful for my family that often visits the gift shop at the hospital when I need to check on someone or understands when the hours get long. Dawn has always had an understanding of what it takes and I am sitting in a hotel in a snowy and slick Tennessee reading the Word and thanking God for the opportunity He gives me to ministry His Word. I love my family. I love my church and I am thankful for the treasure that God has allowed me to be a steward of. May I be effective in the great balance of life.
I did not attend to get so personal this morning, however, I am very thankful. Never be afraid of the Word of God. It speaks to the heart of the matter.
Have a great day!
Years ago I began investing in a Bible software program that has recently expanded over the years and that I have continued to invest in. Now I have a lot more books on my computer than I do on my shelves and in boxes in closets, in my shed, and on my shelves. It is an expansive (and expensive) program that can do a lot of wonderful things...and which I have always had very limited knowledge in how to use. A training conference has been available for years and I have always wanted to attend. When I saw the opportunity opening up for me to receive such training, I was excited about the possibility. I now sit in Murfreesboro, TN after one day of training. Two more days of training and I will know all that I can remember (It is a lot to take in).
Why the trouble? Because I believe it is important that I preach the Word as effectively as possible. There is a lot that goes on besides writing sermons, so time efficiency is important and management is always needed. I enjoy preaching and being a pastor and I constantly want to be better at both while being the husband, father, and son that I need to be. It is a balance that I need to continue to analyze, pray over, and be careful with. The training is wise, but while I am here, some folks in my congregation are hurting miles away, phone calls don't feel so effective, and I miss the joy of threatening my daughters to get out of bed...RIGHT NOW!
When I read 2 Timothy this morning, I began praying prayers of thanks to God after reading 2 Timothy 4.3-4- For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
I believe we live in the day in America when many will not listen to the Word of God and the truth of it. A watered down gospel is welcome to many. However, I am thanking God this morning that God has blessed me with a church that appreciates Biblical preaching. There is an understanding of the need, the time it takes, and an appreciation for the attempts that I make to preach effectively. I am thankful for my family that often visits the gift shop at the hospital when I need to check on someone or understands when the hours get long. Dawn has always had an understanding of what it takes and I am sitting in a hotel in a snowy and slick Tennessee reading the Word and thanking God for the opportunity He gives me to ministry His Word. I love my family. I love my church and I am thankful for the treasure that God has allowed me to be a steward of. May I be effective in the great balance of life.
I did not attend to get so personal this morning, however, I am very thankful. Never be afraid of the Word of God. It speaks to the heart of the matter.
Have a great day!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Today's Theme
Today we read the book of Colossians.
We also read my favorite theme verse. Oh, that we would live to carry out Colossians 3.17- And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I think about my plans today. Some are great fun (going to see It's a Wonderful Life with the senior adults) and some may be tough (decorating with my family!), however, all of it should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with a thankful heart.
Let's work on that today!!
We also read my favorite theme verse. Oh, that we would live to carry out Colossians 3.17- And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I think about my plans today. Some are great fun (going to see It's a Wonderful Life with the senior adults) and some may be tough (decorating with my family!), however, all of it should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with a thankful heart.
Let's work on that today!!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Our Fight
Today we read Ephesians 5-6 and Psalm 119.1-80.
I want to remind you this morning what our Scripture in Ephesians reminds us and what the Lord often reminds me. We need to know where our battle is. Ephesians 6.12 tells us- For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
We are not in a struggle with each other. We are in a spiritual battle that we cannot see, but surely see the results of and feel the effects of. Just because this spiritual battle is unseen, that does not mean that it is not real...more real than any physical battle we see. I think about snipers hidden in the rough mountains of rough countries. People have no idea where they are, yet the aim is steadily on a vital spot....so it is with the enemy. He aims his fiery darts at our heart....our head...our marriage...our family...our attitude. If we don't remind ourselves often of where the real fight is, we will blame and point at the wrong source.
Can I tell you a secret? That is his strategy. He wants to aim steady at us, while we miss where the real enemy sits. We, sometimes, miss who the real enemy is.
Don't miss it today. Put on the full armor of God and stand strong in the Lord. We are not fighting each other. We are on the same side. Let's focus our attention on the real enemy.
I want to remind you this morning what our Scripture in Ephesians reminds us and what the Lord often reminds me. We need to know where our battle is. Ephesians 6.12 tells us- For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
We are not in a struggle with each other. We are in a spiritual battle that we cannot see, but surely see the results of and feel the effects of. Just because this spiritual battle is unseen, that does not mean that it is not real...more real than any physical battle we see. I think about snipers hidden in the rough mountains of rough countries. People have no idea where they are, yet the aim is steadily on a vital spot....so it is with the enemy. He aims his fiery darts at our heart....our head...our marriage...our family...our attitude. If we don't remind ourselves often of where the real fight is, we will blame and point at the wrong source.
Can I tell you a secret? That is his strategy. He wants to aim steady at us, while we miss where the real enemy sits. We, sometimes, miss who the real enemy is.
Don't miss it today. Put on the full armor of God and stand strong in the Lord. We are not fighting each other. We are on the same side. Let's focus our attention on the real enemy.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Not Alone
Today we read Ephesians 1-4.
If you are feeling like today that you need someone to come alongside of you, that is OK. First, you are not alone. The Lord walks with you and knows your circumstances. Rest in Him today. Second, we are intended to need one another and to grow stronger in Him by being together. Look at
Ephesians 2.22- In him you are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
We are intended to work this out together. While we do, He is at work in us building us together as He dwells with us.
You are not alone today. Don't you forget it!
If you are feeling like today that you need someone to come alongside of you, that is OK. First, you are not alone. The Lord walks with you and knows your circumstances. Rest in Him today. Second, we are intended to need one another and to grow stronger in Him by being together. Look at
Ephesians 2.22- In him you are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
We are intended to work this out together. While we do, He is at work in us building us together as He dwells with us.
You are not alone today. Don't you forget it!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Keep This In Mind
Today we read Romans 9-12.
We are now in the Christmas season. 24 more shopping days until Christmas. However, one of my favorite things about Christmas is our opportunity to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Southern Baptist International Missions. Southern Baptists have almost 5,000 missionaries serving in other nations sharing the hope that the world has in Christ. They answered God's Call to go. We ought to do all we can to help them stay. Throughout the month of December FBC, along with Southern Baptist Churches across the country, will be receiving the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and I encourage you to give. Our goal is $20,130 in 2013. Please pray about what God would have you to give and give as He leads. Keep this in mind:
Romans 10.14-15- How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
We are now in the Christmas season. 24 more shopping days until Christmas. However, one of my favorite things about Christmas is our opportunity to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Southern Baptist International Missions. Southern Baptists have almost 5,000 missionaries serving in other nations sharing the hope that the world has in Christ. They answered God's Call to go. We ought to do all we can to help them stay. Throughout the month of December FBC, along with Southern Baptist Churches across the country, will be receiving the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and I encourage you to give. Our goal is $20,130 in 2013. Please pray about what God would have you to give and give as He leads. Keep this in mind:
Romans 10.14-15- How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Through the Valleys
Today we read Romans 5-8.
The Bible reading plan that we follow each and every morning is one that I found in a book, The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordiero. If you follow it throughout the year, it is designed to give you a daily twenty minute read that will take you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. When we get to the middle of November, we have finished the Old Testament and we are now reading the New Testament for the second time. I have been reading this plan for over five years now and it just always seems to me that we are zzzzooooooming through good, meaty stuff when we get to this last month and half of the year. Don't zoom so fast that you miss the meat. In today's reading we find that we are alive in Christ, free from the law in Christ, and surrounded by the love of Christ. That is the kind of stuff we all need to be reminded of.
Today, God spoke to me through Romans 5.3-5-Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
When things are tough, it is not that God has left you; instead, God is up to something. In the midst of the difficulty, hang with Him and He will teach you to endure. The endurance that you learn will build your character and turn your eyes back to the hope that you are to have in Christ. God works in any situation. We just need to make sure that we are in the proper place spiritually to sense, to hear, to follow His Lead through our valley.
I heard of a church bulletin blooper one time that said: Don't let worry kill you! Let the church help.
We have to be careful how we state things, but I do encourage you to take your worries, your troubles, and your trials to the Lord. I believe some time with God's People this morning will do nothing but help. I hope to see you in worship.
The Bible reading plan that we follow each and every morning is one that I found in a book, The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordiero. If you follow it throughout the year, it is designed to give you a daily twenty minute read that will take you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. When we get to the middle of November, we have finished the Old Testament and we are now reading the New Testament for the second time. I have been reading this plan for over five years now and it just always seems to me that we are zzzzooooooming through good, meaty stuff when we get to this last month and half of the year. Don't zoom so fast that you miss the meat. In today's reading we find that we are alive in Christ, free from the law in Christ, and surrounded by the love of Christ. That is the kind of stuff we all need to be reminded of.
Today, God spoke to me through Romans 5.3-5-Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
When things are tough, it is not that God has left you; instead, God is up to something. In the midst of the difficulty, hang with Him and He will teach you to endure. The endurance that you learn will build your character and turn your eyes back to the hope that you are to have in Christ. God works in any situation. We just need to make sure that we are in the proper place spiritually to sense, to hear, to follow His Lead through our valley.
I heard of a church bulletin blooper one time that said: Don't let worry kill you! Let the church help.
We have to be careful how we state things, but I do encourage you to take your worries, your troubles, and your trials to the Lord. I believe some time with God's People this morning will do nothing but help. I hope to see you in worship.
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