This verse really spoke to me, I hope it does you too!
John 17:6
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
Now Jesus was praying to the Father in the hearing of His disciple shortly he would be arrested and crucified. A few things I want to point out in this verse.
First, we see Jesus says he was making clear( manifested) the name of God to those God gave Him out of the world. We also need to make clear the name of God and who He is to the world. How much do you talk about God? Do you tell folks what God has done for you? This should be a way of life for us for He deserves the glory and honor! Jesus also talks about people whom the Father gave Him....these folks are those who become followers of Christ! Isn't it awesome to know God gave us to Jesus?!!!!!
Second, Jesus repeats you "gave them to me". When you give something of value to someone it is a gift. We are gifts from the Father to Jesus! Ever thought about yourself as a gift to Jesus? Well me either til yesterday! We become gifts to Jesus when we give our lives to Him!
Third, and this is the point that really hit home to me...."they have kept your Word!" Now specifically Jesus is referring to the disciples here but it also pertains to us. Think about it, the disciples were far from being perfect. They made many mistakes greed, selfishness, pride, to just name a few. BUT they were striving hard to keep the Word of God. This is key for us. We will make mistakes but is it our desire and habit to strive to keep God's Word? Jesus gave them credit for it even though they were not perfect.
Think about this today my brothers and sisters, keep God's Word, don't compromise, it will do the soul good!
Tom
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Think before you speak!
Just a quick thought this morning on this verse:
Proverbs 29:20
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
As I have aged I have learned the value of this proverb. When I was young I would speak my mind and did not care what others thought. It seemed I always thought I was right....sound familiar? With the guidance of God's Word I have been taught that speaking quickly can be a problem. It can cause damage to others and believe it or not we can be wrong! haha God 's Word teaches over and over again to think before we open our mouths. It teaches to be slow to speak which implies we should know the truth in a matter before we open our mouths. It also says to be humble. So talking just to try to show we are right may not always be in our best interest! The one exception to this may be in our faith. When someone is questioning teaching a falsehood about our God it is our duty to stand strong BUT we are to do it in love not pride!
So this morning let us ask ourselves.....are we quick to open our mouths? Don't be foolish and keep it shut!
Tom
Proverbs 29:20
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
As I have aged I have learned the value of this proverb. When I was young I would speak my mind and did not care what others thought. It seemed I always thought I was right....sound familiar? With the guidance of God's Word I have been taught that speaking quickly can be a problem. It can cause damage to others and believe it or not we can be wrong! haha God 's Word teaches over and over again to think before we open our mouths. It teaches to be slow to speak which implies we should know the truth in a matter before we open our mouths. It also says to be humble. So talking just to try to show we are right may not always be in our best interest! The one exception to this may be in our faith. When someone is questioning teaching a falsehood about our God it is our duty to stand strong BUT we are to do it in love not pride!
So this morning let us ask ourselves.....are we quick to open our mouths? Don't be foolish and keep it shut!
Tom
Monday, February 27, 2012
Jesus loves you anyway!
The lyrics to this song "You love me anyway" are awesome...listen to the link below:
http://youtu.be/y8BBCYFAYRI
Here is the chorus to the song really think about what it is saying:
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man who yelled out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking
ground
Yes then, I turned away with a smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
This song really speaks to me. We turn out back on Jesus so often. We are the reason those thorns were shoved on his head. We are the reason He allowed the nails to be drove in His hands. We are Judas's kiss....wow!
But Jesus loves us anyway! It just makes me want to fall to my knees in praise and thankfulness as I am so unworthy of His love.
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Ephesians 2:3-5
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
1 John 4:7
[ Knowing God Through Love ] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God
1 John 4:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:10
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
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
This morning I ask you just soak in God's love. Knowing how much He loves you no matter what your past is!
Tom
http://youtu.be/y8BBCYFAYRI
Here is the chorus to the song really think about what it is saying:
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man who yelled out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking
ground
Yes then, I turned away with a smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
This song really speaks to me. We turn out back on Jesus so often. We are the reason those thorns were shoved on his head. We are the reason He allowed the nails to be drove in His hands. We are Judas's kiss....wow!
But Jesus loves us anyway! It just makes me want to fall to my knees in praise and thankfulness as I am so unworthy of His love.
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Ephesians 2:3-5
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
1 John 4:7
[ Knowing God Through Love ] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God
1 John 4:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:10
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
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
This morning I ask you just soak in God's love. Knowing how much He loves you no matter what your past is!
Tom
Friday, February 24, 2012
Are you ready for battle?
Last night I was in Mississippi watching Blue Mountain College play basketball. A young lady named Kati Prince starts as a freshmen for the team. She was in the youth group at church and has grown up into mighty follower of Jesus. When she was a Senior in High School in Waverly, Tenn she tore her ACL. She battled back through hard rehab and was ready to play this season. Last night in the first quarter she went down again, it appears at this time she has damaged the other knee. She is at the knee surgeons office right now. We are praying it is not what it appears. Being one of the spiritual leaders in her life it is tough to know what to say. Her dad and I were talking last night on the way home and we have come to the conclusion that Satan is testing her and he has chosen this area of her life. All of us have an area or areas that Satan will test us in. Have you ever thought about that? God has warned us to be prepared, look at these verses:
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
1 Peter 5:8
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
We must stand against the devil! he will use all means to try to devour us. I think of Job....He lost everything...family, health, and riches! But one thing the devil could not take from him was his faith in God. Go back and read Job! Yes Job has questions of why, yes Jobs friends told him it was his sin causing the problems but it wasn't! The devil was just trying him. Remember God gave the devil permission to do anything but take his life, and Job stood strong. Are we different than Job? No! What makes us think God won't allow Satan to do the same to us? God had confidence in Job that he would remain faithful! Guess what He did. In the end Job was greatly blessed! We will be too if we remain faithful to the King!
Kati, you turned many towards Jesus when you battled through this last time, if need be I have no doubt you will do the same this time. Your daddy said "Satan has messed with the wrong one if he thinks he is gonna beat you!" I stand right there beside him in agreement!
My friends don't let the devil devour you. We are in a battle, prepare for the war in Christ!
Tom
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
1 Peter 5:8
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
We must stand against the devil! he will use all means to try to devour us. I think of Job....He lost everything...family, health, and riches! But one thing the devil could not take from him was his faith in God. Go back and read Job! Yes Job has questions of why, yes Jobs friends told him it was his sin causing the problems but it wasn't! The devil was just trying him. Remember God gave the devil permission to do anything but take his life, and Job stood strong. Are we different than Job? No! What makes us think God won't allow Satan to do the same to us? God had confidence in Job that he would remain faithful! Guess what He did. In the end Job was greatly blessed! We will be too if we remain faithful to the King!
Kati, you turned many towards Jesus when you battled through this last time, if need be I have no doubt you will do the same this time. Your daddy said "Satan has messed with the wrong one if he thinks he is gonna beat you!" I stand right there beside him in agreement!
My friends don't let the devil devour you. We are in a battle, prepare for the war in Christ!
Tom
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Why me?
Have you ever had one of those mornings when you have things to do (like work) and one of your children is sick and you think why me oh Lord? Well this is one of those mornings! But then it hit me....it could be so much worse. God brought it to my attention real quick of others who are suffering in so many ways. This little bump in the road is nothing in comparison. These verses came to mind:
Psalm 34:7-9
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
I trust my Lord with all my heart! He has blessed me with much more than I deserve. It was the selfish desires of my own heart that popped out first thing this morning and now I must repent of that! God has blessed me with two wonderful children and I need to keep that in the front of my mind at all times. I think of my friend Scott Saeger this morning who son Matthew is battling so hard this morning to get well from his brain surgery. We are blessed with God's gift of children, may we never take these gifts for granted. I thank God this morning for children.
So this morning are you thankful for another day? If a bump in the raod appears will you still praise our King? Most of the time if we just get self out of the way we see God's bigger picture and it is so much more than I!!!!!!!
Tom
Psalm 34:7-9
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
I trust my Lord with all my heart! He has blessed me with much more than I deserve. It was the selfish desires of my own heart that popped out first thing this morning and now I must repent of that! God has blessed me with two wonderful children and I need to keep that in the front of my mind at all times. I think of my friend Scott Saeger this morning who son Matthew is battling so hard this morning to get well from his brain surgery. We are blessed with God's gift of children, may we never take these gifts for granted. I thank God this morning for children.
So this morning are you thankful for another day? If a bump in the raod appears will you still praise our King? Most of the time if we just get self out of the way we see God's bigger picture and it is so much more than I!!!!!!!
Tom
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Church excuses debunked #4
Well here is the next excuse I have heard "I don't have to go to church to worship God." While this is true as we can worship while not in church it does not hold water when we look at scripture. We are commanded to go to church. I know this one will get some riled up but remember you are not arguing with me or anyone else you are arguing with the Word of God!
First, this verse makes it clear we are to assemble together with other believers:
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.
How much more plain can God make it? I mean the Word even tells us about those who makes excuses..."as is the manner of some"!
Second, God gives us gifts to use through the Holy Spirit that we are to use with our brothers and sisters in Christ:
Romans 12:3-8
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Unity and Diversity in One Body
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[c] one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d] gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Now how can you use your gifts if you are not among your brothers and sisters in Christ? To me this passage makes it very clear you are to be a part of a church using your gifts for the glory of God!
Thirdly, Christ established and died for the church:
Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Ephesians 1:22
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
Ephesians 3:21
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:29
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
1 Timothy 3:15
but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
If you read all these verses it is clear that Jesus established the church, He expects us to be a part of the church, He expects us to use our gifts for the church, and Christ died for the church. We can make all the excuses we want but they will not stand before the Lord. If you are using this excuse repent of it now and do what the Word of God says!
I love the outdoors as much as anyone. Many of mornings on my way to church the thought runs through my mind....it sure would be a great day to hunt or it sure would be a beautiful morning on the water! But I can say without hesitation I have never regretted observing the Sabbath day in church worshiping my Lord and savior with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Don't let Satan blind you with a lie....church attendance and worship is commanded by the Lord and it should be a desire of your heart!
Tom
First, this verse makes it clear we are to assemble together with other believers:
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.
How much more plain can God make it? I mean the Word even tells us about those who makes excuses..."as is the manner of some"!
Second, God gives us gifts to use through the Holy Spirit that we are to use with our brothers and sisters in Christ:
Romans 12:3-8
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Unity and Diversity in One Body
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[c] one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d] gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Now how can you use your gifts if you are not among your brothers and sisters in Christ? To me this passage makes it very clear you are to be a part of a church using your gifts for the glory of God!
Thirdly, Christ established and died for the church:
Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Ephesians 1:22
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
Ephesians 3:21
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:29
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
1 Timothy 3:15
but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
If you read all these verses it is clear that Jesus established the church, He expects us to be a part of the church, He expects us to use our gifts for the church, and Christ died for the church. We can make all the excuses we want but they will not stand before the Lord. If you are using this excuse repent of it now and do what the Word of God says!
I love the outdoors as much as anyone. Many of mornings on my way to church the thought runs through my mind....it sure would be a great day to hunt or it sure would be a beautiful morning on the water! But I can say without hesitation I have never regretted observing the Sabbath day in church worshiping my Lord and savior with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Don't let Satan blind you with a lie....church attendance and worship is commanded by the Lord and it should be a desire of your heart!
Tom
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Church excuses debunked #3
Today the excuse I want to look at is this: "I don't go to church because the preacher is always looking at me and talking about my sin."
I have heard this many times over the years. I have had folks come up after church ask me why I kept looking at them. I wasn't but I guess they felt that way. I must say myself that when I was without Jesus, many times i thought the preacher was talking to me....why is this?
The preacher has a message that God has laid upon his heart to bring to the people. The pastor is just a messenger. When I am bringing a message I am not looking at anyone intentionally. I believe I can say that for most preachers.
So why do we feel the preacher is looking at us? It is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Which in short is God working upon our hearts! We are being convicted of out sin! Look at these verses:
Hebrews 3:7-10
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
1 Corinthians 2:13
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Acts 7:51
51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Acts 10:44
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
Acts 11:15
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 1:12
12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
2 Peter 1:21
21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 5:7
7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
Using the excuse that the preacher is pointing at me may actually be a sign that God through the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and we need to not be hardhearted and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit!
Tom
I have heard this many times over the years. I have had folks come up after church ask me why I kept looking at them. I wasn't but I guess they felt that way. I must say myself that when I was without Jesus, many times i thought the preacher was talking to me....why is this?
The preacher has a message that God has laid upon his heart to bring to the people. The pastor is just a messenger. When I am bringing a message I am not looking at anyone intentionally. I believe I can say that for most preachers.
So why do we feel the preacher is looking at us? It is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Which in short is God working upon our hearts! We are being convicted of out sin! Look at these verses:
Hebrews 3:7-10
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
1 Corinthians 2:13
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Acts 7:51
51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Acts 10:44
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
Acts 11:15
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 1:12
12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
2 Peter 1:21
21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 5:7
7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
Using the excuse that the preacher is pointing at me may actually be a sign that God through the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and we need to not be hardhearted and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit!
Tom
Monday, February 20, 2012
Church excuses debunked #2
The next excuse that I have heard many times is this: "All the preacher/church wants is money!" I must admit that their are some who abuse money in the church. As long as man has a hand in anything their is always a chance that something may go wrong. But God is clear in Scripture that we are to do two things....tithe and support the man of God(Pastor).
First look at the tithe:
Here are some scriptures to read:
Malachi 3:8
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
Numbers 18:21
“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.
I know the first thing said by many will be these are old testament. Yes they are but the standard is still the same. God has blessed you and He expects you to give a portion back to the church. The church then should use the money for upkeep of the church, helping others, spreading the gospel, and taking care of the preacher. This is a difficult subject to answer in a short devotion so I am going to let God's Word speak for it"s self!
The second point of supporting the preacher:
Paul covers this pretty well in these verses:
1 Corinthians 9:1-23
A Pattern of Self-Denial
9 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?
Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
Serving All Men
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
Paul says he did not use what should have been provided in these verses but to me it is clear he is making it clear that we should provide for those who preach the gospel for a living.
Another good example I will just throw in is this for the church:
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Like I said earlier, this is a complex subject and I am just touching the tip of the ice burg on it. Study the scriptures and I think you will find tithing and supporting the pastor is biblical, but the abusing of it is not and must be kept in check!
Tom
First look at the tithe:
Here are some scriptures to read:
Malachi 3:8
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
Numbers 18:21
“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.
I know the first thing said by many will be these are old testament. Yes they are but the standard is still the same. God has blessed you and He expects you to give a portion back to the church. The church then should use the money for upkeep of the church, helping others, spreading the gospel, and taking care of the preacher. This is a difficult subject to answer in a short devotion so I am going to let God's Word speak for it"s self!
The second point of supporting the preacher:
Paul covers this pretty well in these verses:
1 Corinthians 9:1-23
A Pattern of Self-Denial
9 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?
Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
Serving All Men
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
Paul says he did not use what should have been provided in these verses but to me it is clear he is making it clear that we should provide for those who preach the gospel for a living.
Another good example I will just throw in is this for the church:
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Like I said earlier, this is a complex subject and I am just touching the tip of the ice burg on it. Study the scriptures and I think you will find tithing and supporting the pastor is biblical, but the abusing of it is not and must be kept in check!
Tom
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Church excuses debunked #1
I was think this morning about the excuses I have heard about why folks don't go to church. I want to cover a few of them over then next few days. One of the biggest excuses I hear is "I don't go because of all the hypocrites that go to church." I am sure you have either used that one yourself or know someone who uses that excuse.
First, I want to point out to you that Jesus used one of the biggest hypocrites of all time to build the church....who might that be? Peter! Do you remember this incident?
Matthew 26:31-35
31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[d]
32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And so said all the disciples.
Matthew 26:69-74
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Can anyone be a bigger hypocrite than Peter? This did not stop Jesus from building His church upon Peter!
Matthew 16:18
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
If Jesus did not have a problem with Peter being the leader of the church and getting it established. Then knowing that hypocrites are a part of the church keep us from attending....absolutely not!
Secondly, when we get right down to it all of us are hypocrites in areas of our lives. The church is a place for sick people to get healed of their sickness....sin. God tells us in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together....in others words the gathering of the church is not an option. I have never seen in the Bible a clause that says unless their are hypocrites!
So this morning we see the hypocrite excuse doesn't fly! I will end with this quote by Johnny Hunt "I would not have much faith in the gas in the bus that can get you to heaven if it can't even get you to church!"
Tom
First, I want to point out to you that Jesus used one of the biggest hypocrites of all time to build the church....who might that be? Peter! Do you remember this incident?
Matthew 26:31-35
31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[d]
32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And so said all the disciples.
Matthew 26:69-74
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”
74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Can anyone be a bigger hypocrite than Peter? This did not stop Jesus from building His church upon Peter!
Matthew 16:18
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
If Jesus did not have a problem with Peter being the leader of the church and getting it established. Then knowing that hypocrites are a part of the church keep us from attending....absolutely not!
Secondly, when we get right down to it all of us are hypocrites in areas of our lives. The church is a place for sick people to get healed of their sickness....sin. God tells us in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together....in others words the gathering of the church is not an option. I have never seen in the Bible a clause that says unless their are hypocrites!
So this morning we see the hypocrite excuse doesn't fly! I will end with this quote by Johnny Hunt "I would not have much faith in the gas in the bus that can get you to heaven if it can't even get you to church!"
Tom
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Honor God's name.
The other day my daughter who is in second grade came home from school and told me that some kids in her class were using the Lord's name in vain. I wondered what they were saying and if she really understood what that meant. So I asked her what they said. She said they were saying "Oh my God!" She was right! They were using His name in vain. Look at this verse below:
Exodus 20:7
7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Usually we think taking God's name in vain is if we use it as a cuss word, which it is but that is not the only way to take the name of God in vain. God is Holy and Righteous and we must uphold His name in every area of our lives. The Jews upheld the name of God so high that they would not even say the word God! When we casually use God's name it is sin and God takes that very seriously as we see in the verse for today. Oh my God, Jesus, Oh Lord, and the list goes on and on when used with out reverence is using God's name in vain! One of the definitions for vain is this: without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless. That does not describe our God!
So my friends let us be very careful in how we handle the name of God for we are told we will be held accountable for this offense!
Tom
Exodus 20:7
7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Usually we think taking God's name in vain is if we use it as a cuss word, which it is but that is not the only way to take the name of God in vain. God is Holy and Righteous and we must uphold His name in every area of our lives. The Jews upheld the name of God so high that they would not even say the word God! When we casually use God's name it is sin and God takes that very seriously as we see in the verse for today. Oh my God, Jesus, Oh Lord, and the list goes on and on when used with out reverence is using God's name in vain! One of the definitions for vain is this: without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless. That does not describe our God!
So my friends let us be very careful in how we handle the name of God for we are told we will be held accountable for this offense!
Tom
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I was a fool today!
Read this verse:
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
So I got this bill from a cable/internet provider yesterday. I have been dealing with them for several months. I keep getting the same story "It is all taken care of"! Have you ever been there? So this morning I had decided in my anger that I was gonna take care of it this time. Somebody was going to feel my wrath! Ever been there? So I made the call and guess what happened? The sweetest woman answered. I told her right away i want to speak with a supervisor. She replies in a calm voice "Do you mind if I try to help you?" I reply "I have been told that several times now and also been told it is taken care of!" She says well let see what I can do. So I tell the story from the beginning. She starts looking and finds errors and fixes them. She tells me I understand why you are mad. She then gives me her name and number, where she is located, days she works, and proceeds to tell me if this doesn't fix the problem which it should to call her back directly and she will handle it. WOW! Somebody who actually takes pride in their job and wants to take care of the customer. I proceeded to tell her that I wanted to go off on someone today but her attitude would not allow me to do that to her. She laughed and said she would take that as a compliment.
So the moral of this story is God taught me another lesson today. Anger can control you. It did me this morning. We must practice self-control for when we do not we become a fool. I was a fool this morning but God showed me the error of my ways. We must be humble enough to learn when God shows us our stupidity!~
Ever been where I was this morning? Did you act in a way that is pleasing to God? No better time to start than today!
Tom
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
So I got this bill from a cable/internet provider yesterday. I have been dealing with them for several months. I keep getting the same story "It is all taken care of"! Have you ever been there? So this morning I had decided in my anger that I was gonna take care of it this time. Somebody was going to feel my wrath! Ever been there? So I made the call and guess what happened? The sweetest woman answered. I told her right away i want to speak with a supervisor. She replies in a calm voice "Do you mind if I try to help you?" I reply "I have been told that several times now and also been told it is taken care of!" She says well let see what I can do. So I tell the story from the beginning. She starts looking and finds errors and fixes them. She tells me I understand why you are mad. She then gives me her name and number, where she is located, days she works, and proceeds to tell me if this doesn't fix the problem which it should to call her back directly and she will handle it. WOW! Somebody who actually takes pride in their job and wants to take care of the customer. I proceeded to tell her that I wanted to go off on someone today but her attitude would not allow me to do that to her. She laughed and said she would take that as a compliment.
So the moral of this story is God taught me another lesson today. Anger can control you. It did me this morning. We must practice self-control for when we do not we become a fool. I was a fool this morning but God showed me the error of my ways. We must be humble enough to learn when God shows us our stupidity!~
Ever been where I was this morning? Did you act in a way that is pleasing to God? No better time to start than today!
Tom
Monday, February 13, 2012
Training our children.
·
I have a simple question this morning for you. Are you training your children in the Lord? I did not ask if you take your kids to church or Sunday school or Vacation Bible School (which by the way are very important) I asked if YOU are training your kids in the Lord? Read this verse:
Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
It is a parents responsibility to train their children. It must sicken the Lord to see how negligent we have become in this area of our lives. Think about this morning how much time we spend in training our kids for sports or musical abilities. Hours upon hours. Think about how much time we spend in training our kids for their education. Then think about how much time and energy we spend on developing their spiritual walk with the Lord. It is very sad when you really sit down and think about it. I can't even begin to imagine how the Lord must feel about our lack of training we are giving our kids about Him and the Word. To show you how important it is to God and the value God places on training our children in the Lord look at this verse:
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.
I dare say my brothers and sisters....teaching our children about God and to follow the Word should be the top priority in our lives. One day we will stand before God in judgement and how sad it will be if we are found guilty of having their blood on our hands because we did not train them up in the Lord!
Tom
I have a simple question this morning for you. Are you training your children in the Lord? I did not ask if you take your kids to church or Sunday school or Vacation Bible School (which by the way are very important) I asked if YOU are training your kids in the Lord? Read this verse:
Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
It is a parents responsibility to train their children. It must sicken the Lord to see how negligent we have become in this area of our lives. Think about this morning how much time we spend in training our kids for sports or musical abilities. Hours upon hours. Think about how much time we spend in training our kids for their education. Then think about how much time and energy we spend on developing their spiritual walk with the Lord. It is very sad when you really sit down and think about it. I can't even begin to imagine how the Lord must feel about our lack of training we are giving our kids about Him and the Word. To show you how important it is to God and the value God places on training our children in the Lord look at this verse:
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.
I dare say my brothers and sisters....teaching our children about God and to follow the Word should be the top priority in our lives. One day we will stand before God in judgement and how sad it will be if we are found guilty of having their blood on our hands because we did not train them up in the Lord!
Tom
Friday, February 10, 2012
Laziness will cost you!
I am trying to read a chapter of proverbs everyday. They will speak volumes to you that is for sure. This morning what grabbed my attention were the two verse about laziness...here they are:
Proverbs 20:4
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.
Proverbs 20:13
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;
Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
The proverbs are full of verses that talk about laziness. God is clearly warning us about being lazy. First lets think about the unspiritual side of laziness. These verse make it clear we are to work to provide for ourselves and our families. The first thing that pops into my mind is welfare. As a nation we have created a society that expects the government to take care of them instead of finding a job. This is clearly wrong. Let me be clear, I am not opposed to helping folks in need out but in the same breath I am opposed to helping those who do not want to try to help themselves. Gods word clearly shows us we are to work to provide! When we do we will have enough to get by.
Now on the spiritual side, I want you to think about feeding your soul. Are you working on that. These verses can also very well speak to that. Do we neglect the bread of life....the word of God? Are we working to feed our souls on the worship of God by spending time with Him in Bible reading, prayer, and worship services? When we neglect these things because of laziness or just plain don't want to it will lead to poverty of the soul. That my friends is very dangerous!
If any of these areas are you or me, only we can change it.....don't be lazy!
Tom
Proverbs 20:4
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing.
Proverbs 20:13
13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;
Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread.
The proverbs are full of verses that talk about laziness. God is clearly warning us about being lazy. First lets think about the unspiritual side of laziness. These verse make it clear we are to work to provide for ourselves and our families. The first thing that pops into my mind is welfare. As a nation we have created a society that expects the government to take care of them instead of finding a job. This is clearly wrong. Let me be clear, I am not opposed to helping folks in need out but in the same breath I am opposed to helping those who do not want to try to help themselves. Gods word clearly shows us we are to work to provide! When we do we will have enough to get by.
Now on the spiritual side, I want you to think about feeding your soul. Are you working on that. These verses can also very well speak to that. Do we neglect the bread of life....the word of God? Are we working to feed our souls on the worship of God by spending time with Him in Bible reading, prayer, and worship services? When we neglect these things because of laziness or just plain don't want to it will lead to poverty of the soul. That my friends is very dangerous!
If any of these areas are you or me, only we can change it.....don't be lazy!
Tom
Thursday, February 9, 2012
My plans or Gods plans?
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This is an awesome verse for us to apply to our lives:
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
This verse really is self-explanatory. We each have many things in life we want to do. Plans and dreams of how we will get them done. The only problem is our plans may not be Gods plans. If we truly place our lives in Gods hands our plans are set aside and we pray for God to do His will in our lives. This is not easy because we are naturally selfish people. As this verse tells us though in the end the only thing that will matter is the purposes of God done in our lives.
So let me ask you this morning as I have asked myself....are you living out Gods plans or your own plans?
Tom
This is an awesome verse for us to apply to our lives:
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
This verse really is self-explanatory. We each have many things in life we want to do. Plans and dreams of how we will get them done. The only problem is our plans may not be Gods plans. If we truly place our lives in Gods hands our plans are set aside and we pray for God to do His will in our lives. This is not easy because we are naturally selfish people. As this verse tells us though in the end the only thing that will matter is the purposes of God done in our lives.
So let me ask you this morning as I have asked myself....are you living out Gods plans or your own plans?
Tom
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Grumbling against the Lord.
Do we really trust God? Think about it for a moment. In the verse below, Moses has just lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. They have complained several times already. At the Red Sea, thinking they were going to be killed before they crossed. God provided. They were thirsty. God provided. Now this time they are hungry and complained to Moses and Aaron. This is Moses and Aaron's response:
Exodus 16:7
7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?”
It made me sit back and think this morning. Do I grumble against the Lord? At first thought I said "no" but as I think about it more I have to say "yes". It may not be a right out complaint but I do see things that I think I need or always think I need more money. God's Word is clear that we are to be content with where we are:
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
In all things, and no matter the situation be content and trust the Lord. He loves you and will take care of you. The question for us is do we believe it?
Tom
Exodus 16:7
7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?”
It made me sit back and think this morning. Do I grumble against the Lord? At first thought I said "no" but as I think about it more I have to say "yes". It may not be a right out complaint but I do see things that I think I need or always think I need more money. God's Word is clear that we are to be content with where we are:
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
In all things, and no matter the situation be content and trust the Lord. He loves you and will take care of you. The question for us is do we believe it?
Tom
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Are you there for others?
I read this proverb this morning and it made me do some thinking and ask myself...am I there for others?
Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
It is easy to be there for family in times of need but are we there for others too? This proverb tells us if we are a true friend we will be there when needed. Even if our friend is in the wrong we still need to show love and guidance and this is not always easy!
What about our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you there for them when they are in need? When we are in Christ we have a new family and it is the church. We are given the example of the disciples and the early church to be there for one another. So we must ask ourselves this very same question. This proverb says as a brother I am born for adversity, meaning to take it head on with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
We also need to be there for each other in times of celebration too! So many are envious of others but that is of the devil not God. Rejoice in the blessings of God with others!
Take a moment and evaluate yourself this day....are you there for others....show them the love of Christ in you!
Tom
Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
It is easy to be there for family in times of need but are we there for others too? This proverb tells us if we are a true friend we will be there when needed. Even if our friend is in the wrong we still need to show love and guidance and this is not always easy!
What about our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you there for them when they are in need? When we are in Christ we have a new family and it is the church. We are given the example of the disciples and the early church to be there for one another. So we must ask ourselves this very same question. This proverb says as a brother I am born for adversity, meaning to take it head on with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
We also need to be there for each other in times of celebration too! So many are envious of others but that is of the devil not God. Rejoice in the blessings of God with others!
Take a moment and evaluate yourself this day....are you there for others....show them the love of Christ in you!
Tom
Monday, February 6, 2012
God is love.
Lets start the week off with some good news.
1 John 4:7-8
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.
Look at these verses backwards. Starting with the the last words. "For God is love." Take a moment just to think about that. Love is defined by God...He is the definition of love and Christ has set the example for us. Jesus loved others in their sin and after they had repented of their sins. That is to be the way we love also! Then the next part of verse 8 says if we do not love we do not love God! Wow. Now it would be easy to say well I love but I just don't love everybody. No where in scripture is it taught we can pick....matter of fact Jesus says to love our enemies!
Now the last past of verse 7 says everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, so to truly love we must be born again or saved because Jesus makes it clear in scripture the only way to know God is to have trusted Jesus with our lives! So it is safe to say true love can not happen with out a relationship with Jesus. Then the first part of verse 7 tells us to love one another for love is of God. It is so hard to love others isn't it? We have our ways they have theirs and it is just hard to mesh. The problem lies in each of us. But we have the solution....God. God is love and if we put our strength and trust in Him we can love anyone even those who seem unlovable to us!
So this morning remember God is love and he loves you so much and He expects us to show love to others!
Tom
1 John 4:7-8
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.
Look at these verses backwards. Starting with the the last words. "For God is love." Take a moment just to think about that. Love is defined by God...He is the definition of love and Christ has set the example for us. Jesus loved others in their sin and after they had repented of their sins. That is to be the way we love also! Then the next part of verse 8 says if we do not love we do not love God! Wow. Now it would be easy to say well I love but I just don't love everybody. No where in scripture is it taught we can pick....matter of fact Jesus says to love our enemies!
Now the last past of verse 7 says everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, so to truly love we must be born again or saved because Jesus makes it clear in scripture the only way to know God is to have trusted Jesus with our lives! So it is safe to say true love can not happen with out a relationship with Jesus. Then the first part of verse 7 tells us to love one another for love is of God. It is so hard to love others isn't it? We have our ways they have theirs and it is just hard to mesh. The problem lies in each of us. But we have the solution....God. God is love and if we put our strength and trust in Him we can love anyone even those who seem unlovable to us!
So this morning remember God is love and he loves you so much and He expects us to show love to others!
Tom
Friday, February 3, 2012
Why is the USA going downhill?
This verse sums it up:
Proverbs 14:34
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.
Until we have a turning back to God we will continue to struggle. We have no God-fearing leadership in our government. The nation now accepts all kinds of sin as normal and acceptable. Our music and televisions mock and laugh at God's Word. It is very simple....until our nation wakes up and realizes we need God we will continue to face the consequences.
It all starts with me and you. Are we right with God? Then and only then can we talk with others about changing their ways. Pray my brothers and sisters pray! God please bring revival and a spiritual awakening to this great land you have blessed us with.
Tom
Proverbs 14:34
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.
Until we have a turning back to God we will continue to struggle. We have no God-fearing leadership in our government. The nation now accepts all kinds of sin as normal and acceptable. Our music and televisions mock and laugh at God's Word. It is very simple....until our nation wakes up and realizes we need God we will continue to face the consequences.
It all starts with me and you. Are we right with God? Then and only then can we talk with others about changing their ways. Pray my brothers and sisters pray! God please bring revival and a spiritual awakening to this great land you have blessed us with.
Tom
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Do you have a love for God's Word?
This is a very important question for every believer. But before you just jump right in and say "oh yeah I love the Word of God" I want you to ask yourself a question. How much time do you spend reading and studying the Bible? For some, including myself, it is not nearly enough! Read this verse:
Proverbs 13:13
13 He who despises the word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
God tells us in this verse that those who despise the Word will be destroyed. Makes sense don't it? If you hate God's Word then you must have Him so in the end you will be destroyed by spending eternity in hell. On the other hand if you fear the Word of God which the commandments are a part of then you will be rewarded. If you have an awe and a reverence for God's Word then it goes to say you would be obeying His Word. When you are obedient then your reward will an eternity spent with God in heaven. Wow we don't deserve that but am I thankful for it!
So back to the original question....do you love God's Word? Think about it very hard. If you are a hunter compare the amount of time spent hunting to the time you spend reading God's Word and serving Him. Not even close is it? If you are not a hunter you can do the same test with whatever your hobby is. Hmmmm something each of us had better give some thought!
Tom
Proverbs 13:13
13 He who despises the word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
God tells us in this verse that those who despise the Word will be destroyed. Makes sense don't it? If you hate God's Word then you must have Him so in the end you will be destroyed by spending eternity in hell. On the other hand if you fear the Word of God which the commandments are a part of then you will be rewarded. If you have an awe and a reverence for God's Word then it goes to say you would be obeying His Word. When you are obedient then your reward will an eternity spent with God in heaven. Wow we don't deserve that but am I thankful for it!
So back to the original question....do you love God's Word? Think about it very hard. If you are a hunter compare the amount of time spent hunting to the time you spend reading God's Word and serving Him. Not even close is it? If you are not a hunter you can do the same test with whatever your hobby is. Hmmmm something each of us had better give some thought!
Tom
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Unrighteousness will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Have you ever taken notice of how we rate some sin worse than others? God is a Holy, Righteous, God who hates all sin. As I was looking at this verse the Holy Spirit brought some insights I want to share this morning. Read these verses:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
God's Word is clear here....those who practice sin will not inherit heaven(the Kingdom of God). In verse 9 the Word even gives us a warning...don't be deceived. I think it is safe to say that many are being deceived! Look at the list of sin closely. Now this is not a complete list of sins but it does cover many. Fornication is voluntary sex between two unmarried people. Common these days and accepted as ok in our society but not accepted by God. Idolatry is anything we worship besides God. This can be many things....sports teams, tv, our job, even our wife or kids if we put them before God! Again this is common practice today. Adultery is sex between someone who is married and somebody else who could also be married to someone else or not. Time and time again we see society practicing this and accepting it as ok....not to God! Homosexuality is sex between people of the same sex and God clearly states it here as sin and we tend to pick this one out as being worse than the others but remember to God sin is wrong no matter what we think. Sodomites are: those who practice anal or oral copulation with a member of the opposite sex. Also included in this is bestiality. Thieves...those who steal. This also includes stealing from a employer by not working hours claimed. I have seen this many times myself! Covetous means wanting what others have. Did you know that was a sin? God has blessed each one of us and wants us to be content where he has us! Drunkards is next on the list and this is the one God really spoke to me about for some reason. How do we define what a drunkard is? I know what we picture in our own minds but is that what God has in His mind? Anytime one drinks and starts to get a buzz it is sin. God does not want us altering our minds.( Medical drugs are a different story). So I think how many folks drink one beer or one glass of wine and thats it? Not many that I know. That is the reason they drink to get that buzz. So from what I see I believe even a social drinker can be this drunkard the Lord is talking about. Revilers is next on the list, this is some one who speaks abusively. Not acts but just speaks it. Think on that our words to others can be sin! The finally is extortioners, this is some one who uses blackmail to gain favors. So we see here many things God says is sin and will not inherit heaven if not repented of!
Verse 11 is important to us. Paul tells his listeners "as such were some of you". This implies a change had taken place. In other words they had repented of their sin and were no longer practicing these sins. They were washed and sanctified by Jesus! Praise the Lord. We can be too all we have to do is ask! Have you my friend? Think about these Words from God this morning....comments are welcome!
Tom
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
God's Word is clear here....those who practice sin will not inherit heaven(the Kingdom of God). In verse 9 the Word even gives us a warning...don't be deceived. I think it is safe to say that many are being deceived! Look at the list of sin closely. Now this is not a complete list of sins but it does cover many. Fornication is voluntary sex between two unmarried people. Common these days and accepted as ok in our society but not accepted by God. Idolatry is anything we worship besides God. This can be many things....sports teams, tv, our job, even our wife or kids if we put them before God! Again this is common practice today. Adultery is sex between someone who is married and somebody else who could also be married to someone else or not. Time and time again we see society practicing this and accepting it as ok....not to God! Homosexuality is sex between people of the same sex and God clearly states it here as sin and we tend to pick this one out as being worse than the others but remember to God sin is wrong no matter what we think. Sodomites are: those who practice anal or oral copulation with a member of the opposite sex. Also included in this is bestiality. Thieves...those who steal. This also includes stealing from a employer by not working hours claimed. I have seen this many times myself! Covetous means wanting what others have. Did you know that was a sin? God has blessed each one of us and wants us to be content where he has us! Drunkards is next on the list and this is the one God really spoke to me about for some reason. How do we define what a drunkard is? I know what we picture in our own minds but is that what God has in His mind? Anytime one drinks and starts to get a buzz it is sin. God does not want us altering our minds.( Medical drugs are a different story). So I think how many folks drink one beer or one glass of wine and thats it? Not many that I know. That is the reason they drink to get that buzz. So from what I see I believe even a social drinker can be this drunkard the Lord is talking about. Revilers is next on the list, this is some one who speaks abusively. Not acts but just speaks it. Think on that our words to others can be sin! The finally is extortioners, this is some one who uses blackmail to gain favors. So we see here many things God says is sin and will not inherit heaven if not repented of!
Verse 11 is important to us. Paul tells his listeners "as such were some of you". This implies a change had taken place. In other words they had repented of their sin and were no longer practicing these sins. They were washed and sanctified by Jesus! Praise the Lord. We can be too all we have to do is ask! Have you my friend? Think about these Words from God this morning....comments are welcome!
Tom
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