Thursday, August 31, 2017

Matthew West - Broken Things (Lyric Video)

I shared this video last night at youth bible study. We all need to remember that we are broken in some way and that God choses to use broken people to bring Him glory and honor. Just read the Bible...everyone God used was broken in various ways. Watch this and then give yourself to Jesus and serve Him with your life. You won't regret it!



We are not perfect!



I don’t think it is a surprise to anyone to say none of us are perfect. Only Jesus can claim that. Paul reminds us plainly we are sinners:

1 Timothy 1:15
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

We all could fight for the title chief sinner! Amen?

Thomas Kempis gives us some good advice about our imperfections when dealing with others and ourselves:

“Try to bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may be, because you also have many a fault which others must endure.”

So let us understand we are not perfect, others are not perfect and we must do our best as followers of Jesus to love others and share the Word of God with them while we continue to work on our selves becoming more like Jesus everyday!

Galatians 5:13
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Ephesians 4:2
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1 John 1:8-10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Unity is key for the followers of Jesus. Love one another!

Tom

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Bearing one another



I think it is safe to say some folks are hard for us to get along with. We all have folks in life that really push our buttons. So how are we supposed to treat those who do this? Like Jesus treats us! I bet we push His buttons often but he still loves us and shows us mercy, grace, and love.

Look at the teaching of scriptures:

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

I don’t know about you but I still need much growth in this area!!! God’s Word is plain and simple….love one another….no excuses!

Tom

His mercy!

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Today is day of Salvation!

Do you have perfect love?



I can already answer the above question for myself…no! Do I desire to have perfect love for all people…yes! I hope you do too. 

Thomas Kempis helps us to understand how to have this perfect love with this statement: “He who has true and perfect charity (love) seeks self in nothing, but searches all things for the glory of God.”

The only way to have perfect love is to first put others first and second to make sure all we do if for God’s glory. Not easy to do, huh?

What does God’s Word say to this?

Philippians 2:3
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

1 John 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:23
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

So is your love perfect? Strive for it and glorify God!

Tom

Monday, August 28, 2017

Be wise in Gods eyes!

Why are you doing that?



Helping someone out is awesome! We should do this often. As followers of Jesus the love we have for people should push us to help. It should not be the help itself that pushes us but what is reason we are helping. It should be out of love!

Thomas Kempis said: “God weighs the love with which a man acts rather than the deep itself.”

The Word of God touches on this as well: 1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Do you love people??? Even those whom you disagree with or don’t even like???

Remember these words from Jesus: Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

So let everything we say and do be in love for we are followers of Jesus!

Tom

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Wait!!!!

Do you trust God?



That sounds like a dumb question to most doesn’t it? But before you dismiss is think on it for a bit. Are you willing to obey and do whatever He says?

He told Abraham to pack his stuff and go! Did not say where to at that point but that He would show Him. Do you trust God that much?

Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord said[a] to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.

Jesus called the disciples to follow Him and did not say where just follow. Do you trust Jesus that much?

Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Many other biblical examples I could share. What is God calling you too? Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, tell neighbor the gospel, feed the hungry with your own money, or a million other things. It will cost you something dearly most likely and then the question becomes…do you trust God?

Tom

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Your a farmer!

It doesn’t matter what others say or think!



That is a harsh title isn’t it? But for the follower of Jesus what others say or think does not matter when we are being obedient to the Word of God and living as God has called us to do! 

Thomas Kempis said: “If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily by opposition to our opinions.”

Ouch! I think he nailed it. Often we are more concerned about what others may say or think about us than we are about glorifying God because we want to please Him in every area of our life!

What does God’s Word say:

Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.

Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Mark 12:14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

God’s Word has spoken…nothing else to say but God’s Word and being obedient to Him is all that matters now and for eternity!

Tom

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Don’t act upon feelings but upon Truth!



We must be very careful about how we react to situations that come up in life. Many will tell you to go with your heart but that is not always wise! God tells us about our hearts: 

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Is that what you want to rely on in a serious situation? Not me! I want the truth!

Thomas Kempis said “through personal feeling true perspective is easily lost”. How true that is!

So where so we get the truth we need in all situations? God’s word!

Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Matthew 22:16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.

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

Go with Jesus, The Word, every time and you will get the truth!!!! And your decisions will be made with ultimate wisdom!

Tom

Thank God for godly folks in your life!

Monday, August 21, 2017

Singing to Praise the Lord



One of my favorite ways to praise the Lord is by singing to Him and about 
Him. Matter of fact as I have matured in my faith, music that glorifies God is about all I listen to and I sing right along with them! Why would I listen to anything that God tells us is sin…drunkenness, adultery, ect.

For some reason many choose not to lift their voices to God in praise. Why is this? Many say because they can not sing but this is not a good excuse as quality has nothing to do with it, it is what is coming from the heart! Look at this verse:

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

I don’t see anything here about quality, just gladness in the heart! When I know what Jesus has done for me upon that cross, there is nothing but praises to sing!!!

The bible is full of verses talking about singing praises to the Lord, so let us not be found lacking here! 

Now there may be times when you can not sing out loud like the library or in your office but you can still do it!!!

1 Corinthians 14:15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

There is nothing in life quit like lifting up praises to our God and oh how He enjoys hearing our praises to Him to glorify HIs name!!! So let it out! Let the world know about our King Jesus!

Tom

Praise Him for moon and sun!

Friday, August 18, 2017

Passion - Glorious Day (Live/Lyrics And Chords) ft. Kristian Stanfill

Time to Praise the Lord once again!!! Are you thankful God saved your soul? I sure am. Thank you Jesus!! What a glorious day! Turn it up and sing it out!!!

The Best Medicine



From Daily Inspirations. A devotional I read often and I found this one to be worth a share today! Tom

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.


Early in my uncle’s ministry he preached at a small country church located at the edge of a small rural community. Among the members of his congregation was an elderly lady named Thelma. Thelma had been a widow for many years and because she was unable to have children, she was completely alone in this world—or she would have been if not for her little church family.
But when Thelma fell and broke her hip, she suddenly found herself homebound. Thankfully her church family didn’t forget about her. They made sure she had plenty to eat, her house was kept clean and her laundry was done. Her yard was mowed and some of the young people (with a bit of adult supervision) planted and tended her garden—something she took great pride in.
One day while my uncle was visiting with Thelma, the home healthcare nurse arrived to check on Thelma’s progress. “Have you been taking your pain pills to keep you comfortable?” the nurse asked.
“I don’t need them,” Thelma replied. “This young man is my preacher. He stops by every few days to visit. He helps keep the grass mowed and his wife brings the children to cheer me up. The rest of my church family makes sure I have plenty to eat, keep the house clean, and see to everything else I need.”
“That’s wonderful,” the nurse smiled, “but that doesn’t do anything for managing your pain.”
“That’s not true,” Thelma told the nurse. “My friends are covering me with so much love there’s no room left for any pain.”
We all need to take a lesson from Thelma and her church family. We need to cover each other with so much love and  TLC that there isn’t any room left for pain or sadness.

Prayer: God, please open my eyes and heart to see the needs of others so that I can be the medicine they need to take their pain away. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Be patient..,Jesus is coming!

A reminder: Be on guard!



Thomas Kempis wrote: “Everyone, therefore, must be on guard against temptation and must watch in prayer lest the devil, who never sleeps but goes about seeking whom he may devour, find occasion to deceive him. No one is so perfect or so holy but he is sometimes tempted; man cannot altogether free from temptation.”

So our question must be…Are we on guard? It is a must in this life that we live. We must constantly be watching for the devils temptations to come in all the various areas in our lives. 

We must also pray for God’s protection and His wisdom to be upon us as a hedge of protection. 

The above quote must have come after some thought about this verse: 

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Know the devil is out to destroy you! Be on guard!

Look at what Jesus said: John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

So let us remember to be on guard, staying close to the Lord, and praying about falling into temptation! With the power of Jesus we can overcome the devil!

Tom

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Are you fulfilling your role?

Is God all you need in hard times?



Having friends, family, and church family is awesome. I have often wondered how I would have made it through some difficult situations with out them. 

Thomas Kempis makes an interesting observation in his book The Imitation of Christ: “When a man of god will is afflicted, tempted, and tormented by evil thoughts, he realizes clearly that his greatest need is God, without Whom he can do no good.”

I would have to agree, while friends and family can comfort, only God can give the power to heal and overcome. So in reality God is ALL we need and He is EVERYTHING we need!!! Amen?

Remember what Jesus said: John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Some other relevant verses:

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

So let us remember…God is truly all we need!

Tom

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Search and examine

Depend on God not man.



Thomas Kempis once wrote: “A man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolation of men.”

Think about that quote for a bit. Is our relationship so string with God that we don’t need anyone else to lean on? If we think about it that is the way it should be because God can take care of all of our burdens where man can not!

Look what the scriptures say:

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord, Than to put confidence in man.

Jeremiah 17:5 Thus says the Lord:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Isaiah 2:22 Stop regarding man
in whose nostrils is breath,
for of what account is he?

We can not even trust our own selves apart from a new heart in Christ so why do we want to lean on another human when we can lean on God for all our needs??? 
So let us cast all of our cares upon Him as we are instructed in the Word:

1 Peter 5:7
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Tom

Monday, August 14, 2017

Help a brother or sister out!

Talking with a purpose.



Thomas Kempis wrote in his book The Imitation of Christ: “We often talk vainly and to no purpose.” It made me think about the things I talk about. How much time do we waste talking about things that make no difference in life. How much time do we talk about our purpose for life…worshiping, obeying, and serving God?

We need to make our aim in life to speak of the most important aspect of our life….our faith in Jesus. Do you?


What does God's Word have to say to this?


Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Matthew 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;

Psalm 105:1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 

So think about these verses today and think about what the purpose you have for your mouth. Are you using it to glorify God or something else?????

Tom

Friday, August 11, 2017

Take Up Your Cross (Guest writer)



It is not often that I use the devotion of another but I like the way she put this. Short and straight to the point. May we heed the words wisely!

Tom

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Galatians 6:14, NKJV

The cross is not just a symbol of love or a fashion statement. The cross is your daily decision to deny yourself,
your rights,
your wants,
your dreams,
your plans,
your goals,
and deliberately, wholeheartedly, unreservedly live out your commitment to His will and His way and His Word and His wisdom. The cross is your decision to live for Jesus. Period. No “ifs,” “ands,” “buts,” or “maybes.”
Would you take up your cross . . . every day . . . and follow Him?

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz

Matt Maher - Your Love Defends Me (Official Lyric Video)

I have song for you all to listen to this morning. God loves you so much! Live for Him today! Turn it up and worship King Jesus this morning.



Thursday, August 10, 2017

What path are you on?

Stay away from the gossip!



Are you inclined to listen to gossip or maybe even seek it out? In this world we live in gossip is sought on a daily basis as you see we have TV shows, magazines, and internet website just full of gossip about politicians, celebrities, sports stars, and whatever else they can find to spread rumors about. Why are we so concerned about others peoples business? 

Look what Thomas Kempis says about gossip: “Shun the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.”

In our distraction of being caught us in gossip we get away from our main purposes…worshipping God, loving others, meeting needs, and sharing the gospel. 

God has much to say about gossip so let me share some verses:

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

1 Timothy 5:13 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Romans 1:28-30 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[a] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;

James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

So what does God want us to do with our mouths?

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Build people up! Don’t tear them down. 

So are you seeking gossip or staying away from it?

Tom

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Free gift from God

Only One Way for true peace!



People all over the world are searching for true peace in their lives. Many think it can not be found but God tells us different. It can be found!

Thomas Kempis made a true statement here: “They will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves wholeheartedly for the love of God.” Plain and simple and the truth! Are you sold out to the love of God?

Look what God says here: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Have you turned everything over to God? Or are you holding on to something that you want to keep control of? It don’t work like that if you want peace…God wants all of you. Remember these words from Jesus: Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

The One way for peace is Jesus and to make your life all about Him! Think on that today and make your move for true peace through Jesus Christ.

Tom

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Seek God and He will answer!

Is God your Lord?




This is a very important question to ask yourself. God makes it very clear in His Word that when we follow Jesus, we are no longer our own but His!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

The Word tells us we are slaves now…Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

It continues to say Jesus is Lord….Revelation 17:14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Thomas Kempis gives us a good reminder: “It is a very great thing to obey, to live under a superior and not to be one’s own master.” For the follower of Jesus that superior is JESUS!

So think about who is Lord of your life today?? Is it you? Is it someone you are in a relationship with? Or is it the One and only Jesus who died for you upon the cross, to take your sins upon Himself, so that you may live for eternity in heaven with Him. 

I pray we all can say like Joshua: Joshua 24:15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Tom