This is the second greatest commandment as told by Jesus:
Matthew 22:39
39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
It seems we still problems with skin color in our society today. In the states it is not uncommon for us to have hard feelings against another citizen for simple reasons like they talk different, they dress different, their skin color, or because they go to the wrong school, and the list can go on and on. According to the Bible we are all created in God's image. Just in that simple fact it should make us want to love one another. Do you love others?
In Ecuador we were surrounded by folks who did not know us. Nor did we know them. They sent their kids to us for VBS and trusted us to take care of them. In return we taught their children about Jesus and loved them like they were our own. As they seen us working with their children it brought a trust and respect between us and the parents. By the end of the week, we had made some great new friendships and a love for each other that passed through a language barrier. Through the efforts of both us and the people of Ecuador we fullfilled this commandment above....to the glory of God.
So what about here at home. Do you love others of all skin color and nationality? Have you formed your opinions on what the Bible teaches or have you based your opinions on what others have taught you? Give your love away and see what the result may be. Yes when you give your love away you risk being hurt but in reality all things worth while involve risk. That is what faith is all about isn't it?
God commands us to love others....it really isn't a choice! Reach out my friends the rewards are amazing.
Tom
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lessons from Ecuador
The team I was blessed to be a part of is back from Ecuador. As I sit at the keyboard this morning I write with a very heavy heart. We left new friends and a country that is in much need but yet seems to be content with where they are at in many ways. This was my first trip out of the states to serve God and it has opened my eyes to many things. I want to share them with you for the next couple of weeks.
A friend of mine wrote a devotion that I got this morning and this was the verse he was using and it is just what I needed to write my devotion this morning also.
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Brothers and sisters we must focus on the teachings of God everyday. Here God is telling us to do good to others always...even when we are tired. I can not tell you how tired we were after serving the kids of Ecuador doing Vacation Bible School. We were soaked with sweet every night but we kept pushing on. One of our team members actually had some serious stomach problems from the food or water. He looked like death at times but he would not let us take him to the hotel to rest. He kept pushing on...doing good and not growing weary. This team member was n charge of the games and did an amazing job. There is no doubt he will reap blessings for not losing heart as the verse said above. We had many times where things were difficult compared to the states but we did not lose heart and that is what I hope you will see this morning....we have folks to reach for Jesus....keep doing good no matter what. The blessings that come with this work are unbelievable!
Tom
A friend of mine wrote a devotion that I got this morning and this was the verse he was using and it is just what I needed to write my devotion this morning also.
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Brothers and sisters we must focus on the teachings of God everyday. Here God is telling us to do good to others always...even when we are tired. I can not tell you how tired we were after serving the kids of Ecuador doing Vacation Bible School. We were soaked with sweet every night but we kept pushing on. One of our team members actually had some serious stomach problems from the food or water. He looked like death at times but he would not let us take him to the hotel to rest. He kept pushing on...doing good and not growing weary. This team member was n charge of the games and did an amazing job. There is no doubt he will reap blessings for not losing heart as the verse said above. We had many times where things were difficult compared to the states but we did not lose heart and that is what I hope you will see this morning....we have folks to reach for Jesus....keep doing good no matter what. The blessings that come with this work are unbelievable!
Tom
Monday, July 5, 2010
Up or Down?
Some Words of warning this morning from the Lord:
Proverbs 15:24
24 The way of life winds upward for the wise,
That he may turn away from hell below.
I like how this verse starts out. The way of life of course is Jesus. This verse tells us that those who are wise wind their way upward. It is not a straight easy road. It winds like a trip up through the mountains. If you have ever been to the Rockies or the Smokies you can easily picture this. It is the same in our Christian walk, we have peaks and valleys and many corners to make our way through. But the reward at the end is oh so worth it. As a bonus we have a Savior who is with us every step of the way providing the strength and peace we need! Unfortunately their is the other side to the story. If we chose the turn away from Jesus it is a road that is straight to hell. Along the way we are offered many chances by God to turn off that path but the foolish one will continue down that road. God is so merciful and longsuffering. He gives us every chance to choose the way of life. Why do so many choose hell?
Good Word from God today...don't miss out!
I will be in Ecuador on a Mission trip for a week starting tomorrow...please pray for our team as we do VBS with about 100 children there. God bless and will return with the devotions when I get back!
Tom
Proverbs 15:24
24 The way of life winds upward for the wise,
That he may turn away from hell below.
I like how this verse starts out. The way of life of course is Jesus. This verse tells us that those who are wise wind their way upward. It is not a straight easy road. It winds like a trip up through the mountains. If you have ever been to the Rockies or the Smokies you can easily picture this. It is the same in our Christian walk, we have peaks and valleys and many corners to make our way through. But the reward at the end is oh so worth it. As a bonus we have a Savior who is with us every step of the way providing the strength and peace we need! Unfortunately their is the other side to the story. If we chose the turn away from Jesus it is a road that is straight to hell. Along the way we are offered many chances by God to turn off that path but the foolish one will continue down that road. God is so merciful and longsuffering. He gives us every chance to choose the way of life. Why do so many choose hell?
Good Word from God today...don't miss out!
I will be in Ecuador on a Mission trip for a week starting tomorrow...please pray for our team as we do VBS with about 100 children there. God bless and will return with the devotions when I get back!
Tom
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Where do you seek knowledge?
This verse had something pop in my mind very quickly:
Proverbs 15:14
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
The first thing that came to my mind when I read this was this...how many millions of people turn to Oprah, Dr. Phil, Larry King, many of the news organizations for knowledge everyday? These folks try to answer all of life's questions by worldly answers. Americans eat is like a Chinese buffet. Then when their foolish answers come crashing down we ask why!!
The first part of this verse directs believers in how we should seek knowledge. We must have understanding. Where do we obtain that? From the Word of God. This is our main source! Prayer is another source where we can here from God directly. Another good way to get that understanding is through Bible based teaching. I hope you caught the Bible based part because their are many who want to say the are Bible teachers but put to much of their own opinions in their teachings be careful of that. The only way you will catch their false teachings is to be in the Word yourself!
So let me ask you...where are seeking your knowledge? Get it from God not the world!
Tom
Proverbs 15:14
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
The first thing that came to my mind when I read this was this...how many millions of people turn to Oprah, Dr. Phil, Larry King, many of the news organizations for knowledge everyday? These folks try to answer all of life's questions by worldly answers. Americans eat is like a Chinese buffet. Then when their foolish answers come crashing down we ask why!!
The first part of this verse directs believers in how we should seek knowledge. We must have understanding. Where do we obtain that? From the Word of God. This is our main source! Prayer is another source where we can here from God directly. Another good way to get that understanding is through Bible based teaching. I hope you caught the Bible based part because their are many who want to say the are Bible teachers but put to much of their own opinions in their teachings be careful of that. The only way you will catch their false teachings is to be in the Word yourself!
So let me ask you...where are seeking your knowledge? Get it from God not the world!
Tom
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Your heart is on God's mind!
Have you considered lately that your heart is on God's mind? Read this verse:
Proverbs 15:11
11 Hell and Destruction are before the LORD;
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
Please allow me to explain a little bit more. You see Judgment is coming. God is a holy and righteous God and He can not stand sin. Therefore one day He will send His Son back to judge this world of ours. He will destroy the unbelievers and send them to hell. Not a very uplifting word so far huh? BUT I do have good news...for those who have trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will have everlasting life before our God. The blood of Jesus will cover us from destruction and hell. Thank you Jesus!
I want you to catch the second part of this verse. Yes judgment and hell are before God but the "hearts of the sons of men" are even more. What does that mean. It means God is more concerned where your heart is than anything else. You see there is only two choices. Either your heart is on Him or it is on the things of the world. The Lord's greatest desire is that you would turn your heart to Him. God is constantly thinking about that. Think about where YOUR heart is. It is on His mind. Wow! That is how much God loves us. He wants all to give their hearts to Him. This is why He hasn't sent His Son back yet. God is giving everyone as much opportunity as He can to surrender their life to Jesus. Be very careful my friend for we do not know when Jesus is coming. Do not delay give your heart to God!
A great verse this morning to ponder! Where is your heart?
Tom
Proverbs 15:11
11 Hell and Destruction are before the LORD;
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
Please allow me to explain a little bit more. You see Judgment is coming. God is a holy and righteous God and He can not stand sin. Therefore one day He will send His Son back to judge this world of ours. He will destroy the unbelievers and send them to hell. Not a very uplifting word so far huh? BUT I do have good news...for those who have trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will have everlasting life before our God. The blood of Jesus will cover us from destruction and hell. Thank you Jesus!
I want you to catch the second part of this verse. Yes judgment and hell are before God but the "hearts of the sons of men" are even more. What does that mean. It means God is more concerned where your heart is than anything else. You see there is only two choices. Either your heart is on Him or it is on the things of the world. The Lord's greatest desire is that you would turn your heart to Him. God is constantly thinking about that. Think about where YOUR heart is. It is on His mind. Wow! That is how much God loves us. He wants all to give their hearts to Him. This is why He hasn't sent His Son back yet. God is giving everyone as much opportunity as He can to surrender their life to Jesus. Be very careful my friend for we do not know when Jesus is coming. Do not delay give your heart to God!
A great verse this morning to ponder! Where is your heart?
Tom
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
How is your steering device?
Very powerful verse about what come out of our mouths!
James 3:3-6
3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
Think about the two steering mechanisms mentioned in verse 3 and 4. Both the bit and the rudder and very small in size compared to the horse and the ship. But they are what controls both. It is the same with the tongue. Very small in size compared to the rest of our body but it does great things as says God's word in verse 5. You see our tongue can be used for good or evil. It is our choice. Have you ever noticed this in people. Those who are always negative in word and deed seem to have negative things happen to them all the time? Yet those who are positive in word and deed seem to have positive things happen to them. I don't think this is a coincidence at all. I believe this may be one of the biggest problems in the church today. Many believers are negative and non-believers hear their gripping all the time. Well who in the world wants to be a part of the body of Christ when all they hear is negativity?? Our tongue not only steers us but steers others as well.
Reread the verses for today. God is very clear here that we need to be in control of our tongue because of the damage it can do. Ask your self this morning on how you are doing in controling the tongue. As you can see the consequences are severe!
Tom
James 3:3-6
3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
Think about the two steering mechanisms mentioned in verse 3 and 4. Both the bit and the rudder and very small in size compared to the horse and the ship. But they are what controls both. It is the same with the tongue. Very small in size compared to the rest of our body but it does great things as says God's word in verse 5. You see our tongue can be used for good or evil. It is our choice. Have you ever noticed this in people. Those who are always negative in word and deed seem to have negative things happen to them all the time? Yet those who are positive in word and deed seem to have positive things happen to them. I don't think this is a coincidence at all. I believe this may be one of the biggest problems in the church today. Many believers are negative and non-believers hear their gripping all the time. Well who in the world wants to be a part of the body of Christ when all they hear is negativity?? Our tongue not only steers us but steers others as well.
Reread the verses for today. God is very clear here that we need to be in control of our tongue because of the damage it can do. Ask your self this morning on how you are doing in controling the tongue. As you can see the consequences are severe!
Tom
Monday, June 28, 2010
Conflict resolution.
How do you handle your conflicts with others? At the youth conference we discussed this. Sorry I got behind on the devotions but travel ate up my time for the devotions! I know how many of us handle our conflicts with others, shouting, fighting, attacking each other. Look at what God' word says:
Matthew 18:15-17
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
So there it is. The way God wants us to handle a sinning brother in the faith. First you go to him by yourself and try to talk about it. If He listens you keep your relationship. If he don't then you get a couple of friends to go with you to try and work it out. Again if he listens you keep your relationship, if he does not, you then take it before the whole church...wow! Then the church tries to reason with him. The if he doesn't listen to the church you have great sadness for him. When it says let him be like a heathen and tax collector...these folks were looked down upon but we are to have a sadness for them and a hope that they will come back for reconciliation. Remember one of the followers of Christ was once a tax collector (Matthew) and all of us were heathens at one point but God brought us back and we must keep that in mind in our conflicts!
Think about this today...how are we as a church handling our conflicts? Like God designed or like we think is right?
Tom
Matthew 18:15-17
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
So there it is. The way God wants us to handle a sinning brother in the faith. First you go to him by yourself and try to talk about it. If He listens you keep your relationship. If he don't then you get a couple of friends to go with you to try and work it out. Again if he listens you keep your relationship, if he does not, you then take it before the whole church...wow! Then the church tries to reason with him. The if he doesn't listen to the church you have great sadness for him. When it says let him be like a heathen and tax collector...these folks were looked down upon but we are to have a sadness for them and a hope that they will come back for reconciliation. Remember one of the followers of Christ was once a tax collector (Matthew) and all of us were heathens at one point but God brought us back and we must keep that in mind in our conflicts!
Think about this today...how are we as a church handling our conflicts? Like God designed or like we think is right?
Tom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)