The most important announcement ever!

Brothers and sisters this will be my last devotion until January 10th of 2013! I have a busy plate ahead of me and would appreciate your prayers. Youth trip to Gatlinburg for a conference. Christmas! A mission trip to Ecuador to witness to an unreached people group. I will be praying for you and your families that you a have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!



I want to leave you though with the greatest announcement ever. You find it in the bible in Luke Chapter 2 and verse 11:



Luke 2:11



11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.



Can you think of another announcement that has been more important than this in history? I can't. This is the only hope of this sin scared world that we live in. God sent His Son as a gift for us, to take our sins and die on that rugged cross for you and I! Please share this announcement this Christmas and all through the New Year. After all that is what we are celebrating right?



Tom

Reaching the World for Jesus.

In the bible Jesus tells us to reach to three places with the gospel:



Acts 1:8

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”



Jerusalem is our home town. Judea and Samaria is our surrounding areas like our state and United States, and then Jesus also said the end of the earth which means around the world! Think about that. Are you reaching the whole world with the gospel of Jesus Christ? You may be thinking "How am I suppose to do that?" When you are active in missions you are doing this! In your home town you should be a witness for Jesus at all times. In your home, at work, at play, at you children's ball game, at the store or wherever! Talk about Jesus and behave like He expects you too! In your state or in the United States support you churches mission program by service and by giving financially. For example in a disaster go volunteer to help. In the rest of the world support missionaries who are giving their lives to spread the gospel. Pray for them and support them financially. When you do you are also taking Jesus around the world in Missions. You also can go serve as their are opportunities all around the world to go on short term mission trips. Use a vacation week and go on a mission trip...it will change your life! I have been on a couple to Haiti and Ecuador and I will never be the same!



Here is the problem, many of us think someone else is suppose to do missions around the world. Wrong answer! It is our job along with others. It comes down to serving self or serving God! I will close with words from Paul, let them sink into your heart and think about those who will go to hell without Jesus.



Romans 10:12-15



12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:



“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!”



Tom

Key for Joy in life!

Do you feel blessed? Doesn't really matter if you feel like it or not you are. If you have a roof over your head, food to eat, and clothes to wear, you are in the top 10% in the world of being rich! Wow! But being rich doesn't make you blessed, being right with God is what makes one blessed and joyful. That is why those who follow our Lord and serve Him faithfully can give God glory no matter what their circumstances are, even in death. They fear the Lord and love Him! Read this Psalm, it is awesome!



Psalm 112



The Blessed State of the Righteous

112 Praise the Lord!



Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

Who delights greatly in His commandments.



2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;

The generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches will be in his house,

And his righteousness endures forever.

4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;

He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5 A good man deals graciously and lends;

He will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 Surely he will never be shaken;

The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings;

His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

8 His heart is established;

He will not be afraid,

Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.



9 He has dispersed abroad,

He has given to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever;

His horn will be exalted with honor.

10 The wicked will see it and be grieved;

He will gnash his teeth and melt away;

The desire of the wicked shall perish.



Do you fear the Lord and do you follow His Word? This is key to having a joyful life in this old sinful world!



Tom

Where was God at school shooting?

Mike Huckabee explains this as well as anyone could. Please take time to watch this short video and then ask yourself are you inviting God into your life or are you asking him to leave?










Forgive us God for we have sinned as a nation. Help us to revive our souls and ask you to lead us again!



Tom

Do others know you are a disciple of Christ?

This is a very simple and easy devotion to understand! God's Word has made it very clear that we are to love others....no exceptions! Even our enemies!



Matthew 5:43-48



Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.



But Jesus let's us know that if we are followers of Him that we must love one another as it will be a sign to others that we are His by our love!



John 13:34-35



34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”



Wow! I don't know about you but I have work to do in this area. It is easy to love those who love me back but the ones who get on my nerves or whom I just don't like very much, well those are tough to love! According to Word of God I don't have a choice. With God's strength I can do it, the question come is though am I willing?



Think about this today! Through your love do others know you are a disciple of Christ?



Tom

Proclaim Jesus!!!!

What keeps us from talking about Jesus in most of our conversations? I mean think about it...He has saved our souls from hell if we have trusted in Him as Savior. We seem to talk about all kinds of things daily....the weather, politics, sports, hunting, fishing, each other (gossip), clothes, jewelery, and the list goes on and on. But we find it so difficult to talk about the most important aspect of our life....Jesus. It is very sad when you think about it.



Look at these verses. In the Exodus verse God is talking to Israel, his chosen people. In 1 Peter verse God is talking to those of us who have accepted His Son Jesus as Lord and Savior.



Exodus 19:5-6

5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”



1 Peter 2:9

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;



Have you ever noticed the promises that God made to His chosen people, the Jews, are now promised to us the redeemed Gentiles! A priesthood, a holy nation, and His own special people! Wow think on that for a moment! How do you think we are doing in the holy nation part? Yeah me too....not very good at all!



What I want you to grasp here though is this....the bold writing in the 1 Peter verse:that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;



Those who trust in Jesus are to PROCLAIM Jesus who called out of darkness into His marvelous light! Are we? Am I? Are you? When we think about what Jesus did on that cross for us...taking our sin upon himself...why in the world are we not talking about it to others. If we love people we will tell them. Eternity is on the line. Heaven or hell. God has left the proclaiming of His message up to us!



Brothers and sisters think about this today and get to opening your mouth...it is of utmost importance!



Tom

Is your faith stronger than Gideon?

As I read about Gideon, I asked myself "Is my faith stronger than Gideons?" Do I trust God at His Word or do I need signs from Him? What about you?



Judges 6:1-24



Midianites Oppress Israel

6 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, 2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains. 3 So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 4 Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it. 6 So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.

7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the Midianites, 8 that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage; 9 and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10 Also I said to you, “I am the Lord your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed My voice.’”

Gideon

11 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

13 Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

15 So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

16 And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”

17 Then he said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me. 18 Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.”

And He said, “I will wait until you come back.”

19 So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat, and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot; and he brought them out to Him under the terebinth tree and presented them. 20 The Angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And he did so.

21 Then the Angel of the Lord put out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.

22 Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the Lord. So Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face.”

23 Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” 24 So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.



As we see in verse 16 God told Gideon plainly that He would be with Gideon. But Gideon still needs a sign to carry out God's will. Actually if you read on you see Gideon needed several signs from God to carry on the work of God. This is not a good thing my friends. Jesus rebuked the Jews for needing signs and wonders to be performed so that they would trust in Him. God's word tells us He will never leave nor forsake us and that should be all we need!



Hebrews 13:5

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”



So this morning my friends, do you serve God and witness for his without question or do you need a sign to do so?



Tom

Fulfill your calling!

What do I mean fulfill your calling? Well when you give your life to Christ, God then calls each one of us to share the good news of His saving grace with others. It is all of our jobs. Then we don't stop there, once we lead a person to Christ we are then to disciple this person. Show them by example how to live the Christian life. We are also to pour ourselves into their lives by teaching them how to read and study the bible, pray, love others, and share their faith. This is fulfilling our calling. So let me ask you....are you?



One of the awesome things about God is He has supplied us with all we need to fulfill our calling. Here they are:



1. Holy Spirit.



John 6:63

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.



The power to change lives come through the Holy Spirit which dwells in you if you are a follower of Christ!



2.Word of God.



2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.



Plain and simple...the bible is our guide book for life and changing hearts to fulfill our calling is covered in the bible.



3. Prayer.



James 5:16-20

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.



Prayer is our communication with God. It is amazing that a Holy, Righteous God would allow me to even say a word to Him but He does and wants me to and then listen for Him to talk back to me! Pray for God to use you in a mighty way to bring others to Him and help them change for His glory.



You will be surprised that when you lead others closer to God how much closer you also will draw to God!



Fulfill your calling brothers and sisters! It is your job just as much as the preachers!



Tom

Bearing each others burdens.

I am having bible study at my house on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who is interested. You are welcome to come. The main purpose is to teach myself and others to be disciplers. You see the church does a fair job of trying to bring people to Jesus but the church does a horrible job of discipling those same folks after they ask Jesus into their hearts. We must show others how to follow Jesus both by example and by teaching them what the bible says.



One aspect of being a disciple is to bear each others burdens. It is not an option and it is not just the pastors job to help with burdens in a brother or sisters life. Look at these verses:



Ephesians 4:11-12

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,



Galatians 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.



Don't miss this! Pastor's and teachers train so WE can do the work of the ministry which part of that is to bear one another's burdens! How would you say you are doing at that? Burdens can be a number of things such as sickness, loss of job, marital problems, children problems, sin in ones life, and the list goes on. It is our job to help these folks and if we can not do what it takes get some more help!



Being a disciple of Christ involves helping others. God calls us to help others. Don't wait or think someone else is going to help that person as God has put you into their life to help them....so do it!



Tom

You never know!

Sorry about missing the devotion yesterday. A young man in our community was in a bad car accident Sunday night and I and my Pastor went to Vanderbilt yesterday to see the family. Spencer Garrett is the young mans name and he needs your prayers. He has major swelling on his brain and is not responding to the medication to reduce the swelling like they want. On a good note he has been able to move all his extremities which is good. The next 24 hours are crucial as they watch the swelling. Please pray for him my friends.



I said all that to say this, let us not forget how short life can be. Hug your kids and loved ones often and let them know how much you love them. Life is not promised to us each day. We never know when God will call us home. So here a couple of things the remember:



1.Be sure you are right with God!



Your life could end today, and if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior you will spend eternity in hell.



Acts 4:12

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”



John 14:6

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.



2. Life is short.



Even is we live to be 100...life is short compared to eternity.



James 4:14

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.



3. Love like there is no tomorrow!



If we don't love we are not of God. That is what his Word says.If we are of God and don't love we are like a clanging symbol...just noise!



1 Corinthians 13:1

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.



1 John 4:8

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.



Brothers and sisters we never know what tomorrow brings...live today to the fullest for Christ!



Tom

Duck Dynasty #2

This is what separates these guys from the rest...their love and service for God!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEsDA3bvUDE

Sloth or laziness #4

Not only can being lazy affect your day to day life but it can also be a major problem in you spiritual life. Don't miss this! Check these verses out:



Luke 19:36-40

36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.

37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:



“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’[a]

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”

40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”



Wow. A lack of worship or a refusal to worship is to fail to recognize and submit to God's authority. This can be identified as laziness also. Why? Because a failure to be awed by What God has done through Christ is just plain laziness! It is putting yourself on the throne. Basically saying "God you are no big deal". Please, Please don't be guilty of this!



A great example of this is sporting events vs. church. Wow do folks get excited about a home run or a touchdown or a teams victory. Where is that same excitement for Jesus who has given us the ultimate victory???? Laziness is the only answer! We better be careful before the rocks start crying out for us!



Think about this over the weekend! Are you lazy in your worship?



Tom

Sloth or laziness #3

Yesterday we looked at what being a sloth or lazy is not so today lets look at what the effects are of being lazy or slothful.



1. Being lazy is destructive!



Look at this verse:

Ecclesiastes 10:18



18 Because of laziness the building decays,

And through idleness of hands the house leaks.



Wow, some folks are so lazy they don't take care of things that can easily be fixed. Therefore severe consequences will be paid down the road. This can be said for relationships too. If we are to lazy to take the first step in repairing them, well they may just never be fixed!



2. Being lazy is irresponsible.



Being careless about your own soul is lazy and irresponsible. Failure to seize the day for God's glory is irresponsible. So being lazy is not only physically irresponsible such as we seen under #1 but also spiritually irresponsible. Not a good thing for when we see Jesus face to face one day!



Look at this verse as it can cover both the physical and spiritual laziness:



Ephesians 5:15-16

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.



3. Being lazy can be hateful!



It took me a while to grasp this point. We have to look at this point as love for our fellow man. God is love. Jesus tells us to love others and even love our enemies. So if we are being lazy and not sharing our faith, our blessing, our time, and our love then it can be said we are being hateful to our fellow man!



Matthew 12:30

30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.



Matthew 5:42-48

42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.



Wow that pretty well sums up that point huh?



So like I said yesterday, be careful about concluding that you are not lazy before we see all that God's Word has to say about it! Slaps me around a little!



Tom

Sloth or laziness. #2

Continuing to day on the subject of being a sloth or lazy. Today let's look at what being a sloth or lazy is not.



1. Stillness is not being lazy.



We live in a world of business. Jesus being our example often withdrew to a deserted place for prayer.



Luke 5:16

16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.



God commands us to be still.



Psalm 46:10



10 Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!



2. Observing the Sabbath is not lazy.



God commander us to observe the Sabbath.



Hebrews 10:25

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.



Deuteronomy 5:12

12 ‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.



The Sabbath is also a day of rest.



Leviticus 23:3

[ The Sabbath ] ‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.



Luke 23:56

Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.



Listen to God's Word here!



3. Recreation isn't lazy.



God intends for us to have fun...vacations, hobbies, arts, entertainment, ect. But they have their place and time. Give God the glory for his blessings and good times!



Deuteronomy 28:2

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God.



4. Retirement from a job is not lazy.



Retiring from a job and and then doing nothing but playing golf or vacation is lazy. When you retire it gives you time to be free to serve the Lord more! Don't forget that. Kingdom minded pursuits should be a main priority. Yes take time for fun but also keep God first!



Colossians 3:23

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,



Give God your very best and serve Him with all your heart, soul, and strength and you will never be lazy!



Tom

Sloth or laziness.

Before I did the series on marriage that was requested we were looking at the 7 daily sins that is based on the seven deadly sins. So let us pick up where we left off and today look at Sloth or laziness.



As Americans we have been conditioned over the past several decades to try and do little as possible. To get to a point where we can retire and do nothing. Even our government makes it easy for folks to do nothing and get food and bills paid for by a thing called entitlements. It is a sad state we live in compared to our grandparents days. Now we have our children lay around getting fat, playing the xbox we bought them for hours on end. Who cares if they make good grades or not as long as they are happy, right? What are we doing??????



The bible has much to say about this. For example:



2 Thessalonians 3:10

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.



Proverbs 12:27

The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession.



Proverbs 13:4

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.



Now think about these verses. Before you say I am not lazy or like a sloth, wait until we are done with looking at this over the next few days! haha Today we look at those who do almost nothing, as we go through this we will see laziness has more to it. We see above in the 2 Thessalonians verse that at the very least we contribute to others laziness by the entitlement programs we support by our votes and not requiring more from the folks who receive them. I have no problem helping those in need but we should expect folks to do something for themselves not sit back and do nothing. God's word says no work no eat!



When folks are as lazy as a man who won't take care of an animal he kills to eat....that is lazy! The other verse says a lazy man has desires but doesn't do anything to get those desires....lazy! BUT those who are diligent will be made rich! Now I want you to think more about spiritually than materially on the being made rich. Do godly things and receive godly blessings!



Think about these things today and don't be lazy!



Tom

What Thanksgiving is about right here!

The optimist says, the cup is half full. The pessimist says, the cup is half empty. The child of God says; My cup runneth over. Anonymous

Marriage #9 Love, Respect, and SACRIFICE.

This is my final devotion on marriage. Marriages can be very difficult and they can be very easy. One thing I have noticed about great marriages...they have three things in common: Love, Respect, and sacrifice.

Ephesians 5:33

33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

In our marriages, the key is this sacrifice! If we put our other half first, before ourselves, love and respect are obvious. The great marriages have these three essentials. The bad marriages are the where selfishness has set in. Not much respect, not much love, and no sacrifice. Christ set the example for us with His Bride the church. He showed all three of these essentials and expects us to do the same for our other half!

So are these essentials a part of your marriage? If they are great! If they are not you better make some changes! We are one flesh with our spouse, let us do as Christ commands and thus our marriages will be blessed!

Tom

Marriage #8 Love your wife as Christ loved the church.

Men, this is so simple to understand.



Ephesians 5:25-29

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.



This tells us first of all to love our wives. Love is more than a feeling. It is respect, honor, caring, seeing past mistakes, forgiving, and taking care of them. Feelings come and go but love should not. Don't base your marriage on feelings alone. It is much, much more than feelings.



Second, Christ is our example. As he loves the church, we are to love our wives. Stop and think about that for a moment. Christ died for the church, are you willing to die for your wife. Christ gave himself in total devotion to the church, can you say the same for your wife? Christ did so much for the church as you look at verses 26-27. Sanctify, cleanse, washed, took away spots, wrinkles, so the church could be Holy and without blemish. To sum all that up is to say He forgave her through HIS BLOOD of all her imperfections and sins! Wow! Are you forgiving of your wife? No matter what? Think about this...can you wife wrong you in any area that would be worse than the sin you have committed against Christ? I think not! Christ has forgiven us so must be willing to forgive our wives.



Third, The Word says men ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. Hopefully we all are taking good care of our bodies. We are to take care of our wives as we take care of our bodies. We should nourish and cherish the bodies God has give us, just like Christ nourishes and cherishes the church!



Oh How Jesus loves us! I hope your wife can say without hesitation how much you love her!



Tom

Blessed!

Another blessing from the Lord above! Thank you Jesus!

Marriage #7 Submit to one another.

Some more simple and straight forward verse from God about marriage this morning:



Ephesians 5:21-23



21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.



First, we are to submit to one another both in our marriages and as servants of the Lord to others. Submit is a word we don't like to hear in our day and time, but if we take Jesus for our example that is exactly what He did. The key here is thought that we do not submit to those who change the Word to their own fancy...stand strong on God's Word!



Second, wives are to submit to the spiritual leadership of their husbands. The problem here is many times men are not being the Spiritual leaders of their house thus leadership becomes a problem. God has made man to be the spiritual leader of the house, most women who see this in their husbands have no problem following in this manner. So men do what God has designed you for and lead your families closer to God by bible study, prayer, faithful church attendance, and serving the Lord with your life.



Third, remember as the spiritual leader men you are to be like Christ. Humble, loving, respectful, and serving. Like I said before, if we have our lives in line with what Christ expects from us, our wives will have no problems following that leadership!



Tom

Bonecollector Roared this morning!

Scored on a 9 point this morning...God is good!

Marriage #6 Keep Your Marriage Vows

This simple and to the point this morning.



1 Corinthians 7:10-11



Keep Your Marriage Vows

10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.



We are not to depart from or wives or husbands case closed. We have earlier talked about reasons why it would be acceptable but the main point is God does not want us to divorce. Go into marriage with this thinking! Fight for your marriage, treat your spouse right, and honor God!



Tom

Marriage #5 You don't have authority over your own body!

This is a very important teaching from God's Word that is over looked very often by both in a marriage. Please read these verses:



1 Corinthians 7:1-7



Principles of Marriage

7 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me:

It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.



Paul was a man of self-control who chose to stay unmarried and devote his life to God, which if we all could do would be best because that distraction called marriage would not be there. However, Paul knew how weak we are! So lets look at a couple of important things here:



1. v.2 tells us we are to have our own wife or husband. Notice it is singular. One! Let us be faithful to that one!



2. v.3 tells us to give the affection due to our spouses. This is very important to catch because if we love and show the attention due to our spouses everything else will tend to fall into place. Do not skip this part and expect the next verse to happen!!!!



3. v.4 tells us the husband and the wife do not have authority over their own body. Wow! have you ever heard that before. Your spouse has authority over your body. Remember we said when we are married we become "one flesh" so in reality this makes sense. Treat your spouses body like you would treat your own...with respect and much care,



4. v.5 tells us that sexually we are not to deprive one another, except for times of fasting and prayer which would be total devotion to God. Even in this Paul knows how weak we are and warns us to not do this for too long for we will fall into temptation from the devil! Now let me say a word here to the ladies, I believe this is very important for you in relation to your husband. Men are wired as visual, sexual beings. They need your love making in more ways than you can imagine. This is a major reason why divorces happen is neglect in this area. You would be surprised at what your husband will do and how he will behave if this area of your life is being taken care of properly! Now to the men, our wives need attention! They want more than just a quicky in bed. They need conversation, touch, romance, and time! If you are taking care of these areas the love making will come much easier for her. This is a major reason wives leave their husbands, someone else is showing them the things they need! Do not neglect these areas!



The rest of these verses tell us again that Paul wishes we were more like him but he realizes God makes folks different. These verses on marriage are very important from the Word of God....sit down with your spouse and discuss them and see where you need to do more work! It will pay off in the long run!



Tom

Duck Dynasty or Duck Commander fans. Please watch!

I wanted to share this video this morning for the devotion. Many of us are Duck Dynasty fans, this video shows you where Phil's heart is at! Nothing but truth!






Tom

Marriage #4 Reason to divorce?

For our next look at marriage I want us to see two things. The only reason given by Christ for a divorce and that marriage is to be taken very seriously. Be sure to read all of this devotion before jumping to any conclusions!



Matthew 5:27-32



Adultery in the Heart

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Marriage Is Sacred and Binding

31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.



Ok what do we see in these verses? First God's Word says we are not to commit adultery. That is easy to understand. Don't cheat on your spouse. But these verses take it even further. If you look at someone with the thoughts in your heart that you would like to see her/him naked or have sex with her/him is wrong. This is called lust. The Word says this is committing adultery also! Wow! This is a battle my friends. We must be on guard at all times. It is so tough today as the sexual agenda is pushed to the limit in all areas of life. Even at church! I am shocked at how some dress to come and worship! The Word tells us to take this very seriously and do what even it takes to keep from sinning! Evaluate your life right now...what do you need to do to honor God, your spouse, and your self from committing adultery.



Next we see the only reason given by Christ for divorce. Sexual immorality! That is it. Even with sexual immorality, we must be very careful to try and work things out and forgive. Christ has forgiven our sin and expects us to forgive others. Don't forget that point! God's Word says what God has brought together man should not separate referring to marriage. Let me also say God has given us a brain for a reason. If someone is being abused physically, emotionally, or verbally and the offender will not get help then one can not stay in that situation. Also if children are being abused, we must get them to safety!



Lastly, if we divorce for any other reason than sexual immorality, then remarry we commit adultery and cause our original spouse to do the same. Think about that for a moment and how many have committed adultery according to the Word of God! God is very clear in His Word about this, let us not take it lightly!



Tom

Marriage #3 Be a crown!

While this verse applies to the wife, I think it can also be said of the husband too!



Proverbs 12:4



4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.



This verse goes right along with our walk with Jesus. We are to be examples of Him to others. The same can be said of our spouses need to be living in a proper way as not to be an embarrassment to us. We also need not to be an embarrassment to them. I bet just saying that has brought to mind someone who is always doing something shameful or hurtful to their spouse. This is very sad when you think about it. The one whom we are suppose to love the most next to God is hurt or embarrassed because of someones foolishness! Just like this verse says above it is like rottenness to the bones when we are shameful of our spouse.



Let us think about our conduct and they way it reflects not only on our spouse but also on the rest of our family too. If we live in a way to honor Jesus then we will also be honoring our spouse and it shall be a crown upon their head! great happiness!



If changes need to be made....start today!



Tom

Marriage #2 Keep Fighting

This is going to be a strange devotion. I have not read the book of Hosea in a long time. But out of nowhere the Lord laid this on my heart about marriage. Please take time to read at least the first three chapters. The basic message of the book of Hosea is that we commit adultery against God but in His mercy and grace He comes after us wanting us to repent and follow Him with all of our hearts, minds, and souls!



I also think though we can take this as a marriage lesson too. Look at this verse as it gives you a picture into Hosea:



Hosea 3:1

3 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.”



Here is the marriage lesson we can: if God still continues to pursue, forgive, love, show mercy to us in our Spiritual adultery against Him how much more should we do the same to our spouses no matter what the circumstances are? I think we know the answer. Fight for your marriage. God has made it clear in His Word we are not to break the marriage covenant:



Mark 10:1-9

10 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”

4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.”

5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”



Much to think about here!



Tom

Prayers please.

My step-sister passed so I won't be able to post devotions for a few days. Be back soon.

Tom

Marriage-the beginning

I have had a request to a devotion on marriage. Sadly the divorce rate is sky high (over 50%) and what is even more troubling is that the church divorce rate is no better! So I can't cover marriage in one devotion as I try to keep them as quick reads. I will do several devotions over marriage in the next few days. Let's start where it all began!



Genesis 2:20-24

20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

23 And Adam said:



“This is now bone of my bones

And flesh of my flesh;

She shall be called Woman,

Because she was taken out of Man.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.



Well here it is my friends, where God instituted marriage. There are several things I want you yo notice here.



1. In v.20 We are told "there was not a helper comparable to him". This is very important to catch. Men we are not above our wives, nor are wives above the husbands. We are helpers to one another. We must keep this in the front of our minds!



2. This should have been first! As I said earlier God instituted marriage not us! We are told in we are not to break what God has brought together here:



Matthew 19:6

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”



Take your marriage very seriously.



3. In v.24 the Word tells us to leave mom and dad and be joined to each other to become one flesh. This is very important not to read over without thinking about it. When married we are to be one flesh with each other. Make decisions together. Have children together. Live together. A problem comes about when we keep brings mom and dad from one side to our business. Now there is nothing wrong with getting advice from moms and dads as long as we are both agreeable to it, but big problems come when inlaws are in our business on a regular basis!



4. On a final note...marriage is man and woman. No where in scripture do you see it any other way!



That's it for today, we will dig deeper tomorrow, God bless.



Tom

Envy

In the past several weeks we have at times we have looked at the "seven daily sins" study we are doing at church right now. Today I wan to continue that and look at ENVY. We see envy in the very front part of the bible:



Genesis 4:2-8

2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother;[a] and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.



Wow! Among other things we see here that Cain was envious of Able that God accepted his offering and not Cains. It made Cain so mad that he killed his brother over it. I hope and pray our envy will never lead us to that! But envy can cause us much harm if we do not keep it under control.



Envy is dangerous to us because it is a direct disobedience to God's command "to love our neighbors as ourselves".



Matthew 22:39

And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’



We are also told in the Word that "love does not envy!"



1 Corinthians 13:4

4 ; love does not envy



So let me sum all this up for you. You see when we envy it is selfish! What I want, how I want it, and when I want it. We resent others for what they have and we are at odds with their good. Godly love on the other hand is being selfless, sharing, giving, wanting others to have good before yourself!



So this morning, does envy have control of you or do you have control of envy? If envy has a hold on you this is what you have to look forward too:



James 3:16

16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.



Tom

Are we getting next Generation ready?

My Pastor spoke about this yesterday morning. If you think about the difference from your grandfathers generation to your dads generation and now to our generation...it is a sad state when we think about spiritual things and morals. Look at these verses:

Judges 2:6-13
6 And when Joshua had dismissed the people, the children of Israel went each to his own inheritance to possess the land.
7 So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord which He had done for Israel. 8 Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when he was one hundred and ten years old. 9 And they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash. 10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.
11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; 12 and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. 13 They forsook the Lord and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.

A couple of things here I want to point out:

1. V.7 tells us Joshua and his generation followed the Lord.

2. V.10 tells us that the next generation did not know the Lord or what He had done for Israel! Something is very wrong here. It tells me that Joshua and his generation may have been faithful but they did not a very good job of passing along the Lord to the next generation. Let me be clear here that we have a job to do with the next generation. This is the most important job we have! This job is to train our children in the Lord! Ask yourself...how are you doing in this training right now?

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

It is not the churches job, they are to help you but the main responsibility is yours!

3. V.11-13 tells us what happens when our children do not get the training from us!

Brothers and sisters look at society, look at our schools, colleges, even our declining churches...what are we doing? Failing God! Failing ourselves. Failing our children. Don't compare to everyone else, do what God wants you to do, train your children and yourselves in the Lord!

Tom

Know you are saved!

I have heard many folks say when you ask them if they are saved say "Well I think I am." The Bible tells us we can know! Look at this verse:



1 John 5:9-13



9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.



This is what these verses tell us:



1. Witness of men is good, but witness of God about His son is greatest! God has told us through man and through the Word that He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. What else do we need?



2. When we believe in the Son we then become witnesses ourselves because we experience the awesome power of the Holy Spirit! Until a person has surrendered their life to Christ one does not know how great and peaceful a life can be knowing we have eternal life with God!



3. If we don't believe in Jesus, well we call God a liar. Not much more I need to say about that!



4. v.12 says if we have the Son (in our hearts) we have life....life now and eternal life in the future. Thank you Jesus! Plain and simple.



5. Finally, we see in v.13, this is how we know we have eternal life! How? Refer to point #4!



So do you know this morning? I know I do! I want to leave you with one more piece of security from scripture!



John 10:28

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.



Tom

Expose unfruitful works!

In some recent reading I ran across these verses. It made me do some think as scripture tends to do. What jumped out at me is the verses I have highlighted:



Ephesians 5:8-14



Walk in Light

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:



“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”



We are to expose sin and its destruction according to these verses. Take a moments and think about that. First we have to be in the light. That means we have to be saved in Christ Jesus. We need to be light to a dark world, which means living as Christ desires for us to live. Gives us an example of what this kind of living should be in verse 9 goodness, righteousness, and truth. Acceptable living to the Lord.



So what about verse 11? Many thoughts came to mind: drunkenness, abortion, corrupt business dealings, homosexuality, false teachings, folks in the church who are power hungry instead of serving and loving, and the list can go on and on. We are told to expose those things! Are we? It can create major problems if we do right? God's Word says we must check all things by the light of Jesus Christ. His Word has made clear what is right and wrong. We are not the judges He is but according to these verses we are to expose darkness! If more light shines less darkness is found!



Look at verse 14....we are told to awake! Rise from the dead! Christ provides the light....lets be using that light!



Tom

Greed for God!

To wrap up our look at greed after a short break yesterday let's look where our greed needs to be!



Luke 12:13-21



13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”



This is such a good picture that God has given us here in these verses. First, brothers are having a problem over an inheritance. Greed has split so many families over the years. This is a sad thing and no doubt it saddens God. Jesus warns the one brother to be very careful for covetousness can cause major problems. Then Jesus tells us a parable about a rich man who is basically preparing for retirement. So he can sit back and take it easy. Look very closely at this. First we never know when life will end, all our hard work to accumulate things goes to someone else when we die. They do us no good! Second, retirement from work for money is not a bad thing in itself but there is no retirement plan i serving the Lord...NONE! Third, The key to defeating greed is being greedy in serving God! Be greedy in your time, money and service TO GOD! Be rich toward God and you ca not go wrong for one can not out give God!



So this morning are you greedy for God or greedy for self?



Tom

Struggles!

It seems I am in a time of my life where so many people that I love and care about are struggling with various things. The big item seems to be cancer. I have an Uncle and a step sister who are giving it there all against cancer. Several friends who are also battling cancer. Then I have several folks in my life who are battling other sicknesses. Then there are those who are battling spiritual sickness, not having a relationship with Jesus which is the WORST SICKNESS of all.



So what do we do about all this? I have 3 suggestions for us this morning as I know many of you are struggling with the same things I am this morning.



1. Pray.



Matthew 18:20

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”



God is listening to His followers. Pour your heart out to God. Join with your brothers and sisters at church and pour your heart out to God.



1 Thessalonians 5:17

pray without ceasing



Keep praying yourself every time you can. Our God loves us, he hears us, and he will answer!



2. Know God is in control.



Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.



One thing we must remember is what God decides is good and best may not always be what we think is best. God is much smarter than we are. He loves us more than we can fathom and what ever He decides we must give Him glory and honor!



3. Trust God



I will be the first to say this is very hard when you or a loved one is suffering. We often want to question God instead of trusting Him. Resist that temptation to not trust!



2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.



Psalm 62:8

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.



1 Timothy 4:10

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.



Oh my brothers and sisters, struggles are here, the devil wants us to lose hope and faith in our God, but I agree wholeheartedly with the scripture that says:



Joshua 24:15c

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord



Pray for me as I pray for you my friends!



Tom

Greed #3

Lets close this week out by continuing our look at greed. I don't know about you but it has really hit me between the eyes! Our greed leads us to may kins of sin that is a result of our greed. Look at what Paul said here:



1 Timothy 6:10

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.



This verse has been quoted many times. Look at what is says....loving money is root for all kinds of evil! It goes on to say this greed brings many sorrows (like debt). Wow how many of us have had to find that out the hard way. Just think about what you see and read in the news and how much of it results from greed for more money or things. Murder, robbery, unethical business practices and the list goes on and on.



The main point here is this: when we open the door to greed, we also let in all types of other sin that goes along with it. Also we worry about non-eternal things when our minds should be on the eternal things of God!



Brothers and sisters, when you hear greed knocking at your door, don't let it in!



Tom

Greed #2

Continuing from last devotion in looking at greed. Have you ever noticed how greed seems to be unsatisfiable? We want more and more and more stuff or money. Once you get what you think you need, shortly there after something else is in your sights that you know need or think you need anyway!



Look what this verse says:



Ecclesiastes 5:10

10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.



Wow is this ever true! Let me be clear here, there is nothing wrong with making money! BUT when it becomes your primary focus you have a problem! Greed can grab a hold on you and not let go!



There is a deceiving going on that says "once I get to enough then I will stop pursuing". The problem is where is "enough". We never get there! Look what Jesus says in Matthew 6:24:



Matthew 6:24

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.



Plain and simply put here! Who is our boss...God or money? This will slap you in the face really quick when you stop and think about it!



So this morning it is short and too the point...where you at my brothers and sisters? Be honest with yourself. God or greed?



Tom

Greed!

This week in our study at church "7 daily sins" we are looking at greed. Ouch. We are a greedy people if you get down to it. If you have ever been to another country or even go to places right here in the states it is easy to see how greedy we are when others struggle to make it day by day.Look at these verses:



Ecclesiastes 5:10-12



10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;

Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.

This also is vanity.



11 When goods increase,

They increase who eat them;

So what profit have the owners

Except to see them with their eyes?



12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,

Whether he eats little or much;

But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.



Matthew 19:23

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.



Money and things are not evil in themselves. When they consume our lives instead of God they become sin. We tend to think we are not greedy because we compare ourselves to somebody to has much more than we do. That is the wrong thing to do. When we have money and things they tend to take our eyes off off God and onto self which is the reason for Matthew 19:23. Look also at this:



Mark 10:17-22



17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”

20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.



We are much more like this young ruler than we want to admit. Think about it. If you lost all your possessions and wealth today, would you still be happy, content, and not mad at God? This young man could not do what Jesus asked and I wonder how many of us could? This shows our own greed! I pray and hope I would be like Job and stay faithful to God even after losing all including my family!



Let us not get our lives so oriented around things that we lose our focus on God! Take a moment right now to see where greed lies in your own life and make adjustments where needed!



Tom

Serving others! GREAT JOB TNDEER!

One of the best ways we can live out our faith is by serving others. A group of friends of mine did this very thing on Saturday. I am a proud member of www.tndeer.com It is like a family. We joke, we talk about all kinds of hunting, we disagree about politics lol, we pray for one another, and as we seen this past weekend we help one another. Now I don't know the beliefs of all these men and women but I do know many are followers of Jesus like myself. Let me give you the details of this weekend.



We at tndeer have a friend named Curtis. Curtis is wheel chair bound. That doesn't stop Curtis from living life to the fullest. Curtis has recently had some other health problems build up. A life threatening blood clot in his leg, and some other infections have kept Curtis in the hospital or in bed at home for several weeks. Curtis has been wanting to get a deck built at his house for some time now but with the health issues he just couldn't get it done. So the family at tndeer pulled together and went to Curtis's house Saturday and worked all day and built his deck!!! Finished, done, complete! These fine folks fulfilled this verse:



Galatians 5:13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.



I wish I could have been there myself Saturday but I wasn't. I did pray for this group and for Curtis that he will get well soon. My friends if we would take these men and women's example and serve others this world would be a much better place. They world would see Jesus through our love in serving others. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about what you all have done for Curtis. I want to personally thank those who served, I am honored to call you my friends! Keep up the good work!



Tom

Be an example. (cont)

Is it arrogance for the writers here to say follow my example? Paul was the author for Philippians and 1 Corinthians passages, possibly the Hebrews passage but we are not sure on that one. My thought on these scriptures are they lived lives worthy of following as they represented Jesus in an awesome way. Read over these verses:



Philippians 3:17

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.



Hebrews 13:7

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.



1 Corinthians 4:16

16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.



1 Corinthians 11:1

11 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.



When we go back and review the lives of the early followers of Christ, they were the real deal! They made mistakes sure but they were on fire for God and lived their lives for Jesus. Often dying for the cause of Christ. The key is what we see in the 1 Corinthians 11:1 passage "as I also imitate Christ". Don't follow anyone who is not trying to live for Christ. As believers we are to do our very best to imitate Christ. To do that we must know how Christ lived and what he expects from us in representing Him everyday. To know these things we must be in our Bibles! How can you know the things of Christ without reading your bible? You can't. I can not stress enough how important it is to read and study your bibles. It is of utmost importance to a Christians life!



When you are in the bible you also see how the disciples and apostles and other believers lived their live which show us the way too. So this morning as we close out the week, examine your life and walk with the Lord and see if you are being a good example. If you don't know, get in that Word and find out!



Tom

Be an example.

Continuing from the thought process of yesterday (if you didn't read go do that now! lol) Paul was a great example to Timothy which we see here:



2 Timothy 3:10-12

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.



As followers of Christ we are to be good examples to other believers in our faith. Let's look at a few things Paul pointed out to the young Timothy:



1. Follow my doctrine. Now what was the doctrine of Paul? The Word of God! It wasn't his opinion of what the scriptures say, Paul had divine revelation straight from God. He wanted Timothy to be sure to carefully stay true to this doctrine. We should be teaching others that God's Word is truth and absolute. Stick to it, don't turn from it no matter what anybody else says!



2. Follow my manner of life. What was Paul's manner of life? Christ like. Once he was converted his life was one of trying to be like Jesus at all times. Did he fail at times? Yes. But he lived for Jesus. Are we being good examples of living a Christ like life? It can be a great witness to others!



3. Follow my purpose. What was Paul's purpose? This very easy...to share Jesus. Is that our purpose in life? It should be.



4. Follow my faith. What was Paul's faith in? This is easy also...Jesus! No doubt as he devoted his life to Jesus! Is your life devoted to Jesus?



5. Paul was longsuffering. Which means Paul suffered long in his walk with the Lord and with dealing with others. I wonder how many of us would still be followers of Christ if we had to go through what Paul did...snake bit, beaten many times, left for dead, ship wrecked, imprisoned!



6. Paul loved. If Paul didn't love God and people he would have given up early in his ministry!



7. Paul showed perseverance. Wow did he ever. He was like the energizer bunny...he just kept going and going. Nothing but death could stop him!



8. Persecutions/afflictions. I already talked about these in #5. Wow did he suffer!



Now here is the key to staying faithful to God even in hard times: And out of them all the Lord delivered me. When we are faithful to God and follow with all we have, God will take care of his own! Praise God! What a word to a young person or for that matter anyone who is new to the faith! Then comes the promise we need to look at very closely: 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Notice Paul did not say may or might, He said WILL! This a a sign for our walk with God...if you are not suffering some sort of persecution for your faith in Christ it is a good sign you are not doing much for Christ. An example of this might be someone calling you some sort of name because you talk about Jesus with others.



This is our goal:



1 Peter 2:11-12

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.



So my friends, are we teaching these traits to others? We must be an example! It is not really a choice as a believer it is our duty!



Tom.

Qualities of a saved man or woman.

Check this verse out:



Titus 2:6-8

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.



These verses show us qualities of a saved person. Look at them and then evaluate yourself.



First, we see self control. This is a pillar in our faith. We must have self control. To have this the help of the Holy Spirit is a must. For we need that warning from the Spirit when we are about to do wrong. When we have self control we can faithfully live the Christian life.



Second, we see model of good works. Good works are a sign you are a follower of Jesus. Good works do not save you but prove you do what your faith tells you to do such as helping others, loving others, being a good husband or wife, ect.



Third, we see teaching. No matter what you may think, the bible is clear we must teach our faith to others. Family, friends, co-workers, and anybody who will listen!



Fourth, we see integrity. Live your life honestly. Do what you say. Let your yes be yes and your no be no!



Fifth, we see dignity. Treat others with respect no matter who they are. Jesus did and he expects us to do the same.



Sixth, we see sound speech that does not condemn. Talk to people in a loving way. When we jump on people they will not listen to what we have to say. When we talk to people with love chances are they will atleast listen to what we have to say.



When we live our lives this way, we live in a way that honors Christ for He is our example. Also it is very hard for anyone to speak evil of one who lives their life this way because others know it is a lie!



So do you have these qualities child of God? You can! Start today and pray for help from the Holy Spirit!



Tom

Gluttony...the hidden sin.

As we have continued in our study at church called "Seven daily sins" which is based on the 7 deadly sins in the bible, we study this week on gluttony. Why do we not talk and preach on this sin? Maybe it is because we love food so much! I have to admit this lesson really spoke to me. So let's see what the scripture says:



Proverbs 23:2



2 and put a knife to your throat

if you are given to gluttony.



Proverbs 23:21-22



21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,

and slumber will clothe them with rags.



1 Corinthians 6:12

12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.



Galatians 5:16-26

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.



Philippians 3:19

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.



Now here is the key to gluttony....the sin is not the food itself, the sin is over indulgence. Over eating or drinking hurts us in many areas not just our health. The most hurtful way is sin against God. God desires for us to have self-control. Eat what we need not gorge ourselves so that we feel miserable. How much food do we waste in our bellies that could be used to help those in need. Ever thought about that?



So think on gluttony today...hope you are not like me cause this one hit me right between the eyes!



Tom

Sin has consequences!

One thing I have found is that the bible clearly teaches that our sin has consequences!



Judges 2:1-4



2 Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. 2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? 3 Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’” 4 So it was, when the Angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept.



Over and over God had mercy on Israel in the old testament. He forgave them many, many times. Just like a good parent, God loves his children but when they do wrong, punishment will come. Thank God that he forgives us but we still have to reap what we sow. Look at verse 2 again, can you hear the hurt in God's voice?



2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this?



How many times does God say the same thing to us when we disobey?



Then in verse 3 God tells them the consequences for their failure to obey:



3 Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’”



Now for us we are not always told what our consequences will be, sometimes we do know. The point to catch here is sin brings consequences, it is a clear teaching from the start of the bible...Adam and Eve and the curse brought on by sin.



The peoples response in much like ours:



that the people lifted up their voices and wept.



When we get caught we feel bad. The key here is to obey from the beginning and reap God's blessings!



So this morning let us think about everything we do, obey the Lord, and not have to face the consequences of sin!



Tom

Thirsty?

Sitting here drinking a coke this morning, usually it is coffee. This passage of scripture came to mind:



John 4:1-13



1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”



Are you spiritually thirsty? Be careful how you answer it can be a trick question! First we have to answer the question if we have accepted Jesus to fill that unquenchable thirst that only He can fill spiritually. Then the tricky part is can we ever be spiritually full, where we don't need any more? I don't think we can until we one day are home in heaven with Jesus. Now don't get me wrong here....Jesus is all we need but we have to continually keep filling up our daily lives with Him also. I know I thirst for for Him and want more and more of Him as I daily live my life.



So how is your thirst this morning?



Tom

God loves you!

Just a reminder of something we all need to hear often!



1 John 4:8

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.



John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.



John 16:27

for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.



Titus 3:4

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared



1 John 3:1

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.



1 John 4:7-12

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.



Oh my brothers and sisters remember how much God loves you this day and everyday!



Tom

How is your faith?

I was studying in the book of Judges yesterday. I was reading about the great man of God, Gideon. If you get a chance read chapters 6 and 7. When I think of Gideon, I think of how He and 300 men defeated Midian with trumpets and breaking jars! What a feat! God did an amazing thing here. But what I had for gotten is the lack of faith Gideon had. Here are some examples:



1. God told Gideon to destroy altars of Baal his father had built, He did but did it at night because he was afraid of family and men of town!

Judges 6:25-27



25 Now it came to pass the same night that the Lord said to him, “Take your father’s young bull, the second bull of seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the wooden image[a] that is beside it; 26 and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of this rock in the proper arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the image which you shall cut down.” 27 So Gideon took ten men from among his servants and did as the Lord had said to him. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he did it by night.



2. Gideon wanted God to give him a sign to show He would save Israel by his hand. Then He asked again after God did the first!



Judges 6:36-40



The Sign of the Fleece

36 So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said— 37 look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” 38 And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground.



3. Gideon was afraid and needed a sign to go against Midian, God provided!



Judges 7:9-14



9 It happened on the same night that the Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. 10 But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant, 11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp. 12 Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.

13 And when Gideon had come, there was a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, “I have had a dream: To my surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent and struck it so that it fell and overturned, and the tent collapsed.”

14 Then his companion answered and said, “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel! Into his hand God has delivered Midian and the whole camp.”



Now I give Gideon credit because he was growing in his faith as God gave him these signs:



Judges 7:15



15 And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”



As I read this about Gideon, I realize we all have weak times in our faith. As we grow in our faith we should be growing stronger and bolder for God has delivered us so many times! So this morning how is your faith? If God calls you right now to do something for Him are you ready to move? Would you need a sign from God? Questions we need to ask ourselves and then do as needed!



Tom