We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
Have you ever faced a deadline that you didn’t think that you were going to make? Many times in school, I can remember the teacher giving an assignment to the class and giving a date that it should be completed by. Almost everyone in the class would forget about the project, because the deadline seemed to be so far off in the distance. The only thing that really motivated us was the realization that the date was getting closer, something had to be turned in, and our grade depended on the excellence of the project. For the procrastinators, many would stay up until midnight to finish their work in one night. Time would tell how much effort was put into the project.
Normally, the best way to work on any project is to begin working on it in advance. In the above passage of scripture, Paul is writing to the Thessalonians to encourage them for growing in faith and love and reminding them to rest in the promise of Christ’s return. They were being persecuted and facing trials for being Christ-like and turning the world upside down by living godly lives. The description that Paul gives of Jesus returning the second time crushes the view of God as just a loving teddy bear who sits on a cloud in the sky and takes sin lightly. Paul reminds us that Jesus is returning to earth with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. If you know Jesus, this should move your heart to begin placing Christ’s last command as your greatest concern.
While meeting different people yesterday, I realized the great need for you and me to be more concerned about the destiny of souls around us. I talked with two young men with similar philosophies on life. The first, a guard at the prison, was the good ole’ boy type. He had a genuine smile, worked hard and just had his first son but was not married. He told me he had been going to church, but he didn’t really understand the Gospel. With three minutes, I was able to share a portion of the truth. It thrilled my soul that he was open, and I could see tears welling up in his eyes as the Word penetrated his heart. The second young man’s car had broken down in the church parking lot. What a good place for a lost man’s car to overheat. He needed some water and we briefly talked about our church. I asked him if he went anywhere. He said, “No, I just think I can live with Jesus in my heart and that is all that matters.” How can a true believer in Jesus love Him without loving the bride that He died on the cross to purchase? These are just two of the countless millions that may be in your workplace who are procrastinating or may not realize that it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)
Everlasting destruction is not something to be taken lightly. Jesus spoke of hell more than anyone else. He said it was a place of outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth, had unquenchable fire, and was everlasting. The worst thing about it will be the conscious awareness of separation from God. What a horrible place to spend eternity! We do not have to procrastinate or stress but rest in the finished work of Christ. Have you met your deadline where you died to yourself and became alive to God? It’s like the feeling when you’ve completed your assignment early and have time to spare. You are relieved and at peace. For a born-again believer, it allows us to enjoy God, give Him glory and help others prepare for the deadline ahead. There have not been many procrastinators about their soul that have made it to heaven…
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Identity Theft
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Have you ever gone to the checkout counter at a local retailer and have the person politely whisper to you that you do not have sufficient funds in your account to purchase their merchandise? It can be embarrassing and cause your blood pressure to rise fast. Honestly, this is something that you may not want to admit to anyone. Bad checks, bad credit and a bad name are things that everyone wants to stay away from.
Yesterday while trying to purchase an item from a local retailer, I was faced with this embarrassing situation. The cashier scanned the items that we needed, and I swiped my debit card through the machine. For some reason, it would not work. Doesn’t it make you frustrated when you know the money is in the bank but you can’t get it out? Especially when the people in line behind you are laughing inside because the cashier has to whisper to you the dreadful words, “insufficient funds.” The plastic didn’t work, so I decided to try a check. It was out in the car, so I ran through the rain and came back in as fast as I could. The people behind me were still waiting in line, patiently. I write the check, and the cashier runs it through the system and tells me again, “denied.” Not only am I denied, but I also have two bad checks in the system for $290.
My wife of 11 weeks is standing beside me, and I can’t believe this is happening. Then, I remembered. About two years ago, my car was broken into at the downtown YMCA and all of my checks were stolen and spent from Wal-Mart to Dollar General. I had cancelled everything immediately, sent police reports into all the business and had everything cleared at the local stores. However, there is still a glitch in the system at headquarters that must be worked out. As I stood at the front desk, I talked to the manager in sincerity, truth and integrity, because I knew I was walking in truth and this was a mistake.
Everyday, Satan is trying to break into homes and churches to steal their identity in Christ. He has always been a liar, cheater, and an imitator of the things of God. He wants Christians to think that God will not hear their prayers, have sufficient grace to accomplish their God-given tasks, and wants to frustrate us to steal our testimony of love, joy and peace. He is a defeated foe and can never stand up to a man who has fulfilled the law and is walking in integrity.
Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God through Him. He hung on the cross and identifies Himself with us. He took our bad checks, bad credit and our bad names and forgave us by grace through faith. We no longer have to worry about insufficient funds, because He is able to supply all our needs according to His riches in grace. Nor do we ever have to worry about being denied. He tells us in Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” In Christ, our identity is secure. We are forgiven, treasured and deeply loved. For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11) When we are standing at the checkout of life, we can know that our identity is cleared and will be granted access through Christ into everlasting joy that no man can steal. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)
Have you ever gone to the checkout counter at a local retailer and have the person politely whisper to you that you do not have sufficient funds in your account to purchase their merchandise? It can be embarrassing and cause your blood pressure to rise fast. Honestly, this is something that you may not want to admit to anyone. Bad checks, bad credit and a bad name are things that everyone wants to stay away from.
Yesterday while trying to purchase an item from a local retailer, I was faced with this embarrassing situation. The cashier scanned the items that we needed, and I swiped my debit card through the machine. For some reason, it would not work. Doesn’t it make you frustrated when you know the money is in the bank but you can’t get it out? Especially when the people in line behind you are laughing inside because the cashier has to whisper to you the dreadful words, “insufficient funds.” The plastic didn’t work, so I decided to try a check. It was out in the car, so I ran through the rain and came back in as fast as I could. The people behind me were still waiting in line, patiently. I write the check, and the cashier runs it through the system and tells me again, “denied.” Not only am I denied, but I also have two bad checks in the system for $290.
My wife of 11 weeks is standing beside me, and I can’t believe this is happening. Then, I remembered. About two years ago, my car was broken into at the downtown YMCA and all of my checks were stolen and spent from Wal-Mart to Dollar General. I had cancelled everything immediately, sent police reports into all the business and had everything cleared at the local stores. However, there is still a glitch in the system at headquarters that must be worked out. As I stood at the front desk, I talked to the manager in sincerity, truth and integrity, because I knew I was walking in truth and this was a mistake.
Everyday, Satan is trying to break into homes and churches to steal their identity in Christ. He has always been a liar, cheater, and an imitator of the things of God. He wants Christians to think that God will not hear their prayers, have sufficient grace to accomplish their God-given tasks, and wants to frustrate us to steal our testimony of love, joy and peace. He is a defeated foe and can never stand up to a man who has fulfilled the law and is walking in integrity.
Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God through Him. He hung on the cross and identifies Himself with us. He took our bad checks, bad credit and our bad names and forgave us by grace through faith. We no longer have to worry about insufficient funds, because He is able to supply all our needs according to His riches in grace. Nor do we ever have to worry about being denied. He tells us in Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” In Christ, our identity is secure. We are forgiven, treasured and deeply loved. For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11) When we are standing at the checkout of life, we can know that our identity is cleared and will be granted access through Christ into everlasting joy that no man can steal. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)
Imperative
(9-8-04 Nashville, TN 11:45PM)
Over and over
I recite my next line
Sometimes I pretend to be a poet
And begin to rhyme
Words captured from outer space
Imprisoned in black ink
Bound by a sentence
Hoping to make a link
Between the realms of life
The physical and spiritual schemes
Explaining the Way and Truth
And a life of Heavenly dreams
To ponder on my end
Relaxes and causes me to spell
JESUS MY SAVIOR
Exclaiming His endless well
One day soon, I’ll see
Though questions fill my mind
What is imperative to Him
Is the beginning of the next line.
Over and over
I recite my next line
Sometimes I pretend to be a poet
And begin to rhyme
Words captured from outer space
Imprisoned in black ink
Bound by a sentence
Hoping to make a link
Between the realms of life
The physical and spiritual schemes
Explaining the Way and Truth
And a life of Heavenly dreams
To ponder on my end
Relaxes and causes me to spell
JESUS MY SAVIOR
Exclaiming His endless well
One day soon, I’ll see
Though questions fill my mind
What is imperative to Him
Is the beginning of the next line.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Moved by God
Then Haggai, the Lord’S messenger, spoke the Lord’S message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.” 14So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of Hosts, their God, (Haggai 1:13-14)
Have you ever been at a standstill in your spiritual life and wondered if you were getting anywhere? There are only two possible solutions to your waiting. Do you remember what Moses told the people as they stood before the Red Sea? He said, “Do not be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” (Ex 15:16) Sometimes, we stand still because God wants to show Himself strong in a miraculous way. However, we can often find ourselves standing still and stagnating because of our own negligence to the revealed will of God.
In the book of Haggai, God sends a strong message to the Jews who had been permitted to return to their land and was suppose to be rebuilding the temple- God’s house of worship. During the initial stage of construction on the foundation, opposition from without and within stopped the work for 14 years. With the work being halted, people began returning to their own selfish interests and were beginning to experience the discipline of the Lord. They were eating and drinking but were not satisfied. They clothed themselves but were not warm. They were earning wages but only to put their money in bags with holes. It sounds like they were wasting their time on misplaced priorities.
Can you remember when you were saved by God’s grace and were ready and willing to serve God with all of your heart? Then, opposition from within and without came leaving you discouraged and forgetful about what God had done for you? In James 4:4 we read, “You are like an unfaithful wife who loves her husband’s enemies. Don’t you realize that making friends with God’s enemies—the evil pleasures of this world—makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy the evil pleasure of the unsaved world, you cannot also be a friend of God (TLB). In God’s grace, He told the Jews five times in this book to “Consider your ways!” God raised up a Proclaimer of truth that called the people to build the Lord’s house instead of worrying about their earthly palaces.
When the Word is spoken, we can either embrace it and act or deflect and act like we heard. The truth is that much dissatisfaction with life is because of neglect for God’s Word. When the people began listening to the Word, fear struck their hearts, and God comforted them and moved them to obey His will. He stirred the leader’s spirit all the way down to the rest of the people. God awakened their hearts to their low living, challenged them to be courageous and launch out on His promises, and empowered them to perform His will that His glory would be revealed among His people.
Where do you find yourself today? Are you in a waiting or quiet moment? Then realize that we can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. Either you are waiting for God to move or God is waiting for you to move on what He has already spoken. In January, God moved my heart toward a young lady in church. He opened my eyes to my wife. In eight days, I went from single and not looking to engaged. He moved. I obeyed. He continues to move my heart to be worshipper of Him, a willing husband, and a worker in building His Kingdom. May the Word of God stir your spirit to obey and patiently wait in prayer as He leads the way!
Have you ever been at a standstill in your spiritual life and wondered if you were getting anywhere? There are only two possible solutions to your waiting. Do you remember what Moses told the people as they stood before the Red Sea? He said, “Do not be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” (Ex 15:16) Sometimes, we stand still because God wants to show Himself strong in a miraculous way. However, we can often find ourselves standing still and stagnating because of our own negligence to the revealed will of God.
In the book of Haggai, God sends a strong message to the Jews who had been permitted to return to their land and was suppose to be rebuilding the temple- God’s house of worship. During the initial stage of construction on the foundation, opposition from without and within stopped the work for 14 years. With the work being halted, people began returning to their own selfish interests and were beginning to experience the discipline of the Lord. They were eating and drinking but were not satisfied. They clothed themselves but were not warm. They were earning wages but only to put their money in bags with holes. It sounds like they were wasting their time on misplaced priorities.
Can you remember when you were saved by God’s grace and were ready and willing to serve God with all of your heart? Then, opposition from within and without came leaving you discouraged and forgetful about what God had done for you? In James 4:4 we read, “You are like an unfaithful wife who loves her husband’s enemies. Don’t you realize that making friends with God’s enemies—the evil pleasures of this world—makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy the evil pleasure of the unsaved world, you cannot also be a friend of God (TLB). In God’s grace, He told the Jews five times in this book to “Consider your ways!” God raised up a Proclaimer of truth that called the people to build the Lord’s house instead of worrying about their earthly palaces.
When the Word is spoken, we can either embrace it and act or deflect and act like we heard. The truth is that much dissatisfaction with life is because of neglect for God’s Word. When the people began listening to the Word, fear struck their hearts, and God comforted them and moved them to obey His will. He stirred the leader’s spirit all the way down to the rest of the people. God awakened their hearts to their low living, challenged them to be courageous and launch out on His promises, and empowered them to perform His will that His glory would be revealed among His people.
Where do you find yourself today? Are you in a waiting or quiet moment? Then realize that we can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. Either you are waiting for God to move or God is waiting for you to move on what He has already spoken. In January, God moved my heart toward a young lady in church. He opened my eyes to my wife. In eight days, I went from single and not looking to engaged. He moved. I obeyed. He continues to move my heart to be worshipper of Him, a willing husband, and a worker in building His Kingdom. May the Word of God stir your spirit to obey and patiently wait in prayer as He leads the way!
A Gust of Wind
(3-11-4 Murfreesboro, TN 3:47PM The Word and the Holy Spirit conceives a spiritual birth)
Walking down the street
I feel your gentle breeze
Blowing in four directions
Sowing every seed
To the homeless on the corner
And the CEO of a business
Learning every soul is equal
All souls need to hear a witness
Explaining the peace so real
Their eyes are soaking in
A genuine testimony of love
Holy Spirit it’s time to tend
Fertilizing with conviction
Breaking up the hardened ground
Planting the seed of the Word
Raining grace that it may drown
Only to die to itself
Wanting the sun to send
Rays of hope and love
Especially a gust of wind
Walking down the street
I feel your gentle breeze
Blowing in four directions
Sowing every seed
To the homeless on the corner
And the CEO of a business
Learning every soul is equal
All souls need to hear a witness
Explaining the peace so real
Their eyes are soaking in
A genuine testimony of love
Holy Spirit it’s time to tend
Fertilizing with conviction
Breaking up the hardened ground
Planting the seed of the Word
Raining grace that it may drown
Only to die to itself
Wanting the sun to send
Rays of hope and love
Especially a gust of wind
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