And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John 5:20
How easy is it to distinguish between the real thing and an imitation? We have spent most of our lives learning how to discern the genuine versus the fake. Do you remember growing up as a child and going to the grocery store with your parents and being able to choose your canned drinks for the week? I can’t remember the brand, but I do know they were about 20-25 cents per can. Out of the orange, grape, and ginger ale, my sister and I would normally have a few colas mixed in. At the time, I didn’t know the difference between cola or Coca-Cola. I can also remember the few times that my dad would make sure that he purchased Velveeta instead of Easy Cheese. Some generic items were OK for a family on a fixed budget, but some choices had to be made for the real deal.
Have you ever thought about the real thing and imitation in your choices of a church home or even in your own spiritual life? I can tell you by experience that it is much better trying to be the real thing than pretending to walk with God. I have written often of the 13 years that I professed to be a Christian, because I walked the church aisle and was baptized. I was only a pretender and faked my way through church services and a Christian university, yet God saw my heart and His message of truth cut me like a knife and has changed my life forever. There is no comparison to the past 5 years of my life since Jesus Christ has rescued me from my sin, hell and one day will deliver me through death. Glory be to God! Even though I know I have eternal life in Christ Jesus based completely on His grace, do you? Are you that confident that you are the real thing—born of God’s Spirit with a new heart, fresh eyes and a desire to see God glorified in all of your life?
The other day I was visiting a local school and was involved in a conversation with a man who said that he put his time in on Sunday but left Wednesday night for backsliders and others more interested in the Christian faith. Most of what he said was in jest, but I have learned that many things people say jokingly reveal the true nature of their heart. This is not just one instance. You could ask ten people today what they think of Jesus Christ, and you would probably get 8 different answers. Hopefully, two or three out of the ten are true disciples who cling to Christ for their very life, strength, support and reason for living. He is not the icing on the cake to my happy and comfortable American Christian life. He is the substance, source and superlative Savior of my soul. What message is being sent through your relationship with the Almighty God through Jesus Christ?
People are confused today about what it means to be a Christian. Primetime television dismisses the reality of a Holy God by portraying beautiful pictures of every immorality that God abhors. God’s name is slung through the mud and is even allowed to be mention as long as Jesus Christ is not honored and glorified as God’s Son. Christian television even portrays Christ as being something we should add to our health, wealth and prosperity. We are living in dangerous and superficial times. How can we discern truth from error or the real and genuine from the false and fake? We need spiritual discernment. As children, we were able to tell the difference between generic cola and Coca-Cola or Velveeta cheese or Easy Cheese. In the same way as children of God, we can’t replace heart-felt times of prayer with 30 seconds of saying grace before meals, diligent Bible Study for 3 hours on the X-Box, and fellowship with the saints for hours at the social club of your choice. Either Christ is everything or He is nothing at all! Even children can tell the difference.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Where Could I Go?
Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Have you ever had something that has happened in your life that has knocked the breath out of you? Has anything ever been taken away from you in an instant and changed your life forever? Everyday, we are vulnerable to life altering changes. Life is fragile and should never be taken for granted. Job 1:21 reminds us, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job clearly reminds us that whether life is going good or seems to be going bad, we must praise the LORD because He is in control.
During this past week, my wife and I have been recovering from losing our first child due to a miscarriage. This is something that is quite common, however, you never really want to go through it. We had a rough sketch of plans that would carry us through this year. By September, our lives would be changing and sleeping patterns taken away. The joy of having a child and the thoughts of being parents was fresh and exciting. However within a few days, all of those dreams, at least for now, were shattered. This is real life, and we must trust that God’s timing and plans are perfect.
Have you ever found yourself in this boat with your marriage, children, job or school? Though life is fragile and changes, Malachi 3:6a says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” In Psalms 18:1-2 the writer proclaims, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” When Jesus began to speak hard things, many wanted to turn from him and walk away. Many did. However, Jesus asked the twelve disciples, will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life (John 6:67-68).
Where can we go in times of trouble and heartache? The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” ( 2 Corinthians 1:3). He has counted and named every star in space (Psalms 147:4). He feeds and knows every sparrow that falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29). He looks into the womb of a woman and has power to give life in the darkness. Most importantly, He stepped out of Glory, wrapped Himself in human flesh, lived a sinless life and humbled himself to heal man’s broken and sinful hearts by dying on a rugged cross. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).
What a joy it is to be loved and cared for by the one who stretched the heavens in space, scattered the stars, and told the sun, moon and earth where to stand! Though we often can find ourselves faint or out of breath in our spiritual life, look up because help is on the way. Jesus has promised that He will never leave those who have put their trust in Him. There are times that we must stop, reflect and be reminded that, “ we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). A mighty refuge is our God! Glory be to the God Most High!
Have you ever had something that has happened in your life that has knocked the breath out of you? Has anything ever been taken away from you in an instant and changed your life forever? Everyday, we are vulnerable to life altering changes. Life is fragile and should never be taken for granted. Job 1:21 reminds us, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job clearly reminds us that whether life is going good or seems to be going bad, we must praise the LORD because He is in control.
During this past week, my wife and I have been recovering from losing our first child due to a miscarriage. This is something that is quite common, however, you never really want to go through it. We had a rough sketch of plans that would carry us through this year. By September, our lives would be changing and sleeping patterns taken away. The joy of having a child and the thoughts of being parents was fresh and exciting. However within a few days, all of those dreams, at least for now, were shattered. This is real life, and we must trust that God’s timing and plans are perfect.
Have you ever found yourself in this boat with your marriage, children, job or school? Though life is fragile and changes, Malachi 3:6a says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” In Psalms 18:1-2 the writer proclaims, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” When Jesus began to speak hard things, many wanted to turn from him and walk away. Many did. However, Jesus asked the twelve disciples, will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life (John 6:67-68).
Where can we go in times of trouble and heartache? The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” ( 2 Corinthians 1:3). He has counted and named every star in space (Psalms 147:4). He feeds and knows every sparrow that falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29). He looks into the womb of a woman and has power to give life in the darkness. Most importantly, He stepped out of Glory, wrapped Himself in human flesh, lived a sinless life and humbled himself to heal man’s broken and sinful hearts by dying on a rugged cross. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).
What a joy it is to be loved and cared for by the one who stretched the heavens in space, scattered the stars, and told the sun, moon and earth where to stand! Though we often can find ourselves faint or out of breath in our spiritual life, look up because help is on the way. Jesus has promised that He will never leave those who have put their trust in Him. There are times that we must stop, reflect and be reminded that, “ we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). A mighty refuge is our God! Glory be to the God Most High!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Little by Little
“The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you. (Deuteronomy 7:22 NASB)
Do you have big dreams, goals and plans that you would like to see worked out in your life? Are you yearning for a better church, marriage, family life, or education? You may have lost everything in the storms that swept through the Southeast last week and desire a rebuilt home and life after the destruction. We all have these big plans and dreams that seem so far out, but they are achievable if centered in God’s will. Romans 8:31 says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses prepares three speeches to the new generation that is about to go in and possess the Promised Land. If you will remember, the generation that came out of Egypt was not willing to walk by faith and trust God to deliver them in battle with the people of Canaan. They refused to fight the good fight of faith. The rebellious Israelites wandered in the wilderness until all of the people 20 years and older died off. They had wasted so much precious time in disobedience. Now, they are standing so close to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
How many times do we seem to get this far in our Christian lives? We are at a stand still where God begins to remind us of what He has done in our past, what He can do now, and what He is going to do in the future? This is a place where we get in over our heads. Life is not about us anymore, and we can’t control it. Facing Israel were seven nations that were greater and mightier, and as soon as they began their march into the Promised Land, they were going to be faced with obstacles. This is where we all like to hide, run or retreat. However this is where the Apostle Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). As a Christian today, we are in no place to back down, let up, retreat, lose heart, or lose focus. Lives are at stake everyday, and we can make a difference!
Will all of the world be won for Christ in one day? Can your church be built strong to glorify God in an hour? Can your marriage climb back to the top where intimacy, open communication, joy and selfless love were more important than money, achievements, and bigger homes? Can families be restored to unity and harmony where love resounds and warmth abounds? God has a method for us to reclaim the ground that we may have lost in battle. John 10:10 reminds us, “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.” As the children of Israel were told to go in and possess the land, God would defend, defeat, and deliver their enemies into their hands little by little. He could have done it all at once, but they learned to depend and trust in the Lord for their source of strength and life.
What are you facing today that seems to be an impenetrable wall or a mountain too high to cross? Do not let the fear of opposition stop you from the work that God has for you! Be diligent in Bible study, persistent in prayer, focused on giving our Heavenly Father glory and little by little He will bless your obedience, put to shame your enemies, and prove the skeptics wrong. Until unbelievers in Jesus Christ see the evidence of your faith, they will remain in doubt that there is a God in Heaven who judges righteously over all mankind and is worthy of all our praise and adoration. Don’t be discouraged or overwhelmed by the size of the task, but be encouraged that God will give sufficient grace to all who ask!
Do you have big dreams, goals and plans that you would like to see worked out in your life? Are you yearning for a better church, marriage, family life, or education? You may have lost everything in the storms that swept through the Southeast last week and desire a rebuilt home and life after the destruction. We all have these big plans and dreams that seem so far out, but they are achievable if centered in God’s will. Romans 8:31 says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses prepares three speeches to the new generation that is about to go in and possess the Promised Land. If you will remember, the generation that came out of Egypt was not willing to walk by faith and trust God to deliver them in battle with the people of Canaan. They refused to fight the good fight of faith. The rebellious Israelites wandered in the wilderness until all of the people 20 years and older died off. They had wasted so much precious time in disobedience. Now, they are standing so close to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
How many times do we seem to get this far in our Christian lives? We are at a stand still where God begins to remind us of what He has done in our past, what He can do now, and what He is going to do in the future? This is a place where we get in over our heads. Life is not about us anymore, and we can’t control it. Facing Israel were seven nations that were greater and mightier, and as soon as they began their march into the Promised Land, they were going to be faced with obstacles. This is where we all like to hide, run or retreat. However this is where the Apostle Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). As a Christian today, we are in no place to back down, let up, retreat, lose heart, or lose focus. Lives are at stake everyday, and we can make a difference!
Will all of the world be won for Christ in one day? Can your church be built strong to glorify God in an hour? Can your marriage climb back to the top where intimacy, open communication, joy and selfless love were more important than money, achievements, and bigger homes? Can families be restored to unity and harmony where love resounds and warmth abounds? God has a method for us to reclaim the ground that we may have lost in battle. John 10:10 reminds us, “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.” As the children of Israel were told to go in and possess the land, God would defend, defeat, and deliver their enemies into their hands little by little. He could have done it all at once, but they learned to depend and trust in the Lord for their source of strength and life.
What are you facing today that seems to be an impenetrable wall or a mountain too high to cross? Do not let the fear of opposition stop you from the work that God has for you! Be diligent in Bible study, persistent in prayer, focused on giving our Heavenly Father glory and little by little He will bless your obedience, put to shame your enemies, and prove the skeptics wrong. Until unbelievers in Jesus Christ see the evidence of your faith, they will remain in doubt that there is a God in Heaven who judges righteously over all mankind and is worthy of all our praise and adoration. Don’t be discouraged or overwhelmed by the size of the task, but be encouraged that God will give sufficient grace to all who ask!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
A Love Letter
“Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. “Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it; if a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly despised.” (Songs of Solomon 8:6-7 NASB)
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and I am sure that you have been thinking about what you are going to give that special someone. Can you remember what it was like in elementary school when this day came around? My parents were accustomed to going to Wal-Mart every Friday Night after my dad came home from work. It was our shopping night and the night that I most often got in trouble for wandering around the store and trying to get $5 out of my dad for a toy. However when this time of year came around, my parents found it amusing I am sure that I wanted to buy a box of $2 cards and share them with my classmates. I loved to give, and most importantly at that time, get a card in return. Everyone in the class shared and was happy when the cards were placed on their desk. It was exciting, freeing and a rush of child-like love at least for one-hour on one day of the year!
Love letters have been passed around for hundreds of years. There is not a single one of us that has not received or written one to a high school sweetheart or to your husband or wife. Even before Shakespeare’s play of Romeo and Juliet, love has been a powerful force. Love unites and draws people together to the point of death but hatred divides and scatters. Have you ever seen a love that was as strong as death? The greatest story of love and redemption has been written by God when He revealed His love through the sacrificial and substitutionary death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He came to die on the cross that He might restore those who repent of their sins and trust Him by faith. His love letter was not written with ink from a pen, but with His precious blood that was spilt on Calvary’s cross.
The love of God for mankind goes beyond just saving us from the torments of Hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and His angels, yet those who continue to hate God and His Son will spend eternity there as well. Salvation by grace through faith saves us from ourselves and the sin that separated us from experiencing the priceless pleasure of God’s extravagant love. We can know God’s love today and be with Him for all of eternity. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
What do you think will make Heaven, Heaven? Will it be the gates of pearl or streets of gold? What about God’s throne or the sapphire, jasper, or emerald walls of the new city? If you are only looking for the gold and jewels of heaven then you have missed the point. Heaven will be heaven because God is there dwelling among His people. It will be filled with people from every kindred, tongue, people and nation. Oh, how we need God’s grace and love that we might share this good news with our enemies, acquaintances, friends and family members. If you find yourself needing to be lifted up and loved, read God’s love letter to you, remember what He has done on the cross and the promises He’s made and write an encouraging letter to someone else. Giving liberates the heart and whoever said that showing love has to be confined to one day. Remember its not the monetary price that you pay but the depth of your heart that you reveal.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and I am sure that you have been thinking about what you are going to give that special someone. Can you remember what it was like in elementary school when this day came around? My parents were accustomed to going to Wal-Mart every Friday Night after my dad came home from work. It was our shopping night and the night that I most often got in trouble for wandering around the store and trying to get $5 out of my dad for a toy. However when this time of year came around, my parents found it amusing I am sure that I wanted to buy a box of $2 cards and share them with my classmates. I loved to give, and most importantly at that time, get a card in return. Everyone in the class shared and was happy when the cards were placed on their desk. It was exciting, freeing and a rush of child-like love at least for one-hour on one day of the year!
Love letters have been passed around for hundreds of years. There is not a single one of us that has not received or written one to a high school sweetheart or to your husband or wife. Even before Shakespeare’s play of Romeo and Juliet, love has been a powerful force. Love unites and draws people together to the point of death but hatred divides and scatters. Have you ever seen a love that was as strong as death? The greatest story of love and redemption has been written by God when He revealed His love through the sacrificial and substitutionary death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He came to die on the cross that He might restore those who repent of their sins and trust Him by faith. His love letter was not written with ink from a pen, but with His precious blood that was spilt on Calvary’s cross.
The love of God for mankind goes beyond just saving us from the torments of Hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and His angels, yet those who continue to hate God and His Son will spend eternity there as well. Salvation by grace through faith saves us from ourselves and the sin that separated us from experiencing the priceless pleasure of God’s extravagant love. We can know God’s love today and be with Him for all of eternity. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
What do you think will make Heaven, Heaven? Will it be the gates of pearl or streets of gold? What about God’s throne or the sapphire, jasper, or emerald walls of the new city? If you are only looking for the gold and jewels of heaven then you have missed the point. Heaven will be heaven because God is there dwelling among His people. It will be filled with people from every kindred, tongue, people and nation. Oh, how we need God’s grace and love that we might share this good news with our enemies, acquaintances, friends and family members. If you find yourself needing to be lifted up and loved, read God’s love letter to you, remember what He has done on the cross and the promises He’s made and write an encouraging letter to someone else. Giving liberates the heart and whoever said that showing love has to be confined to one day. Remember its not the monetary price that you pay but the depth of your heart that you reveal.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Looking into the Third World
Psalms 67:4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
Have you ever been somewhere that made you appreciate what you really had and opened your eyes to your blessings? It is easy to compare ourselves with others. For example, I have had the privilege during this life to visit people who are very rich materially that live in $250,000 homes and up. From the exterior, people with these living standards are looked upon as being rich or grossly in debt. Is it the material things that matter most in this life? Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”
Over the past week, I was able to travel with a team of nine people to the heart of Jamaica. You may think that this would definitely be a mission trip that you would want to go on considering the beaches and the pictures you may have seen on television. What they don’t show you is the real lives of the people living beyond the fences of the beautiful resorts. Our team travelled three hours up winding roads on the edge of mountains into the heart of the island. The views were some of the most beautiful I had ever seen. As we arrived at the church, we found ourselves in the middle of no where it seemed, yet there was life all around.
I compare the living standard to that of my great grandparents. Most of the homes were made of concrete blocks with tin roofs and were only big enough to meet their needs. They did not have a lot of excess but survived with the daily bread that the Lord provided. Most of them were slim, because they ate to survive and not to hide their pain and loneliness. The sense of community was strong and the children enjoyed playing outside together. They walked to school or had to get a ride in a taxi. They had to retrieve their water in jugs and barrels and carry it to their homes. Most of them were not privileged to have hot showers, television or computers and life went on.
I was touched the most by our visit to the new home of a young married couple named Samantha and Lennox. There home was a concrete, one-roomed house that was 14 X 20 feet or 280 square feet. The family of four lived in this house. The bedroom was on one side and the kitchen was on the other. They were happy and had our group over to pray in their house. They were workers for the Lord and Lennox served as deacon at the mission which was located in their back yard. The church building was painted yellow and blue. It consisted of ply-wood, 4 X 4’s, 2 X 4’s, a zinc or tin roof, gravel for the floor, two lights and wooden benches. On the exterior, it didn’t seem like much, however the gospel is proclaimed there faithfully each week and lives are being changed. The revival services were more spiritual than many that I have been to in the States, because their focus was on worshipping Christ Jesus and seeing souls saved by the grace of God before it is too late. There was a greater urgency to prepare to meet their Maker and these people realized that life was not all about the things they possessed.
If you could take a look into the lives of these people, you would find that they were rich beyond compare. It wasn’t a perfect place, but I was able to get a glimpse of the things that are most important—serving God with all our lives, sharing the hope found in Christ with unbelievers, loving the local church, building strong homes, and living with eternity in mind everyday. This only touches the surface, but I hope it allows you to see God’s love for all people and helps you live a simple life that glorifies Him in every way.
Have you ever been somewhere that made you appreciate what you really had and opened your eyes to your blessings? It is easy to compare ourselves with others. For example, I have had the privilege during this life to visit people who are very rich materially that live in $250,000 homes and up. From the exterior, people with these living standards are looked upon as being rich or grossly in debt. Is it the material things that matter most in this life? Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”
Over the past week, I was able to travel with a team of nine people to the heart of Jamaica. You may think that this would definitely be a mission trip that you would want to go on considering the beaches and the pictures you may have seen on television. What they don’t show you is the real lives of the people living beyond the fences of the beautiful resorts. Our team travelled three hours up winding roads on the edge of mountains into the heart of the island. The views were some of the most beautiful I had ever seen. As we arrived at the church, we found ourselves in the middle of no where it seemed, yet there was life all around.
I compare the living standard to that of my great grandparents. Most of the homes were made of concrete blocks with tin roofs and were only big enough to meet their needs. They did not have a lot of excess but survived with the daily bread that the Lord provided. Most of them were slim, because they ate to survive and not to hide their pain and loneliness. The sense of community was strong and the children enjoyed playing outside together. They walked to school or had to get a ride in a taxi. They had to retrieve their water in jugs and barrels and carry it to their homes. Most of them were not privileged to have hot showers, television or computers and life went on.
I was touched the most by our visit to the new home of a young married couple named Samantha and Lennox. There home was a concrete, one-roomed house that was 14 X 20 feet or 280 square feet. The family of four lived in this house. The bedroom was on one side and the kitchen was on the other. They were happy and had our group over to pray in their house. They were workers for the Lord and Lennox served as deacon at the mission which was located in their back yard. The church building was painted yellow and blue. It consisted of ply-wood, 4 X 4’s, 2 X 4’s, a zinc or tin roof, gravel for the floor, two lights and wooden benches. On the exterior, it didn’t seem like much, however the gospel is proclaimed there faithfully each week and lives are being changed. The revival services were more spiritual than many that I have been to in the States, because their focus was on worshipping Christ Jesus and seeing souls saved by the grace of God before it is too late. There was a greater urgency to prepare to meet their Maker and these people realized that life was not all about the things they possessed.
If you could take a look into the lives of these people, you would find that they were rich beyond compare. It wasn’t a perfect place, but I was able to get a glimpse of the things that are most important—serving God with all our lives, sharing the hope found in Christ with unbelievers, loving the local church, building strong homes, and living with eternity in mind everyday. This only touches the surface, but I hope it allows you to see God’s love for all people and helps you live a simple life that glorifies Him in every way.
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