Draw a line in the sand!

I went to a youth conference a few days ago and heard a message that I wanted to pass along as we get ready to go into a new year. As followers of Jesus it's time if you aren't already to make a stand for our God! Thus the statement "draw a line in the sand". This means I will not cross what boundaries God has set for me and I have set for myself. If I may, let me give you a few pointers:

1. Line of conviction: As a follower of Christ, I have convictions and standards I will not cross....period! God has given us a guide book and expects us to follow it. Are we? Here is an example in the bible:

King Nebuchadnezzar commanded all to bow down to a statue to worship it. Everyone obeyed but three men:

Daniel 3:16-17

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

They had a line of conviction, even in the face of death! Don't cross the line drawn in the sand!

2. Line of association: It is no great revelation that the people you hang out with is who you become! This may be the time to adjust your friend list! The list of men in the last verse stood strong together. The bible says:

Proverbs 27:17 

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

While we are to try and win the lost we are to be very careful whom we spend great amounts of time with so we are not drawn into the ways of the world!

3. Line of confidence: Do you have confidence in your God? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did! "Our God is able to deliver"!!!! Oh yes He is!!! Here is another verse to grab on to:

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

We got God on our side!

So with a new year upon us...draw a line of conviction, draw a line of association, draw a line of confidence, and don't cross them!

Have a blessed new year and may we stand for KING JESUS!

Tom

Eyes #5

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I will get back to my regular routine soon and again sorry for scattered devo's! Let's look at the proverbs today to see what they got to say about the eyes!



Proverbs 12:15





15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

but a wise man listens to advice.



This is a common theme in the scriptures, that a fool is always right in his own eyes! I can attest to this myself. How many times have I found myself in sin in the past and tried to justify it will some kind of excuse. Not only trying to convince others I was right but also myself! Where instead I should have taken the advice of other followers of Jesus and most of all God's Word!!! LISTEN and READ Godly advice! It is the key to maturing in our walk with the Lord. Get pride out as we all seem to have a problem of seeing where we are wrong.



Proverbs 16:2





2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

but the Lord weighs the spirit.



Similar to the previous proverb. Don't miss here though to who is weighing our Spirit. Not self, not other people, but God Himself. You see when it all comes down to the end, we will stand before God, and He knows our hearts. Were we trying to follow Him or was it all about self? We can't fool God but we sure can fools ourselves if we are not careful. Don't fool yourself, God tells us what is pure in His Word, if you want to know you will seek it our, if not then you won't. Plain and simple.



Proverbs 17:24

The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.



So what are your eyes on? The ways of the world or the wisdom God has shown us?



Proverbs 21:4





4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,

the lamp of the wicked, are sin.



Pride will get ya every time! Are you humble or full of pride?



Proverbs 23:26



26 My son, give me your heart,

and let your eyes observe my ways.



This defines where our eyes should be...on God's ways!!!!! Give God your heart, it is His main desire!!!



Chew on these today, where are your eyes???



Tom

Eyes #4

Today let us look at what the Psalms has to say about our eyes. Great advice!



Psalm 25:15





15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,

for he will pluck my feet out of the net.



Where are our eyes focused? On Jesus our Lord or on the world whom Satan is the prince? Here we are told when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will keep us out of trouble!!! Oh how I wish I had focused on Jesus as a child, but am thankful I came to my senses and finally gave my life to Him in my 20's!!! He is my Guide and Protector!



Psalm 101:3





3 I will not set before my eyes

anything that is worthless.

I hate the work of those who fall away;

it shall not cling to me.



Oh my! Think about these words for a bit. First thing comes to my mind is TV!!! How much value does TV have? Then thing of people who are not following Jesus, don't let their ways cling to you. Let us be committed to following our Lord in all ways.





Psalm 119:18





18 Open my eyes, that I may behold

wondrous things out of your law.



Here we see a prayer we all need to voice often. God let us grasp your Word!! Then apply it daily to our lives. Let us see clearly.



Psalm 119:37





37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;

and give me life in your ways.



Similar to a previous verse. Help us oh Lord to keep our eyes on YOU! Our eyes are so valuable in our walk with Jesus. He is true Life! The things of this world are not.



Psalm 123:1



123 To you I lift up my eyes,

O you who are enthroned in the heavens!



So again we ask the question to whom or what are you focusing your eyes on? For the follower of God their is only one choice....HIM who is on the throne is heaven! The maker of the heavens and earth.



I hope you are catching on to the importance God places on our eyes and what we are focused on! It is convicting for sure.



Tom

Eyes #3

Sorry about the scattered devotions! So much going on this time of year! Let us continue to look at what God says about what we allow into our eyes!



Today this looks at what God sees from us! What is going into His eyes is very important to us! While this is talking about Israel, it sounds very familiar to what is going on here in our nation today!



2 Chronicles 29:6

6 For our fathers have been unfaithful and have done what was evil in the sight of the Lord our God. They have forsaken him and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord and turned their backs.



I have noticed something as I am sure you have too. My great grandparents generation was faithful to the Lord and His church. Rarely missing the gathering of God's people unless something unavoidable was going on. My grandparents generation was faith to the Lord and His church but occasionally would miss the gathering of God's people. My parents generation was not as faithful but was still fairly strong in the gathering but would miss if they felt like it. Now my generation is not faithful at all. The miss the gathering of God's people anytime there is something that they feel is better going on. Do you see the pattern here? What will the next generation do as it seems each generation turns away from God just a little bit more?



Of course this is just an example, if we look at the evil God sees just look at the news now and what you would have seen 30 years ago. Evil is getting more and more wicked!!!!



Folks God sees all! What is God seeing in your life? God centered living or evil? Take time to think about this today....what is God seeing in me?



Tom

Eyes #2

Thinking again about our eyes and what we allow into our eyes, let us look to the Book of Deuteronomy today and see what God has to say there and then relate it to us today:



Deuteronomy 4:19

19 And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.



What do we allow into our eyes and then worship it? Hmmmm interesting question. Astrology has been a problem since the beginning of time as we see God warn about here. We are to worship the ONE who made the stars, moon, and planets not his creation! I see those who claim to be followers of Jesus posting their horoscopes and the such today....noooooooo! Stay away from those who claim to read the stars and can tell you your future. These are of the devil. It is not limited to just astrology though, we have celebrities we see with our eyes whom we worship...look at clips of Elvis, Michael Jackson, Athletes, and stars of today and look at their fans crying, and trying to touch them it is worship! Very sad! This worship is reserved for God only!



Deuteronomy 10:21

21 He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.



God is the ONE who is our praise and has proved Himself over and over in our sight! While talking to Israel here in this verse it applies to us too! It is not hard to see what God has done and He has told us what the future holds....heaven or hell, our choice.



Deuteronomy 12:8

8 “You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes,



Wow does this ever describe us here the USA today. We do what we think is right not what God has said is right! It is no wonder the USA is sliding on a downward spiral and we will continue to do so unless we turn back to God and do what HIS WORD SAYS!!!!!



Deuteronomy 13:18

18 if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping all his commandments that I am commanding you today, and doing what is right in the sight of the Lord your God.



It is a clear biblical teaching over and over in the bible that God will bless those with taking care of their needs if they obey Him and do what is right in HIS EYES not ours.



Pretty straight forward truth here this morning. Chew on it. Are you doing whats right in your eyes or God's eyes?



Tom

Eyes

Over the next several weeks I am going to look at a few parts of the body, eyes, ears, and the mouth to see how important they are in our walk with the Lord. It is very important as you will see of what we allow to go in our eyes and ears and then what we allow to come out of our mouths. Take time to think about each of these and apply it to your own walk with Jesus!



First let us start with the eyes. Somethings we see can control like T.V., Magazines, and some places we choose to go. Sometimes we see things that are beyond our control. I want us to focus on what we can control! Look at the value Jesus put on our eyes:



Matthew 6:22-23

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!



Wow! So we need to examine our own eyes and see if they are healthy or bad! What do we let into our eyes? So many that claim to be followers of Jesus willingly let immoral things into their eyes that goes straight to the brain. When allowed to sit in the brain it then can scar the heart and we then become numb to immoral things and accept them as ok. We see in the above verse that God calls it darkness and that it can be great darkness which equals great sin!



We will dig deeper in this tomorrow and the days to come. Have you thought about what you allow into your eyes? If not now is the time!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #10

Well we have looked at what the love of money can do to us. The love of Jesus must be first in our lives not money and things! So as we bring this to a close what are some things we should use the money God gives to us for?



1. The first thing on the list is the tithe. It is a must for us to give a portion back to God of what He has give to us. This is how the church functions and meets the needs of its people.



Malachi 3:8-10

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.



2. Pay your bills and take care of your family.



God expects us to pay our debts. This is just plain honesty and integrity when we make agreements with folks we are to keep our word!



1 John 2:5

But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:



God has entrusted us with spouses and children. We are to meet their needs. Our money should go here but we do not want to get over our heads by meeting wants we can't afford or don't need!



1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.



3. The third thing we are to do is help others in need.



Acts 20:35

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”



It seems we do this at Christmas time but what about the rest of the year? It is to be a daily duty of the follower of Jesus. Have you ever stepped back and looked at the money you spent on needless things and then though about how many are in need? It can be an eye opener for sure!



I hope this look at money has been helpful, it sure has reminded me of some things I needed to see again! Let us be doing the will of God with our money, not the will of the world!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #9

Perhaps these words from Jesus are some of the most valuable to us about the love of money:



Mark 10:23-27

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”



Two times in these verses Jesus uses the word "hard" in talking about entering the kingdom of God. I think we had better take notice don't you??? BUT I want us to see Jesus says it is not impossible but hard for the rich to enter the kingdom. So we can draw from this that riches can be a big temptation if not kept in check. So much so that Jesus very straight forward like points it out to us! It even shocked the disciples. Jesus was putting to rest the thought that great riches were a sign of the favor of God upon that person. Riches has nothing to do with that, where your relationship with Jesus is the deciding factor of us reaching the kingdom of God!



So let us think about these important words from Jesus this morning. Is your money keeping you from Jesus or is your money being used to bring you and others to Jesus?



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #8

It amazes me as we look at the love of money how much God has to say about it to warn us not to fall into it's trap! here are a few mentions in Psalms:



Psalm 37:16



16 A little that a righteous man has

Is better than the riches of many wicked.



Here God once again is reminding us that being right with Him is much more valuable than money. God meets the needs of those who follow Him, everything else above that is abundant blessings. Many who don't follow Him have their reward now in this life. Our promised reward comes when we get to heaven! Oh what a day that will be!



Psalm 73:12

12 Behold, these are the ungodly,

Who are always at ease;

They increase in riches.



Riches don't make you ungodly, your love of riches and contentment in them makes you ungodly. When we depend on our riches and put our faith in them instead of God makes us ungodly! When we are worried about more money instead of lost souls and helping the needy, this makes us ungodly. Let us not be found in this condition!



Ecclesiastes 5:10



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

Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.

This also is vanity.



The ole wise man King Soloman tried everything to find satisfaction in life including riches, he found that money never satisfies! You can never have enough of it. Great riches are useless.



The only thing that satisfies in life is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God made us this way with a spiritual hole in our hearts that can only be filled by Him. Seek Jesus for He is the answer to life!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #7

The wise teachings of Proverbs always has something to teach us and it is no different with money. So let's look at them today and see what they tell us about money.





Proverbs 8:10

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,

And knowledge rather than choice gold;



God's Word in to be desired more than money. Is this true in your life?





Proverbs 11:4

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death.



Money will not do us any good when death and judgement comes....but righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ is the only answer!





Proverbs 11:28



28 He who trusts in his riches will fall,

But the righteous will flourish like foliage.



Trust in your money instead of the Lord and see where it gets you.





Proverbs 13:7



7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;

And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.



Money may bring you temporary happiness in this life, but really in the end you have nothing. If you give everything to Jesus, than you are rich and it can never be taken away! Praise the Lord!





Proverbs 16:16



16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.



Wisdom and understanding of what God desires in a followers life are so much more valuable than money. When we learn this we have matured in our walk with the Lord.





Proverbs 22:1



22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Loving favor rather than silver and gold.



How many folks have let money ruin their reputation? How many folks chose money over love for others? Too many to count!



Once again we see today, the love of money can be our down fall. Be wise and chose the love of our Lord you will never regret it! Reread these proverbs and think about them in your own life and let the Holy Spirit freely speak to you. If changes are needed, make them today!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #6

As we have seen thus far God has much to say about the danger of loving money and placing the desire of it before Him. I want us to look at this warning from God's Word about money this morning:



2 Timothy 3:1-5

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!



WOW! Do you see what the love of money is mixed in with here? As I look at this list of sins, many of them go along with each other! Folks this list is very accurate of our very day. This is why many think we are living in the days of the return of Christ! Take the time to go through the list in the verses above and honestly evaluate yourself. If they describe you, repent and turn to following Jesus now!



God also tells us if folks like these we are to stay away from as they will lead us astray if we are not very careful. Yes we are to try lead them to Jesus but we are not to spend great amounts of time with them! Look at your friends and family....are they described above? Lead them to Jesus, if they won't come to Jesus then stay away from them!



Remember these are not Tom's words, but come from God himself!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #5

As we continue to look at what the Word of God says about money, I want us to think today at our giving. Do you give just enough to appease yourself or do you give to honor God and trust Him to meet your needs?



Mark 12:41-44

The Widow’s Two Mites

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”



The lesson here is many times we give out of our abundance. We give what we know won't be of any burden to us. We give knowing we can still go out everyday this week and buy our 5 dollar starbucks coffee even though there are people out there starving. We give knowing we can still get that lottery ticket justifying it by saying God if I win I will give some to the church. All our money is God's money, would he spend it the way we do?



This widow put in all she had! She had to trust that God would bring her some food soon! The rich through in some but it did not really cost them a thing, they knew they were gonna eat in abundance.



Think about this lesson today. What point is Jesus trying to get through to you and to me? Is our giving pleasing to God?



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #4

The money issue seems to have no boundaries. Greed and evil has even entered sacred grounds like the church. This is nothing new! Let me give you a few examples:



Mark 11:15-17

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”



Jeremiah 7:11

11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord.



Malachi 3:8-10

Do Not Rob God



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.

9 You are cursed with a curse,

For you have robbed Me,

Even this whole nation.

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be food in My house,

And try Me now in this,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

And pour out for you such blessing

That there will not be room enough to receive it.



We really need to chew on these and ask our selves are we doing wrong with our money anywhere. Inside or outside the church. All the money God has bless us with is His that He lets us use. He expects us to use it wisely. A portion is to be given to the church. We are to help those in need. We are to use it to meet our needs. Then with the rest we need to honor God with it no matter how we spend it. A good habit would be to ask ourselves, would God be happy with this use of money?



It is biblical to say use God's money wisely and God will meet your needs, use God's money foolishly and for evil and you will reap the consequences.



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #3

Yesterday we looked at a couple of examples from the bible of what the love of money will do to people. We seen Delilah and Judas were over come by their greed for money and did some evil things. Like I said earlier money in itself is neutral, neither good nor evil, but the love of money causes all kinds of evil. Look at this verse:



Ecclesiastes 10:19



19 A feast is made for laughter,

And wine makes merry;

But money answers everything.



This is the mindset so many get in, partying and money is life! NOOOOOOO! Money is not the answer, Jesus Christ is the answer. Sadly money can get almost anything done if you have enough of it, but money can't buy salvation or peace. Jesus Christ is the only way for that! Look at this warning from Jesus:



Matthew 6:24

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



Mammon is money. Jesus is clear here that we can't serve both God and money! So let us look at our lives and honestly answer the question, am I serving God or money? What do you love more God or money and the things it can get you? Hmmmm really give this some thought and heed the warning from Jesus. If we look at the society we live in I believe we can see clearly the answer for most! MONEY!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #2

As we think about money and how we can turn it into an idol if we are not extremely careful, I want to look at tow examples of what money can do to people from the bible.



The first example is from the old testament. A lady named Delilah. She had a man named Sampson in her grasps. Sampson was a judge for God. He did some might things for the Lord. He was in love with Delilah. Sampson had great strength from God and was told never to cut his hair as a vow to God as that is where his strength came from. One of the enemies of Israel, the Philistines, wanted to know where this strength came from so they could defeat Sampson. So what could they do to get Delilah to help them???? Money, Money, Money! After Sampson had tricked her a couple of times, he finally told her the secret to his strength! Dumb move Sampson! Then look what happened:



Judges 16:18-21

18 When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has told me all his heart.” So the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hand. 19 Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him,[a] and his strength left him. 20 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.

21 Then the Philistines took him and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze fetters, and he became a grinder in the prison.



Money can cause people to do evil things!



Our other example we find in the new testament, a familiar story to most. A named Judas who walked with our Lord Jesus. He had been taught by Jesus and knew first had who Jesus was....The Savior of the world. Greed got the best of Judas and he went to see what he could get for Jesus, if he betrayed Him to the high priests:



Matthew 26:14-16

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.



For thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave, Judas betrayed Jesus. Judas would later regret what he had done and take his own life but the damage had already been done!



Think about your own life now. Has money caused you to do anything wrong or evil? Look at the world we live in and what the love of money causes folks to do on a daily basis. It is sad to think how many love money and things more than they love God! This can change in our own lives but only if we want it too!



Remember this verse:



Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.



Seek God not money, and blessings will flow!



Tom

Money, money, money!!! #1

Well here comes Christmas! I heard that on black Friday over 1 billion dollars was spent and that did not include internet sales! Wow! Money is important for us to survive. Do we spend our money in ways that are pleasing to God? It is important for us to examine this aspect of our lives. I believe if we are honest with our selves we do things with our money that is not pleasing to God and amounts to greed!!!

Look at this verse about money closely:


1 Timothy 6:10
 Money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Can money be evil? No it is a thing, it is neutral. It is neither evil or good. You see I did not post the verse correctly, here is what the verse actually says:

 1 Timothy 6:10
 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.

The love of money is what is evil because it becomes a idol in our lives that replaces God! Just stop and think about what the love of money has done in this world of ours. Murders, stealing, greed we see all the time over the love of money. Money in many instances is used in ways that does not honor God and help those who are in need. What are we doing brothers and sisters????

So as we dive into looking at money over the next several days and what God has to say about it let us not look at what others are doing but let each of us examine our own hearts and ask ourselves so I have a love of money or a deep love of God!

I have heard it said before, if we look at our check books we can often answer the question of where our hearts are....God or money(self)!

Tom

Blessings at Thanksgiving!

This will be my last post til Monday. Just want everyone to take some time to think about all the blessings God has given you this year and in all the past years. No matter the good or the bad we get in life....God is good. We are blessed beyond measure. It is easy to grip or complain but you can always look around and see someone who is facing a much harder time than you!



Be Thankful! We serve and awesome God! Here are few verses to ponder over the Holiday:



Psalm 128:1

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.



Proverbs 28:20

A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.



Ephesians 5:20

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,



Psalm 100:4

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.



Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.



Heavenly Father we are thankful for your love, your mercy, you grace, and most of all your Son Jesus. May we never take you for granted and may we serve you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength because your are alone are worthy of all our praise, honor, and worship. We love you God and we are blessed, thank You Lord.



Have a great Thanksgiving!



Tom

Choose wisely whom you hang out with!

For the follower of Jesus, who we spend time with is very important. The people we spend time with will influence us in many ways. God warned us of this in His Word:



2 Corinthians 6:14-18

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,



“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

17 Therefore go out from their midst,

and be separate from them, says the Lord,

and touch no unclean thing;

then I will welcome you,

18 and I will be a father to you,

and you shall be sons and daughters to me,

says the Lord Almighty.”



It is easy to see what God is saying here, if you are a follower of Christ hang out with followers of Christ. Look at all the opposites between a follower and a non-follower:



1. Righteousness vs. Lawlessness

2. Light vs. Darkness

3. Christ vs. Belial(devil)

4. Believer vs. non-Believer

5. Temple of God (your body) vs. Idols



Wow. Some non-followers would like to say, just because I am not a follower of Jesus does not mean I am a follower of the devil. Well according to the bible there is no in between! You are either of God or you are of the world. Being of the world means you are a follower of the prince of this world which is the devil himself!



Now the hard part about not being unequally yoked is witnessing to these folks. The bible is clear we are to love, meet needs, and share the gospel with unbelievers. The key here is you do these things but you are not spending great amounts of time in which you can be negatively influenced. It is a fine line to walk. God even warned us of this here:



1 Corinthians 10:12



12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.



No matter how strong we think we are in the Lord, we can be influenced, and if we are spending great amounts of time with an unbeliever we can fall!!!



So be very careful with those you spend great amounts of time with! God is clear in His Word on this!



Tom

What would you do? #5

So yesterday we ended with the questions of "did Joseph give his no good brothers food for their families for his fathers sake or did he actually forgive his brothers for all the harm they had done to him?" Let's find out the answer:



Genesis 45:5-8

5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.



At this point it Joesph had figured out God had a purpose for all the wrong doing his brothers had done to him. That was to preserve lives including theirs by Josephs wise planning. But has he really forgiven them. The brothers apparently did not think so:





Genesis 50:15

15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.”



Jacob had come to Egypt with the family. Joseph had them taken care of and now Jacob has died. The brothers are now worried that the only reason Joseph had been nice to them was because of their father!



So here is today's scenario: Now that dad has passed away is it time to get even with your brothers and sisters for all the evil things they had done to you?



Here is what Joseph did:



Genesis 50:19-21

19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.



Joseph had forgiven them. He learned God had a greater purpose in all of his brothers evil and it was to save lives! This is a great lesson for us, even when people do bad things to us, we need to look for the work of God in it! He can use those situations to bring glory to himself. Always remember this verse:



Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.



Many times in the middle of tough situations it is hard for us to see God working, but after the situation is over we can look back and see how God was there all along! We must do this:



Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.



God bless and have a great day!



Tom

What would you do? #4

Well how have you been doing on these scenarios when you answer the questions? If I am honest with my self I do not think I am doing very well!



So for today's scenario remember this...your brothers and sisters wanted to kill you because of their extreme jealousy and hatred of daddy's boy. Instead they sell you off into slavery thinking they will never see you again. This gets us to today's event:



In slavery, you earn the trust and respect of others and move into leadership position. The King is so impressed with your abilities he moves you up to second in charge only behind himself. A famine takes over the land, but because of you wise planning you have an abundance of food. So much so other nations are coming to you to buy food. Guess who comes before you wanting food? That's right your brothers and sisters!!! They do not recognize you but you do them. Here is your question......what do you do?



I know what I would want to do personally but as a follower of God what would I do? hmmmmm



Here is the story in the bible:



Genesis 41:41-44

41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. 43 And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”



Genesis 42:7

7 Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke roughly to them. “Where do you come from?” he said. They said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.”



Genesis 42:25

25 And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them.



Genesis 45:1-4

45 Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. 3 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.



So Joesph did the right thing and gave them food. He also asked them a question..."Is my father still alive?" So did Joesph give them food because he forgave them or did He have another motive behind his kindness?



We will find out tomorrow!



Tom

___

What would you do? #3

Keeping the scenarios going, here is today's:



Your brothers and sisters are mad at you. They think about killing you but instead sell you into slavery. How does that make you feel?



Remember leading up to this, you are your Fathers favorite child, he has given you a special gift that your siblings are aware of, you have recently told them about a dream you had where they will bow down to you in the future, and you also have tattled on them. This is why they are so mad at you!



Genesis 37:12-28

12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 15 And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16 “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17 And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

18 They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.” 21 But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand to restore him to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. 24 And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

25 Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. 28 Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.



For the price of a slave, Joesph is sold and taken to Egypt where he will be sold off to serve the King of Egypt as a slave. Where would your mind be if you were Joseph? Would you think God was in all of this? Of course many of us know the outcome, Joesph did not at this time. Remember God is in control in all circumstances and we just have to keep our focus on what He wants us to do for His glory....even in very hard times!



Tom

What would you do? #2

Here is today's scenario for us to think about and answer the questions honestly at the end.



You have dreams that show you ruling over your brothers and sisters and that they will bow down to you. You share your dreams with them. How does that dream make you feel? How do think that dream makes your brothers and sisters feel?



Genesis 37:5-8

5 Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7 Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.



Genesis 37:9-11

9 Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” 11 And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.



Interesting huh? Not only did Joesph tell his siblings but also dad and mom will bow to him. God had a big plan for the future but they did not know that at this time. Should make us stop and think that we never know how God is working but to be in constant thought that God is in control of our lives even when we may not know it!



My brothers telling me I will bow down to them....hmmm.... I may not receive that well....how about you?



Will continue tomorrow!



Tom

What would you do? #1

This week we are going to do something a little different. I am going to give you a scenario and then I want you to honestly think about the question or questions I ask after the scenario. God works through some amazing ways in the bible that is for sure and we will see that this week and then we will try to draw out what God wants us to see at the end of the scenarios.



So here we go:



You have several brothers and sisters. It is obvious you are your Father's favorite child. So much so that your father gives you a special gift, to you only. Your brothers and sisters see you with it all the time.



Here are your questions about this scene, remember answer honestly:



1. Knowing you are the favorite, how do you treat your brothers and sisters?



2. When your Father gives you the special gift, how does that make you feel?



3. How does that gift you received make your siblings feel?



Now look at this scripture:



Genesis 37:1-3

37 Jacob lived in the land of his father's sojournings, in the land of Canaan.

2 These are the generations of Jacob.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.



Jacob and Israel are the same person here. Joseph is the favorite son as we see in the verses. The gift was the robe of many colors. We also see here Joseph brought a bad report to Jacob about his brothers, so he was tattling on them above everything else! Now go back and look at the questions again. I am thinking if I am Joesph, I have some pride going on about me and dads relationship. If I am one of the brothers, I am thinking some not very fond things about my spoiled, favored, mouthy, tattling, brother!!!! What are you thinking?



How would God want us to treat others in all the different views here? Not the way I am thinking!!!! So chew on this today and we will move on tomorrow!



Tom

A few reminders!

A great Word from the Bible and few reminders for us!



Jeremiah 1:4-8

4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,



5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me,



“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;

for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,

and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8 Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

declares the Lord.”



What do we see here?



1. God knows us before we are even in the womb! That is awesome!

2. God has a purpose for all of us who will surrender our lives to Him.

3. We will try and make excuses as to why we can't serve God.

4. God sends us we go and we speak on His behalf! (Share the gospel and our testimony)

5. Don't be afraid!!!

6. God is with us and will deliver us as He sees fit!



So as a follower of Jesus get busy doing what God has called His followers to do!!!! No excuses!



Tom

God knows you!

This song is an awesome reminder of your importance of God! He Knows My Name by Francesca Battistelli Enjoy!






It is so comforting to me to know that God knows all about me and loves me! Here are some scriptures to be reminded of this:



Psalm 139



1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.



7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

12 even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.



13 For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.



17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.



19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!

O men of blood, depart from me!

20 They speak against you with malicious intent;

your enemies take your name in vain.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?

And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

22 I hate them with complete hatred;

I count them my enemies.



23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!



Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”



Matthew 10:26-33

26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[a] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[b] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.



Acts 15:8

And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,



1 John 3:20

for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.



1 John 4:7

[ God Is Love ] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.



Isn't it awesome to know God knows us individually? It sure is to me. Then to know He loves us and have paved the way to eternity with Him through the shed the blood of His Son Jesus Christ is well amazingly great!!!



Listen to the song again and know you are important and of great value to God!!!!!!



Tom

More of You!

Listen to this song called "More of You" by Colton Dixon:






A great song for all of us followers of Jesus. It is based off of this scripture:



John 3:27-30

27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”



John the Baptist did what God called him to do and that was to prepare the way for Jesus. Now Jesus was on the scene and John knew it was Jesus who was to be growing in peoples lives and John was to decrease in the public eye. We can take this into our own lives as the song shared. When we become followers of Jesus, our lives are then to proclaim Jesus in every area, and self is to take a back seat to the service of our King Jesus! so the statement "more of You, and less of me" becomes a statement of who Jesus is to us...Our Lord!



This part of the song is so true of all of us:



I made my castle tall

I built up every wall

This is my kingdom and it needs to fall

I want You and no one else

Empty me of myself

Until the only thing that's left is

more of You and less of me!



Think on that for a while today and then determine if you are making more of Jesus in your life or more of yourself!



Tom

Are you practicing Righteousness?

Want to know if you have been born of Jesus? Look at what you will be practicing in life in the verse below:



1 John 2:29

29 If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.



The bible makes it clear here that when we are following Jesus we will be doing our best to live a life of righteousness. here is how the dictionary defines righteousness: morally right, justifiable, good, honest, fair. When used for God it means holiness or purity.



So as followers of Jesus we know we are made righteous only by the shed blood of Christ upon that rugged cross. We only become righteous through Him. One we receive Him then our lives should be lived in a righteous manner. Striving for righteousness every second of every day. If we fail, then we repent and strive again.



Notice the word practices, we practice to get better. To be more like Jesus everyday.



So are you growing in righteousness? According to the bible it shows you have been born of Jesus. If you are not then it is time to take a look at your walk with Jesus!!!



Tom

How can it be???

I heard this song a couple of weeks ago and wow did it speak to me. I hope it does to you also. So turn it up and really listen to the lyrics. This is "How Can It Be" by Lauren Daigle:



Have you ever asked your self that question about what Jesus has done for you? How can it be??? I have. To think that Jesus left heaven to come to earth for a sinner like me.

Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,



To save my soul from an eternal hell. Wow, how can it be? It can be because of a simple word....love.

John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus have overcome sin, the devil, and this world all for those who will follow Him.

John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

So How can it be? It can be only because of JESUS!

John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

You might want to put this song on your favorites list because if you are like me you will want to listen to it again and again!

Thank you Jesus for making worshiping you possible! What an honor it is to give you my life.

Tom

Billy Webb- a godly example

 

As we mourn the loss of Mr. Billy, I was thinking about the impact he had on the lives of so many. As a Sunday school teacher he had an impact on so many kids lives. His innovative teaching methods were amazing. So many know their bibles because of the ways he taught them to memorize it. He taught until he just physically could not do it anymore.

Another great quality about Mr. Billy was his love for people. When you talked to him you knew he genuinely cared about you. He showed interest in you. He took time for you. He loved you.

Kindness is a description of Mr. Billy. I personally never heard him say an unkind word about anyone! The kids loved Mr. Billy because of this kindness and the encouragement he gave them.

As you look over what I have said about describing Mr. Billy it makes you think of another person....Jesus. Mr. Billy loved Jesus and tried His best to follow Jesus with His life and actions. What a great example Mr. Billy is to us all in our walk with the Lord! He with out a doubt followed this verse:

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Because of Mr. Billy's example for us it is without a doubt I know that he heard these words from Jesus on Wednesday afternoon:

Matthew 25:21

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Thank you Mr. Billy for the difference you made in my life and in the lives of so many for Jesus. We love you and will see you on the other side soon!

Tom

Have a good husband?

Last time we met we look at what the bible says about a good wife, so what does it say about a good husband? Let's look!



Ephesians 5:25-28

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.



Here we see a good husband loves his wife the way Jesus loves the church! So how did Jesus love the church? He gave His life for the church. Men do you give your life to your wife? Time, energy, and attention? Do you lead her spiritually as Jesus did His followers? A good husband will do these basic things as Jesus is our example. Remember God first, then wife, then children, others, then you! Men is your life in this order? These verses above go on to say we are to love our wives and we love ourselves! Chew on that for a bit and answer the question, do you love your wife as much as yourself?



Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.



Next we see good husbands are not harsh with their wives! I see men who think their wives are deaf apparently because the only way they can talk to them is to yell at them and it is usually in an unfriendly tone! This is not being a good husband. Our wives are in need of uplifting, kind, and encouraging words. Jesus as our example was not about harshness but love, so a good husband should be too!



1 Peter 3:7

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.



The last point we see to day of a good husband is to be understanding as a husband. Woman are different than we are. Their emotions and feelings usually are much more sensitive than ours. Husbands need to understand this and treat them in a honorable way. As it says in the verse above. they are heirs or partners with us in this thing called life. May we be good husbands and teat them in such a way. Also don't miss the words at the end of this verse above...."so that your prayers may not be hindered". Husbands if you think Go doesn't care how you treat your wife you better think again! God says here is we don't honor our wives our payers will be hindered! Wow! God may throw our prayers out the window if we mistreat our wives! hmmmmm!



So men are you a good husband? Wives do you have a good husband? Share this devotion with others, it is something we all need to keep in mind!



Tom

Have a good wife?

Good wives and husbands are hard to find. God tells us in His Word what to look for but so many times we settle for the standards of the world and thus we do not have what God desired for us. I am so thankful for my godly wife, Lea Anne, whom I do not deserve. She is a proverb 31 woman! Look at how God describes a good wife here:





Proverbs 31:10-12



10 An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.



Trust, great value, provider, and seeking good are some of the values a good wife will have but the most important trait of all is found here:



30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.



A wife who fears the Lord and puts Him first above all is a good wife. While my wife is beautiful and has a sweet disposition, her best quality is her love for Jesus. That is what we need to be seeking in a wife or a husband. God created us to be in fellowship with other followers of Him, if that is missing in a marriage it will not be what what God designed it to be.



So are you a good wife? Guys did you marry a good wife?



On Monday we will look at a good husband.



Tom

So how is life going?

Obedience to God is key in our lives. Look at these verses:



Jeremiah 7:23

23 But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’



Luke 6:46-49

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.[a] 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”



John 7:16-17

16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.



Psalm 119:33-35



33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;

and I will keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law

and observe it with my whole heart.

35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,

for I delight in it.



What else needs to be said? God desires us to be obedient to Him. It brings blessings and joy to our lives. Disobedience brings discipline, as any goof Father does to bring us in line with what is best for us.



The choice is ours...obey or disobey. Which do you choose today?



P.S. If you do not know God's Word it is impossible to obey for you will not know all that He desires from you!



Tom

Dead and born again!

We are all sinners and dead before God but something great can happen! Read these verses:



Ephesians 2:1

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins



John 3:3

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”



Romans 8:10



But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.



What is that great thing that can happen? We can be born again through Christ Jesus. Some make this very hard to understand but it really is simple. Let me explain. Sin equals death. God is Holy and can not be in the presence of sin. That puts all of us in a bad place because we are all sinners. So since we are dead we must be born again holy before God. How can we do that? Through Jesus. We are born again by putting our faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for our sins. Then we follow Him the rest of our lives and God sees us as holy before Him because the sinless Son of God's blood covers us! Se that isn't to hard to see is it?



So here is the main point for today.....are you dead or alive? You are one or the other. Dead to God in sin or alive to God through Jesus!



Tom

Well done or depart?

I went to a revival service last night and my Pastor friend Randy Mutter brought out an interesting point on serving the Lord I had never seen put together before and i wanted to share it with you.



One day we will all stand before the Lord and give an account of our service to Him. Now remember this, works or service do not save you. A relationship with Jesus Christ saves you. Now when you are truly saved service and works should flow out from you because of your love for the Lord. That is why he has given you talents and abilities...to serve Him and others!



Now here is the point Brother Randy brought out.....When you stand before God one of two things will be said:



Matthew 25:21

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'



or



Matthew 25:31

30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’



You see in this story there were three servants. Two did well with what they were given and we welcomed home into heaven. One did nothing with what he was given and was cast into hell.



So here is a the questions to ask ourselves: 1. Have I given my life to Jesus Christ. 2. Do I now serve Jesus because I am His servant? 3. Which of the two verses will God say to me?



Something for us all to chew on today and then do what God leads us to do!



Tom

Do you know love?

God gives us the answer to the question here:



1 John 3:16



16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.



Jesus showed us the ultimate price for love, when He died for us and our sins. I also think of our brave men and women who have given their lives for the love of their country.



I also want us to realize that laying down our lives is not always physical death. It is taking time for others. Time is valuable and tho take it and serve someone else shows love. Laying down our lives in service to others shows we care. As we have said many times before, actions speak louder than words.



So are you all about self which shows no love, or are you all about others which shows great love?



Short and simple today but much to think about! Do you know love?



Tom

Are you a citizen of heaven?

First a little US citizen quiz. Do you know the 4 ways to become a US citizen?



1. Citizenship through parents



2. Marry a US citizen



3. Green Card Naturalization



4. Join the military



Interesting huh? You can look up the details if you need to especially the last one which takes a little explaining.



Read these verses and then I have another question for you:



Philippians 3:17-4:1

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.



Are you a citizen of heaven? I hope and pray you are. How do you become a citizen of heaven? There is only one way!



John 14:6

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



Jesus Christ is the only way to citizenship with the Father in heaven. You must have a personal relationship with Jesus!



Here is the next question:



Can a US citizenship be revoked?



The answer is yes but it is rarely done. Here are the 4 reasons US citizenship can be revoked:



1. Lying on paperwork for US citizenship



2. Refusal to testify before Congress



3. Membership in Subversive group (terrorist group)



4. Dishonorable discharge from military if citizenship was gained through military.



So here is my next question, what can revoke your citizenship in heaven?



Here is the answer: nothing!



John 10:28-29

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.



When you have given you life to Jesus and follow Him nothing can take your citizenship in heaven away as God has said no one is able to snatch them out of His hand! Now here is where the problem lies. Many claim to believe in Jesus which they may but so does Satin and the demons, the key is they have not surrendered their lives to Him and follow Him. It takes more that a simple belief, it takes total surrender.



Here are the words of Jesus:



Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.



I hope you can see here it is more that a simple belief, it is a surrendering of your life to Jesus!



So are you a citizen of heaven? If you are awesome! If not what is stopping you? I would be glad to talk to you about it, just ask!



Tom

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What you do reveals what you believe!

In his book, Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby says "What you do reveals what you believe about God, regardless of what you say". That is a fact! Remember those famous words you have heard before...your actions speak louder than words? There are tons of examples in the bible that confirm the statement by Blackaby. Let's look at one:



1 Samuel 17



Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years. 13 The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.

17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. 18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.”

19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.

24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”

28 Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 29 And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?” 30 And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.

31 When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.”

48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. 53 And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

55 As soon as Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” 56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the boy is.” 57 And as soon as David returned from the striking down of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”



David believed in his God, the Lord Almighty, and acted on behalf of God. His actions showed what He believed and proved his faith. Now look back and look at King Saul and the rest of the army. Their faith rest in themselves and thus they were scared and took no action. This showed a lack of faith. David experienced God and doing so made his faith become even stronger.



Let us know ask ourselves this question, what do my actions say about my faith in God? Think long and hard about it and spend some time in prayer with God asking for guidance in your walk with Him!



Tom

You are a door!

Listen to awesome song:



Jason Gray-With every act of love






James 2:8

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.



We all have heard it said many times, actions speak louder than words. We can say we love others but until we see proof, we tend not to believe it. Do we love our neighbors (others)? Is there any proof in our lives that we do?



As followers of Jesus, we are to love others as He loves us. A deep compassionate love willing to sacrifice what ever we have to to help them in their need but ultimately to point them to the love of Jesus. Are we doing that on a regular basis?



This part of the song really jumps out to me:



God put a million, million doors in the world

For his love to walk through

One of those doors is you

I said, God put a million, million doors in the world

For his love to walk through

One of those doors is you



Is your door open or shut? Look what Jesus said about how others are to know we are His:



John 13:35

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”



So what about it this morning, are you showing the world Jesus by your acts of love?



Tom

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