July 31
Godly people who desire to see the name of the Lord Jesus lifted up and honored are disheartened by much of what is transpiring in our world today. Indeed, it is true that there are places on our darkened planet where the name of Jesus has never been honored, where the evil one has silenced truth and made lies the order of the day.
But there are places where this benighted outlook has not been prevalent, where the glory of the Lord has been extolled—and those places have reaped abundant blessings. Most notably, the United States of America is a nation that was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and has prospered and been blessed beyond anything that mere human endeavor could have produced.
It is disheartening to citizens of this land who know and love Jesus to observe the systematic destruction of the faith that has been the backbone of our country. We have a Supreme Court who evidences everything but godly wisdom in its pronouncements. We have a spineless legislative branch that tramples God’s absolutes and lifts up man’s vain and fallible notions of law. We have an executive branch that is led by a godless entity who sees himself as a messiah-figure rather than as an honorable man who bows before the Holy One who is the true Messiah
We are aware of the Word of God that cannot fail and cannot lie which says, “Woe unto them who call good evil and evil good,” Isaiah 5:20. We know the Bible condemns those who “profess themselves to be wise while becoming fools,” Romans 1:22. We understand that before the Lord returns there will be those who will not attend to sound doctrine but will be titillated by the doctrines of men (II Timothy 4:3) and will plummet into an abject disregard for the true faith.
We know evil shall abound (Matthew 24:12) and evil men shall wax worse and worse (II Timothy 3:13), that men shall deceive and be themselves deceived, until the end comes (Matthew 24:14). We understand that the Lord’s plan is in motion and nothing can turn it from His prescribed course. We stand on the promise of I Samuel 2:9 that assures, “He protects those who are loyal to Him but evil people will be silenced in darkness. Power is not the key to success.”
Those who seem to be in charge, those who are godless in their wielding of power, those who would “change the truth of God into a lie,” Romans 1:25, will have their day of reckoning while those who wait patiently on the Lord shall not be disappointed in their hope (Isaiah 49:23 and Romans 10:11). In that day our expectation will not be in the frail and fallible governments of men but in the government of the Kingdom of Christ who will reign in righteousness forever and ever (Luke 1:33.)
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Forge Ahead In The Glorious Journey
July 30
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
When are you brave? Of course, you realize that courage isn't the absence of fear -- it's taking the needed action despite fear, right? To my way of thinking, the basis for courage is faith. God will never abandon you. Mike Huckabee
The first person to step out in a new direction is viewed as the leader. And being the first to step out requires courage. In this way, courage establishes leadership.
Leadership requires the courage to walk in the dark. The darkness is the uncertainty that always accompanies change. It is the mystery of whether or not a new enterprise will pan out, the reservation everyone initially feels when a new idea is introduced, the risk of being wrong.
Many who lack the courage to forge ahead alone yearn for someone to take the first step, to go first, to show the way. It could be argued that the dark provides the optimal context for leadership. After all, if the pathway to the future were well lit, it would be crowded.
Fear has kept many would-be leaders on the sidelines, while good opportunities paraded by. They didn't lack insight. They lacked courage --Andy Stanley
Our gracious Lord understands everything about us and it is His intent to ‘be there’ for us when we arrive at those junctures in life when we are unsure of the way to go and timorous about setting forth in the determined direction. He has made plain His promise to abide with us through our life’s journey.
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” This is a clear statement of His continual, abiding presence. In fact, He doesn’t promise He will be with us merely through life, but through the scheme of things until His Kingdom comes when God’s will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven! (See Matthew 6:9-14.)
Jesus further declared in Mark 1:17, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” He is affirming here that we are to seek the lost and present the gospel message to them. In so doing, we will glean a great catch of souls who will be won into the Kingdom of Christ and who will become heirs of all that is His; they will become heirs of life eternal.
Is it not amazing that we who are lost and miserable on our own can become found and vitalized when we give ourselves to the Holy One! How wonderful that He makes a way for us—and then through us He makes a way for others who are willing to forge ahead into this most glorious journey.
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
When are you brave? Of course, you realize that courage isn't the absence of fear -- it's taking the needed action despite fear, right? To my way of thinking, the basis for courage is faith. God will never abandon you. Mike Huckabee
The first person to step out in a new direction is viewed as the leader. And being the first to step out requires courage. In this way, courage establishes leadership.
Leadership requires the courage to walk in the dark. The darkness is the uncertainty that always accompanies change. It is the mystery of whether or not a new enterprise will pan out, the reservation everyone initially feels when a new idea is introduced, the risk of being wrong.
Many who lack the courage to forge ahead alone yearn for someone to take the first step, to go first, to show the way. It could be argued that the dark provides the optimal context for leadership. After all, if the pathway to the future were well lit, it would be crowded.
Fear has kept many would-be leaders on the sidelines, while good opportunities paraded by. They didn't lack insight. They lacked courage --Andy Stanley
Our gracious Lord understands everything about us and it is His intent to ‘be there’ for us when we arrive at those junctures in life when we are unsure of the way to go and timorous about setting forth in the determined direction. He has made plain His promise to abide with us through our life’s journey.
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” This is a clear statement of His continual, abiding presence. In fact, He doesn’t promise He will be with us merely through life, but through the scheme of things until His Kingdom comes when God’s will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven! (See Matthew 6:9-14.)
Jesus further declared in Mark 1:17, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” He is affirming here that we are to seek the lost and present the gospel message to them. In so doing, we will glean a great catch of souls who will be won into the Kingdom of Christ and who will become heirs of all that is His; they will become heirs of life eternal.
Is it not amazing that we who are lost and miserable on our own can become found and vitalized when we give ourselves to the Holy One! How wonderful that He makes a way for us—and then through us He makes a way for others who are willing to forge ahead into this most glorious journey.
Monday, July 29, 2013
The Greatest Fruit
July 29
"My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father." John 15:8
KNOWN BY THEIR FRUIT
What sort of fruit is your life exhibiting? By what are you known? Is it by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, or by the fruits of a different spirit?
Instead of love in your life, is there hatred, or bitterness, or prejudice? Are you full of joy, or is there a cloud of gloom and doom over your head? Are you generating turmoil around you -- or peace?
Do people describe you as patient -- or short-tempered? How hard-hearted are you -- or kind? Do you take moral shortcuts -- or are you good and true?
Are you plagued by worry -- or do you live by faith? Do you bully to get your way -- or are you gentle? Do you give in to your passions -- or do you exercise self-control for the greater good?
I want you to know I'm asking myself these questions too. None of us is completely free of ego!
Remember, Jesus said people would know we are His disciples by their fruit. So, what sort of fruit is your life producing? -- Mike Huckabee
Without fruit, life can’t go on. Seeds are planted with the expectation that they will produce much fruit, that the farmer will reap a bountiful harvest. When that doesn’t happen, when there is drought or blight or infestation, people suffer greatly from the lack.
If the cycle of sowing and reaping does not come to its desired conclusion, not only do poor people starve but wealthy people are required to pay exorbitant rates for the limited supply of food that is available. Nobody escapes the consequences of crop failure.
When believers neglect to sow the seeds of truth and faith and love that the Lord has entrusted us to scatter among the lost, there becomes a dirth of salvation, of hope, of kindness, of compassion, for everything that Jesus is must come to fruition in us, in those who profess to know Him and embrace Him as Lord.
In John 15:8, Jesus states clearly, “When you produce much fruit, you are My disciples and this brings glory to My Father.” We are motivated to scatter these precious seeds because we were blessed to receive them. We believe the truth the Lord stated in John 13:35, “All men shall know you are My disciples by your love.” And we know love is the greatest fruit of all that grow in the garden of faith (I Corinthians 13:8).
"My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father." John 15:8
KNOWN BY THEIR FRUIT
What sort of fruit is your life exhibiting? By what are you known? Is it by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, or by the fruits of a different spirit?
Instead of love in your life, is there hatred, or bitterness, or prejudice? Are you full of joy, or is there a cloud of gloom and doom over your head? Are you generating turmoil around you -- or peace?
Do people describe you as patient -- or short-tempered? How hard-hearted are you -- or kind? Do you take moral shortcuts -- or are you good and true?
Are you plagued by worry -- or do you live by faith? Do you bully to get your way -- or are you gentle? Do you give in to your passions -- or do you exercise self-control for the greater good?
I want you to know I'm asking myself these questions too. None of us is completely free of ego!
Remember, Jesus said people would know we are His disciples by their fruit. So, what sort of fruit is your life producing? -- Mike Huckabee
Without fruit, life can’t go on. Seeds are planted with the expectation that they will produce much fruit, that the farmer will reap a bountiful harvest. When that doesn’t happen, when there is drought or blight or infestation, people suffer greatly from the lack.
If the cycle of sowing and reaping does not come to its desired conclusion, not only do poor people starve but wealthy people are required to pay exorbitant rates for the limited supply of food that is available. Nobody escapes the consequences of crop failure.
When believers neglect to sow the seeds of truth and faith and love that the Lord has entrusted us to scatter among the lost, there becomes a dirth of salvation, of hope, of kindness, of compassion, for everything that Jesus is must come to fruition in us, in those who profess to know Him and embrace Him as Lord.
In John 15:8, Jesus states clearly, “When you produce much fruit, you are My disciples and this brings glory to My Father.” We are motivated to scatter these precious seeds because we were blessed to receive them. We believe the truth the Lord stated in John 13:35, “All men shall know you are My disciples by your love.” And we know love is the greatest fruit of all that grow in the garden of faith (I Corinthians 13:8).
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Dear Reader,
It may be worth interjecting here a bit of commentary regarding our transformation from caterpillar to butterfly:
The great American athlete, Casius Clay (Mohammed Ali) once said of himself that his prowess enabled him to, "...fly like a butterfly; sting like a bee." He was indeed exquisite to behold, the epitome of God's handiwork upon a man and a perfecter of his craft (boxing). But we who are believers in Jesus do not boast Clay's duality.
We possess the beauty of Christ upon us but it is without the sting of ill toward anyone. Our purpose is to gather the nectar of truth upon our feet and carry it to others in love. There is to be no recrimination upon our lips and no violence within our actions. We are to share the truth of our Lord graciously. If we are refused--which is not a rejection of us but of HIM--we are to shake the dust of our effort from our feet and set off for others who are willing to receive it.
Above all, we must, "Be not weary in well-doing," knowing that, "you shall reap in due season if you do not faint," Romans 6:9.
It may be worth interjecting here a bit of commentary regarding our transformation from caterpillar to butterfly:
The great American athlete, Casius Clay (Mohammed Ali) once said of himself that his prowess enabled him to, "...fly like a butterfly; sting like a bee." He was indeed exquisite to behold, the epitome of God's handiwork upon a man and a perfecter of his craft (boxing). But we who are believers in Jesus do not boast Clay's duality.
We possess the beauty of Christ upon us but it is without the sting of ill toward anyone. Our purpose is to gather the nectar of truth upon our feet and carry it to others in love. There is to be no recrimination upon our lips and no violence within our actions. We are to share the truth of our Lord graciously. If we are refused--which is not a rejection of us but of HIM--we are to shake the dust of our effort from our feet and set off for others who are willing to receive it.
Above all, we must, "Be not weary in well-doing," knowing that, "you shall reap in due season if you do not faint," Romans 6:9.
Metamorphosis
July 28
Child of God…Sometimes we wonder how our loving Savior could allow us to struggle as much as we do. We feel like we are wrapped tightly in a cocoon of trials without an easy way of escape. We forget His words, “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.
When we lapse into this mindset of persecution and helplessness, we must ponder the lesson of the butterfly who began his trek to beauty and grace as a lowly caterpillar. The caterpillar is much like us before we own Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
We’re wrapped in our own little world and we yearn to be free. We begin to realize that the primary constraint that holds us back is our self-imposed cocoon! We start disassembling it in the hope of setting ourselves free—until we recognize that doing so is quite challenging.
Others around us seem to be un-entangled and we yearn for the freedom they have but the reality is, like the butterfly, we cannot be helped from our cocoon by anyone but our own diligence to know Christ and Him crucified (I Corinthians 2:2). When we gain this knowledge, we will have everything we need to be free!
When we have appropriated the salvation Jesus has supplied for every diligent seeker of truth, we will begin to emerge fully from the prison of our doubt, our delusion, our despair, our sin—and we will emerge as the glorious image of our Lord that He desires us to become.
We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (I John 3:2,3). We shall go “from glory to glory,” II Corinthians 3:16-18), as we grow in Him. As we bask in the beauty of who our Jesus is, we shall have His exquisiteness upon us. We shall be free and we shall be beautiful—like the butterfly.
Child of God…Sometimes we wonder how our loving Savior could allow us to struggle as much as we do. We feel like we are wrapped tightly in a cocoon of trials without an easy way of escape. We forget His words, “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.
When we lapse into this mindset of persecution and helplessness, we must ponder the lesson of the butterfly who began his trek to beauty and grace as a lowly caterpillar. The caterpillar is much like us before we own Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
We’re wrapped in our own little world and we yearn to be free. We begin to realize that the primary constraint that holds us back is our self-imposed cocoon! We start disassembling it in the hope of setting ourselves free—until we recognize that doing so is quite challenging.
Others around us seem to be un-entangled and we yearn for the freedom they have but the reality is, like the butterfly, we cannot be helped from our cocoon by anyone but our own diligence to know Christ and Him crucified (I Corinthians 2:2). When we gain this knowledge, we will have everything we need to be free!
When we have appropriated the salvation Jesus has supplied for every diligent seeker of truth, we will begin to emerge fully from the prison of our doubt, our delusion, our despair, our sin—and we will emerge as the glorious image of our Lord that He desires us to become.
We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (I John 3:2,3). We shall go “from glory to glory,” II Corinthians 3:16-18), as we grow in Him. As we bask in the beauty of who our Jesus is, we shall have His exquisiteness upon us. We shall be free and we shall be beautiful—like the butterfly.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
I Am An Enemy To Your Enemy
July 27
“The Lord your God will go before you and fight for you…” Deuteronomy 1:30.
The old hymn says, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine…” and that covers it all. Yes. It covers everything you can ever face in time or in eternity. The greatest blessing of all is the salvation Jesus supplies to every believer through His propitiatory life, death and resurrection.
Because He lived the perfect life we cannot live, because He paid the penalty of death that God requires for sin, and because He arose from the tomb that glorious morning, we who have placed our lives at His feet are free! As the Word assures, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus,” Romans 6:23.
In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul says, “The Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the evil one,” II Thessalonians 3:3. This verse acknowledges that there will be attacks against the believer because the Lord’s ancient foe “goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy,” I Peter 5:8.
We are powerless against the onslaught of a predatory lion, but we don’t have to face him in our own strength. As David slew the lions that came against his sheep (I Samuel 17:34-37), so our Good Shepherd has rendered the enemy of our soul to be powerless against us!
That promise is beautifully stated in Exodus 23:22, “If you will harken to all My words, I will be an enemy to your enemy; I will fight against anyone and everyone who fights against you.” This is indeed a blessed assurance! This is indeed a promise that transcends our own frailty and encompasses the power of the One who overcomes all the devices of the enemy—even overcoming death itself!
“The Lord your God will go before you and fight for you…” Deuteronomy 1:30.
The old hymn says, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine…” and that covers it all. Yes. It covers everything you can ever face in time or in eternity. The greatest blessing of all is the salvation Jesus supplies to every believer through His propitiatory life, death and resurrection.
Because He lived the perfect life we cannot live, because He paid the penalty of death that God requires for sin, and because He arose from the tomb that glorious morning, we who have placed our lives at His feet are free! As the Word assures, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus,” Romans 6:23.
In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul says, “The Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the evil one,” II Thessalonians 3:3. This verse acknowledges that there will be attacks against the believer because the Lord’s ancient foe “goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy,” I Peter 5:8.
We are powerless against the onslaught of a predatory lion, but we don’t have to face him in our own strength. As David slew the lions that came against his sheep (I Samuel 17:34-37), so our Good Shepherd has rendered the enemy of our soul to be powerless against us!
That promise is beautifully stated in Exodus 23:22, “If you will harken to all My words, I will be an enemy to your enemy; I will fight against anyone and everyone who fights against you.” This is indeed a blessed assurance! This is indeed a promise that transcends our own frailty and encompasses the power of the One who overcomes all the devices of the enemy—even overcoming death itself!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Woven From The Fabric Of Truth
July 26
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve. Jeremiah 17: 9, 10
Once there was a man who was such a golf addict that he was neglecting his job. Frequently he would call in sick and sneak off to the fairway.
One morning, after making his typical decision to call in sick to the office, an angel decided to teach him a lesson. The angel warned him, "If you play golf today, you'll regret it," but the golfer ignored what the angel whispered in his ear.
Thinking it was only his conscience, which he had successfully whipped in the past, the fellow just smiled. "No," he said, "I've been doing this for years. No one will ever know. I won't regret it."
The angel said no more. The fellow stepped up to the first tee where he promptly whacked the ball 300 yards straight down the middle of the fairway. Since he had never driven the ball more than 200 yards, he couldn't believe it. Yet, there it was. And his luck continued. He had long drives on every hole and perfect putting. By the ninth hole he was six under par and was playing near-perfect golf. The fellow was walking on air.
He wound up with an amazing 61, about 30 strokes under his usual game. "Wait until I get back to the office and tell them about this!" he said to himself. Then his face fell. He couldn't tell them. He could never tell anyone.
The angel smiled. Deception always has the last stroke. – Anonymous
Some of us have rather devious minds. Our first inclination when we are in a perplexing conundrum is to resort to a little white lie to cover our backs. Yes, we want to be godly in all our ways, but we are so desirous of having an escape from an intimidating challenge that we don’t even connect the dots of our current circumstance to the fact that we are falling into the trap of lying.
When we default to a lie rather than confront the truth in any situation, we are evidencing to ourselves and to God that deception is far too convenient an ‘escape hatch’ for us, that lies are a cornerstone of who we are. No one but the ‘father of lies,’ John 8:44, is pleased when that fault is laid upon the doorstep of our heart.
When we evade our responsibility to know the truth, and allow the truth to make us free, according to John 8:32, then we are embracing the one area of accountability that can transform our meager human existence into a reflection of the holiness of the life of the Lord. His Word that cannot fail and cannot lie tells us that “He is truth,” John 14:6, and He (Truth) sets us free.
When we make truth the fiber of the fabric of our lives, we are weaving our lives from the essence of the character of Christ. To employ anything less as the material of our walk of faith is to scorn the lofty estate to which we have been called. Our Jesus does not want us to compromise truth, but to hold it close to our hearts where He dwells.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Childlike
July 25
"Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him. God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins. And he gave us this message of peace." II Corinthians 5:18, 10
"YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING"
In 1 Samuel 3 there is an awesome story of Eli teaching young Samuel to hear God's voice. Eli is older and trying to get some sleep. Samuel hears someone call him, so he goes to Eli and asks what he needs. Eli tells Samuel that he has not called him, so Samuel leaves the room and goes back to his own bed. The same thing happens again.
Can you imagine Eli, trying to sleep, and repeatedly being woken for nothing? Eli recognized what was happening Do we as parents know what is happening when our children come to us? Do we tune our ears to hear what they’re bringing to us?
Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" Eli knew that God was trying to speak to Samuel and he stopped and encouraged Samuel to listen for the voice of God. We can do that with our kids. When they are looking for an answer to something, we can encourage prayer. When they share a story with us we can point to God in the story. At some point they will hear God's voice.
At that moment, we need to be in tune also. We need to encourage them and be excited about what they hear. Point out for them that it is God's voice in their ear and heart, that He does desire a conversation with them. -- Stacie Daniel
Parents may hear their children’s voices when they’re talking to them, but they are not always attending to what they are saying. Parents are busy people; many adult concerns are on their minds; many wearisome problems are weighing on their spirits. But children need and deserve the attention of the adults in their lives.
Jesus was never too busy for the children. He said, “Allow the children to come to Me,” Luke 18:16, and went on to say, “for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” The innocence of children is not the only attribute Heaven seeks. Jesus also desires that we be teachable like them. So often adults think they have ‘been there and done that,’ there is nothing left for them to seek in the way of heavenly knowledge and wisdom.
But Jesus doesn’t view us that way. He is looking for people with teachable spirits who can attend to and appropriate the principles of Heaven while here on earth, so they can be like children who are easily instructed in the way they should go—so they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6)
"Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him. God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins. And he gave us this message of peace." II Corinthians 5:18, 10
"YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING"
In 1 Samuel 3 there is an awesome story of Eli teaching young Samuel to hear God's voice. Eli is older and trying to get some sleep. Samuel hears someone call him, so he goes to Eli and asks what he needs. Eli tells Samuel that he has not called him, so Samuel leaves the room and goes back to his own bed. The same thing happens again.
Can you imagine Eli, trying to sleep, and repeatedly being woken for nothing? Eli recognized what was happening Do we as parents know what is happening when our children come to us? Do we tune our ears to hear what they’re bringing to us?
Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" Eli knew that God was trying to speak to Samuel and he stopped and encouraged Samuel to listen for the voice of God. We can do that with our kids. When they are looking for an answer to something, we can encourage prayer. When they share a story with us we can point to God in the story. At some point they will hear God's voice.
At that moment, we need to be in tune also. We need to encourage them and be excited about what they hear. Point out for them that it is God's voice in their ear and heart, that He does desire a conversation with them. -- Stacie Daniel
Parents may hear their children’s voices when they’re talking to them, but they are not always attending to what they are saying. Parents are busy people; many adult concerns are on their minds; many wearisome problems are weighing on their spirits. But children need and deserve the attention of the adults in their lives.
Jesus was never too busy for the children. He said, “Allow the children to come to Me,” Luke 18:16, and went on to say, “for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” The innocence of children is not the only attribute Heaven seeks. Jesus also desires that we be teachable like them. So often adults think they have ‘been there and done that,’ there is nothing left for them to seek in the way of heavenly knowledge and wisdom.
But Jesus doesn’t view us that way. He is looking for people with teachable spirits who can attend to and appropriate the principles of Heaven while here on earth, so they can be like children who are easily instructed in the way they should go—so they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6)
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Blessed
July 24
"This is what God does. He gives his best -- the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.... You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5:47-48
ONE THING LEFT
A man came running up, greeted [Jesus] with great reverence, and asked, "Good Teacher,
what must I do to get eternal life?"
Jesus said, "Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, honor your father and mother."
He said, "Teacher, I have -- from my youth -- kept them all!"
Jesus looked him hard in the eye--and loved him! He said, "There's one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me."
The man's face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.
Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, "Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who 'have it all' to enter God's kingdom?" The disciples couldn't believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: "You can't imagine how difficult. I'd say it's easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for the rich to get into God's kingdom."
That set the disciples back on their heels. "Then who has any chance at all?" they asked. Jesus was blunt: "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." Mark 10:17-27 The MESSAGE
We think of wealth as a blessing, and indeed it is, if we allow it to be a vehicle that enables us to do good rather than a vessel of lavishness that we pour out upon ourselves. In that regard, it is like any advantage that one man may have over another. Certainly, it would be preferred that one be smart rather than foolish. It would be more desirable that an individual be healthy rather than sick. It would be the preference of most men to have intact relationships rather than ones that have been fractured.
But just as wealth can become a stumbling block. So can any of the gifts of God that we allow to become our ‘god’ in His stead. If we are honest with ourselves we will discern a proclivity within ourselves to bask in the advantages we perceive ourselves as having. The man who is highly intelligent considers himself to be superior to the man who is of ordinary mental prowess.
The person who is well would not change places with the unfortunate one who must endure the limitations imposed upon him by ill health; neither would the one who is surrounded by a viable support system wish himself to be involved in broken relationships.
Though he who is mentally accomplished is mindful that “We have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind” II Timothy1:7, yet he may be intimidated in spite of his mental acuity because he has not credited the Lord as the source of his advantage.
The same can be said of the person who is blessed with good health and thriving relationships. When we don’t give the Lord the glory, when we are reliant upon ourselves for the good things we have, we are more encumbered by our advantages than we are blessed by them.
The solution to our dilemma is to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Proverbs 3:5, for when We do that one simple thing, we can say with Paul, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him,” II Timothy 1:12.
"This is what God does. He gives his best -- the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.... You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5:47-48
ONE THING LEFT
A man came running up, greeted [Jesus] with great reverence, and asked, "Good Teacher,
what must I do to get eternal life?"
Jesus said, "Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, honor your father and mother."
He said, "Teacher, I have -- from my youth -- kept them all!"
Jesus looked him hard in the eye--and loved him! He said, "There's one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me."
The man's face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.
Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, "Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who 'have it all' to enter God's kingdom?" The disciples couldn't believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: "You can't imagine how difficult. I'd say it's easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for the rich to get into God's kingdom."
That set the disciples back on their heels. "Then who has any chance at all?" they asked. Jesus was blunt: "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." Mark 10:17-27 The MESSAGE
We think of wealth as a blessing, and indeed it is, if we allow it to be a vehicle that enables us to do good rather than a vessel of lavishness that we pour out upon ourselves. In that regard, it is like any advantage that one man may have over another. Certainly, it would be preferred that one be smart rather than foolish. It would be more desirable that an individual be healthy rather than sick. It would be the preference of most men to have intact relationships rather than ones that have been fractured.
But just as wealth can become a stumbling block. So can any of the gifts of God that we allow to become our ‘god’ in His stead. If we are honest with ourselves we will discern a proclivity within ourselves to bask in the advantages we perceive ourselves as having. The man who is highly intelligent considers himself to be superior to the man who is of ordinary mental prowess.
The person who is well would not change places with the unfortunate one who must endure the limitations imposed upon him by ill health; neither would the one who is surrounded by a viable support system wish himself to be involved in broken relationships.
Though he who is mentally accomplished is mindful that “We have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind” II Timothy1:7, yet he may be intimidated in spite of his mental acuity because he has not credited the Lord as the source of his advantage.
The same can be said of the person who is blessed with good health and thriving relationships. When we don’t give the Lord the glory, when we are reliant upon ourselves for the good things we have, we are more encumbered by our advantages than we are blessed by them.
The solution to our dilemma is to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Proverbs 3:5, for when We do that one simple thing, we can say with Paul, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him,” II Timothy 1:12.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Yes, We Can!
July 23
Sometimes it seems we are alone and left to our own devices. Sometimes it seems there is little or no help to be had from man or from God Himself when we face life’s most trying dilemmas. Sometimes it seems that way, but when all appears to have gone awry, things are not what they seem.
It is difficult to face the trials and tribulations of life. It is not easy to confront the challenges and perplexities of day-to-day existence, let alone to battle the enormities of health problems and financial setbacks and relational difficulties that intrude themselves into the ordinary ups and downs that confront everyone.
But our Father in Heaven wants us to know that He has not abandoned us to our own devices; He has not left us to face the tribulations of life on our own. His promise is to be ever near. In Psalm 34:15 He tells us, “His eyes are on the righteous and His ear is open to their cry.”
Not only does He see and hear when we cry to Him but He tells us in II Chronicles 16:9, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, seeking to show Himself strong in the behalf of those whose hearts are turned toward Him.”
He doesn’t wait for our cry; He doesn’t delay His help until He sees us in distress! No! He is searching continually for opportunities to intervene into our lives in our behalf! Can we allow ourselves to trust Him to perform all good things at the point of our need; can we rely upon Jesus to show Himself strong for us?
Sometimes it seems we are alone and left to our own devices. Sometimes it seems there is little or no help to be had from man or from God Himself when we face life’s most trying dilemmas. Sometimes it seems that way, but when all appears to have gone awry, things are not what they seem.
It is difficult to face the trials and tribulations of life. It is not easy to confront the challenges and perplexities of day-to-day existence, let alone to battle the enormities of health problems and financial setbacks and relational difficulties that intrude themselves into the ordinary ups and downs that confront everyone.
But our Father in Heaven wants us to know that He has not abandoned us to our own devices; He has not left us to face the tribulations of life on our own. His promise is to be ever near. In Psalm 34:15 He tells us, “His eyes are on the righteous and His ear is open to their cry.”
Not only does He see and hear when we cry to Him but He tells us in II Chronicles 16:9, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, seeking to show Himself strong in the behalf of those whose hearts are turned toward Him.”
He doesn’t wait for our cry; He doesn’t delay His help until He sees us in distress! No! He is searching continually for opportunities to intervene into our lives in our behalf! Can we allow ourselves to trust Him to perform all good things at the point of our need; can we rely upon Jesus to show Himself strong for us?
Monday, July 22, 2013
His Way
July 22
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence." Ephesians 1:7-8
MARVELING AT THE SUPERABUNDANCE OF GRACE
Recently I visited Niagara Falls for the first time and was awed by the sight and sound and overpowering sense of it all. Every minute, about 200,000 tons of water plunge into the Niagara River Gorge in a thunderous ovation to the lavish, generous nature of God.
The Lord could have used a lot less water, but He didn't. He could have made the falls lower, but He built them 12 stories high. And because they are what they are from the creative hand of God, people come from all over the world to see Niagara Falls.
What a picture of God's grace in Jesus Christ! "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence" (Ephesians 1:7, 8).
The Greek word translated "abound" means "an exceeding measure, something above the ordinary." God's grace toward us is not squeezed out from an eye-dropper or carefully rationed like water during a drought. His grace is a Niagara of superabundance so lavish that we marvel at its display.
Today, as you approach God to "find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16), remember how much there is -- grace beyond measure. D. C. MacCasland
We marvel at the superabundance of grace because grace is something that doesn't come naturally to us. We are far more inclined to hold on to offenses, to cling to hurts, and to plot retribution than we are to extend grace, which results in forgiveness.
Perhaps we are justified in our unflinching resolve to keep fresh the memories of those slings and arrows of criticism or accusation or vilification of any sort that have been flung our way, simply because they have come in such a torrent that unless we put up a wall of defense against them, they would wash away our self-esteem and our ability to withstand the onslaught.
But, our ability to hold back the tide of offense is not our surest defense. The enemy of our soul would have us to believe that our only recourse is to maintain a posture of protection from and retaliation against offense if we are to be safe from it. Indeed, he would have us to abandon all thought of grace as being an absurdity. Indeed, he would have us to negate all heavenly counsel as being impractical for worldly application.
If we are to achieve the "peace of God that passes understanding to keep our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:7, when our integrity is challenged, however, we must first lay aside our temporal avenues of recourse. We must recognize that our own defense leaves us troubled by past assaults and vulnerable to further attacks. What the Lord offers in its stead is His defense, which shields us from the hurt of past, present, and future unkindnesses.
May He help us to choose His way over the world's way, His way over man's frail substitutes for Heaven's grace in every circumstance in which we find ourselves, for in so choosing, we will always discover that Jesus is more than enough to meet every need we have. As the Word assures, "His grace is sufficient, for His strength is made perfect in our weakness," II Corinthians 12:9.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence." Ephesians 1:7-8
MARVELING AT THE SUPERABUNDANCE OF GRACE
Recently I visited Niagara Falls for the first time and was awed by the sight and sound and overpowering sense of it all. Every minute, about 200,000 tons of water plunge into the Niagara River Gorge in a thunderous ovation to the lavish, generous nature of God.
The Lord could have used a lot less water, but He didn't. He could have made the falls lower, but He built them 12 stories high. And because they are what they are from the creative hand of God, people come from all over the world to see Niagara Falls.
What a picture of God's grace in Jesus Christ! "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence" (Ephesians 1:7, 8).
The Greek word translated "abound" means "an exceeding measure, something above the ordinary." God's grace toward us is not squeezed out from an eye-dropper or carefully rationed like water during a drought. His grace is a Niagara of superabundance so lavish that we marvel at its display.
Today, as you approach God to "find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16), remember how much there is -- grace beyond measure. D. C. MacCasland
We marvel at the superabundance of grace because grace is something that doesn't come naturally to us. We are far more inclined to hold on to offenses, to cling to hurts, and to plot retribution than we are to extend grace, which results in forgiveness.
Perhaps we are justified in our unflinching resolve to keep fresh the memories of those slings and arrows of criticism or accusation or vilification of any sort that have been flung our way, simply because they have come in such a torrent that unless we put up a wall of defense against them, they would wash away our self-esteem and our ability to withstand the onslaught.
But, our ability to hold back the tide of offense is not our surest defense. The enemy of our soul would have us to believe that our only recourse is to maintain a posture of protection from and retaliation against offense if we are to be safe from it. Indeed, he would have us to abandon all thought of grace as being an absurdity. Indeed, he would have us to negate all heavenly counsel as being impractical for worldly application.
If we are to achieve the "peace of God that passes understanding to keep our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:7, when our integrity is challenged, however, we must first lay aside our temporal avenues of recourse. We must recognize that our own defense leaves us troubled by past assaults and vulnerable to further attacks. What the Lord offers in its stead is His defense, which shields us from the hurt of past, present, and future unkindnesses.
May He help us to choose His way over the world's way, His way over man's frail substitutes for Heaven's grace in every circumstance in which we find ourselves, for in so choosing, we will always discover that Jesus is more than enough to meet every need we have. As the Word assures, "His grace is sufficient, for His strength is made perfect in our weakness," II Corinthians 12:9.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Move Upon The Darkness
July 21
"You will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged." Matthew 7:2
It's such an easy temptation to look at others and judge them -- by their appearances, by their actions, by what they say. Remember, others most likely are doing the same of you. And if you're compassionate, they likely will be too. The bottom line is, it's God's job to judge, not ours! Mike Huckabee
On the one hand, we are admonished to, “try the spirits, to see if they be of God,” I John 4:1, for we know there is much deception afoot. In II Timothy 4:3, Paul warns, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
We seem to live in that day—the time when “good is called evil and evil is called good,” Isaiah 5:20. The prophet goes on to say, “woe to them who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Can we doubt that day is upon us when it is disdained to speak the name of Jesus in public prayers but all manner of blasphemy and profanity is commonplace?
Can we dispute that the signs of the times point to His soon return when our highest court rules in favor of sin—even unto the murder of children in their mothers’ womb! Can we stay the wrath of the Almighty when we turn His law inside out and make our own laws to reflect the basest desires of men rather than the immutable standard of Heaven!
We know, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12. Those who would, “exchange the truth of God for the doctrines of devils,” according to I Timothy 4:1 are themselves deceived by the father of lies (John 8:44).
So while we condemn the sin, we must not judge or condemn the sinner; rather, we must pray for the errant one, allow him to read the living epistle of our own lives that are surrendered to Christ (II Corinthians 3:2), and lean on the Holy Spirit to move upon this present darkness and transform it to the Light that is Jesus, John 8:12.
"You will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged." Matthew 7:2
It's such an easy temptation to look at others and judge them -- by their appearances, by their actions, by what they say. Remember, others most likely are doing the same of you. And if you're compassionate, they likely will be too. The bottom line is, it's God's job to judge, not ours! Mike Huckabee
On the one hand, we are admonished to, “try the spirits, to see if they be of God,” I John 4:1, for we know there is much deception afoot. In II Timothy 4:3, Paul warns, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
We seem to live in that day—the time when “good is called evil and evil is called good,” Isaiah 5:20. The prophet goes on to say, “woe to them who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Can we doubt that day is upon us when it is disdained to speak the name of Jesus in public prayers but all manner of blasphemy and profanity is commonplace?
Can we dispute that the signs of the times point to His soon return when our highest court rules in favor of sin—even unto the murder of children in their mothers’ womb! Can we stay the wrath of the Almighty when we turn His law inside out and make our own laws to reflect the basest desires of men rather than the immutable standard of Heaven!
We know, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12. Those who would, “exchange the truth of God for the doctrines of devils,” according to I Timothy 4:1 are themselves deceived by the father of lies (John 8:44).
So while we condemn the sin, we must not judge or condemn the sinner; rather, we must pray for the errant one, allow him to read the living epistle of our own lives that are surrendered to Christ (II Corinthians 3:2), and lean on the Holy Spirit to move upon this present darkness and transform it to the Light that is Jesus, John 8:12.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
An Awesome Responsibility
July 20
"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left." Matthew 19: 14, 15
THE METAPHOR OF THE MILLSTONE
Do you remember that scripture where Jesus addressed people who caused children to stumble in life? The passage is in Matthew 18:5-7. Jesus said it would better for those misguided folks if a millstone were hung about their necks and they were thrown into the sea. Pretty serious consequences -- and proof of how much Jesus loves children!
Jesus used a very dramatic item common in Biblical times to illustrate His point. A millstone was used as an olive press or a way to grind the grain. It was a huge stone. He was probably pointing to one when he spoke. People would have understood what He meant! Not something you want to experience!
Everything in the New Testament is there to try to make truth understandable. Jesus, a wonderful storyteller, was never in the business of making things obscure, He was in the business of making things clear. -- Mike Huckabee
Perhaps part of what Jesus was endeavoring to convey regards not only those sins of commission against children which everyone finds heinous but also those subtle sins of living lifestyles before them that will rob them of their ability to discern right from wrong.
Parents wield a tremendous influence over their children so the attitudes and beliefs of the parents will hold great sway over their youngsters. Everything from their attitudes toward people to their personal behavior will be greatly impacted by what their parents evidence.
Parents who are critical and condemning of those around them will raise children who are quick to find fault. Parents who are promiscuous in their relationships will plant within the belief system of their children the idea that monogamous relationships aren’t necessary, no matter what the Good Book says.
The Word places great responsibility upon parents for living righteous live before their children; lives that will not lead them to spiritual harm. Exodus 20:5, for example, says, “The sins of the father are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation.”
This doesn’t mean that God imposes the sins of the parents upon their children but that that the influence of the parents carries over to their children who will then impart those attitudes to their children. To receive Jesus as Savior is to break the sin-cycle and to be free of its curse.
May parents assume that awesome and blessed responsibility in order that the precious lives entrusted to their keeping will be greatly advantaged in life by the blessings of a righteous lifestyle and that they will have forever the approval of the Holy One who inhabits eternity.
"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left." Matthew 19: 14, 15
THE METAPHOR OF THE MILLSTONE
Do you remember that scripture where Jesus addressed people who caused children to stumble in life? The passage is in Matthew 18:5-7. Jesus said it would better for those misguided folks if a millstone were hung about their necks and they were thrown into the sea. Pretty serious consequences -- and proof of how much Jesus loves children!
Jesus used a very dramatic item common in Biblical times to illustrate His point. A millstone was used as an olive press or a way to grind the grain. It was a huge stone. He was probably pointing to one when he spoke. People would have understood what He meant! Not something you want to experience!
Everything in the New Testament is there to try to make truth understandable. Jesus, a wonderful storyteller, was never in the business of making things obscure, He was in the business of making things clear. -- Mike Huckabee
Perhaps part of what Jesus was endeavoring to convey regards not only those sins of commission against children which everyone finds heinous but also those subtle sins of living lifestyles before them that will rob them of their ability to discern right from wrong.
Parents wield a tremendous influence over their children so the attitudes and beliefs of the parents will hold great sway over their youngsters. Everything from their attitudes toward people to their personal behavior will be greatly impacted by what their parents evidence.
Parents who are critical and condemning of those around them will raise children who are quick to find fault. Parents who are promiscuous in their relationships will plant within the belief system of their children the idea that monogamous relationships aren’t necessary, no matter what the Good Book says.
The Word places great responsibility upon parents for living righteous live before their children; lives that will not lead them to spiritual harm. Exodus 20:5, for example, says, “The sins of the father are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation.”
This doesn’t mean that God imposes the sins of the parents upon their children but that that the influence of the parents carries over to their children who will then impart those attitudes to their children. To receive Jesus as Savior is to break the sin-cycle and to be free of its curse.
May parents assume that awesome and blessed responsibility in order that the precious lives entrusted to their keeping will be greatly advantaged in life by the blessings of a righteous lifestyle and that they will have forever the approval of the Holy One who inhabits eternity.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Generation to Generation
July 19
"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left." Matthew 19: 14, 15
THE METAPHOR OF THE MILLSTONE
Do you remember that scripture where Jesus addressed people who caused children to stumble in life? The passage is in Matthew 18:5-7. Jesus said it would better for those misguided folks if a millstone were hung about their necks and they were thrown into the sea. Pretty serious consequences -- and proof of how much Jesus loves children!
Jesus used a very dramatic item common in Biblical times to illustrate His point. A millstone was used as an olive press or a way to grind the grain. It was a huge stone. He was probably pointing to one when he spoke. People would have understood what He meant! Not something you want to experience!
Everything in the New Testament is there to try to make truth understandable. Jesus, a wonderful storyteller, was never in the business of making things obscure, He was in the business of making things clear. -- Mike Huckabee
Perhaps what Jesus was endeavoring to convey regards not only those sins of commission against children which everyone finds heinous, but also those subtle sins of living lifestyles before them that will rob them of their ability to discern right from wrong.
Parents wield a tremendous influence over their children so the attitudes and beliefs of the parents will hold great sway over their youngsters. Everything from their attitudes toward people to their personal behavior will be greatly impacted by what their parents evidence.
Parents who are critical and condemning of those around them will raise children who are quick to find fault. Parents who are promiscuous in their relationships will plant within the belief system of their children the idea that monogamous relationships aren’t necessary, no matter what the Good Book says.
The Word places great responsibility upon parents for living righteous lives before their children; lives that will not lead them to harm. Exodus 20:5, for example, says, “The sins of the father are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation.”
This doesn’t mean that God imposes the sins of the parents upon their children but that that the influence of the parents carries over to their children who will then impart those attitudes to their children. To receive Jesus as Savior is to break the sin-cycle and to be free of its curse.
May parents assume that awesome and blessed responsibility in order that the precious lives entrusted to their keeping will be greatly advantaged in life by the blessings of a righteous lifestyle and that they will have forever the approval of the Holy One who inhabits eternity.
"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left." Matthew 19: 14, 15
THE METAPHOR OF THE MILLSTONE
Do you remember that scripture where Jesus addressed people who caused children to stumble in life? The passage is in Matthew 18:5-7. Jesus said it would better for those misguided folks if a millstone were hung about their necks and they were thrown into the sea. Pretty serious consequences -- and proof of how much Jesus loves children!
Jesus used a very dramatic item common in Biblical times to illustrate His point. A millstone was used as an olive press or a way to grind the grain. It was a huge stone. He was probably pointing to one when he spoke. People would have understood what He meant! Not something you want to experience!
Everything in the New Testament is there to try to make truth understandable. Jesus, a wonderful storyteller, was never in the business of making things obscure, He was in the business of making things clear. -- Mike Huckabee
Perhaps what Jesus was endeavoring to convey regards not only those sins of commission against children which everyone finds heinous, but also those subtle sins of living lifestyles before them that will rob them of their ability to discern right from wrong.
Parents wield a tremendous influence over their children so the attitudes and beliefs of the parents will hold great sway over their youngsters. Everything from their attitudes toward people to their personal behavior will be greatly impacted by what their parents evidence.
Parents who are critical and condemning of those around them will raise children who are quick to find fault. Parents who are promiscuous in their relationships will plant within the belief system of their children the idea that monogamous relationships aren’t necessary, no matter what the Good Book says.
The Word places great responsibility upon parents for living righteous lives before their children; lives that will not lead them to harm. Exodus 20:5, for example, says, “The sins of the father are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation.”
This doesn’t mean that God imposes the sins of the parents upon their children but that that the influence of the parents carries over to their children who will then impart those attitudes to their children. To receive Jesus as Savior is to break the sin-cycle and to be free of its curse.
May parents assume that awesome and blessed responsibility in order that the precious lives entrusted to their keeping will be greatly advantaged in life by the blessings of a righteous lifestyle and that they will have forever the approval of the Holy One who inhabits eternity.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
All I Have Seen...
July 18
"The Lord defends those who suffer; he defends them in times of trouble. Those who know the Lord trust him, because he will not leave those who come to him." Psalm 9:9, 10
JUMP! I'LL CATCH YOU!
Your daddy is standing in a swimming pool out a little bit from the edge. You are, let's say, three years old and standing on the edge of the pool. Daddy holds out his arms to you and says, "Jump, I'll catch you. I promise."
Now, how do you make your daddy look good at that moment? Answer: trust him and jump. Have faith in him and jump. That makes him look strong and wise and loving. But if you won't jump, if you shake your head and run away from the edge, you make your daddy look bad. It looks like you are saying, "He can't catch me" or "He won't catch me" or "It's not a good idea to do what he tells me to do." And all three of those make your dad look bad.
You don't want to make God look bad. So you trust Him. When you trust Him, you make Him look good -- which he really is. And that is what we mean when we say, "Faith glorifies God" or "Faith gives God glory." It makes him look as good as he really is. So trusting God is really important.—John Piper
Perhaps the most wonderful thing our God desires to see lain at His feet by those who profess faith in His name is their trust. He states it quite clearly in Proverbs 3:5 where He says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Why should we trust Him? What evidence to we have of His faithfulness? As Ralph Waldo Emerson stated so beautifully, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Each of us has seen manifestations of the faithfulness of Jesus in our own lives.
We have seen Him “supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory,” Ephesians 4:19. We have known His “peace that passes all understanding to keep our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7. Since we have seen His faithfulness abound in our day-to-day supply, can we not then trust Him for the needs that He’s not yet met?
Yes, we can, because THAT is what faith is all about—as Hebrews 11:1 tells us, it is, “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” As Romans 8:25 tells us, “If we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
We are strengthened in faith when we discipline ourselves to trust in the unseen, unfulfilled promises of Jesus as we rely upon the confidence we have gleaned in Him by what He has already performed in our behalf.
"The Lord defends those who suffer; he defends them in times of trouble. Those who know the Lord trust him, because he will not leave those who come to him." Psalm 9:9, 10
JUMP! I'LL CATCH YOU!
Your daddy is standing in a swimming pool out a little bit from the edge. You are, let's say, three years old and standing on the edge of the pool. Daddy holds out his arms to you and says, "Jump, I'll catch you. I promise."
Now, how do you make your daddy look good at that moment? Answer: trust him and jump. Have faith in him and jump. That makes him look strong and wise and loving. But if you won't jump, if you shake your head and run away from the edge, you make your daddy look bad. It looks like you are saying, "He can't catch me" or "He won't catch me" or "It's not a good idea to do what he tells me to do." And all three of those make your dad look bad.
You don't want to make God look bad. So you trust Him. When you trust Him, you make Him look good -- which he really is. And that is what we mean when we say, "Faith glorifies God" or "Faith gives God glory." It makes him look as good as he really is. So trusting God is really important.—John Piper
Perhaps the most wonderful thing our God desires to see lain at His feet by those who profess faith in His name is their trust. He states it quite clearly in Proverbs 3:5 where He says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Why should we trust Him? What evidence to we have of His faithfulness? As Ralph Waldo Emerson stated so beautifully, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Each of us has seen manifestations of the faithfulness of Jesus in our own lives.
We have seen Him “supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory,” Ephesians 4:19. We have known His “peace that passes all understanding to keep our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7. Since we have seen His faithfulness abound in our day-to-day supply, can we not then trust Him for the needs that He’s not yet met?
Yes, we can, because THAT is what faith is all about—as Hebrews 11:1 tells us, it is, “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” As Romans 8:25 tells us, “If we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
We are strengthened in faith when we discipline ourselves to trust in the unseen, unfulfilled promises of Jesus as we rely upon the confidence we have gleaned in Him by what He has already performed in our behalf.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
A Burdensome Stone
July 17
"I will put in Jerusalem a stone that causes people to stumble, a rock that makes them fall. Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disappointed." Isaiah 8:14, 28
A HOLY MOUNTAIN
If you stand on the Mount of Olives and look toward Jerusalem, you have a wonderful view of the Old City and some very spiritually and historically significant holy sites.
The Dome of the Rock is the third holiest site for Islam, third only to Mecca and Medina. Muslims believe Mohamed ascended into heaven from there. The Dome of the Rock sits on Mount Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac up for sacrifice, and on which the Jewish faith were built. So together with its significance to Christians because of our heritage going all the back to the Old Testament, you might say it's the holiest spot on earth!
If you're ever in Jerusalem, make it the most important stop on your tour! -- Mike Huckabee
In a recent blog (July 7, 2013) President Lincoln is quoted as having said regarding their consecration of the Battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania that nothing that they said there could further sanctify the ground.
As I read Governor Huckabee’s comment about Mount Moriah, a similar thought crossed my mind. If that ground is sacred because it is where Abraham set about to sacrifice his son in obedience to the Living God, there is nothing any subsequent event in any succeeding generation can do to augment the reality that what Abraham did there made it holy ground.
Neither the assent Christians give to the veracity and holiness of Abraham’s obedience nor the muslim assertion that their prophet rose to heaven from that spot can consecrate the spot beyond Abraham’s resolve to obey the command the Lord had given to him or the Lord’s provision there of a lamb whose sacrifice took the place of the offering of his son.
In fact, what makes Abraham’s act significant at all in a time when child sacrifice was routinely practiced by pagan religions is the fact that it is a ‘type’ or ‘shadow’ of the greatest sacrifice ever to be made on the planet—the offering up of Jesus as the substitutionary death for every human who has ever lived!
Let us not trivialize that momentous act of Abraham that foreshadowed the most important event of history by the suggestion that any other purported occurrence approximates it in significance. And let us understand that the hallowing of our precious faith with its exclusivity of truth and God-authorship is precisely why Jerusalem is today a ‘burdensome stone.’
"I will put in Jerusalem a stone that causes people to stumble, a rock that makes them fall. Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disappointed." Isaiah 8:14, 28
A HOLY MOUNTAIN
If you stand on the Mount of Olives and look toward Jerusalem, you have a wonderful view of the Old City and some very spiritually and historically significant holy sites.
The Dome of the Rock is the third holiest site for Islam, third only to Mecca and Medina. Muslims believe Mohamed ascended into heaven from there. The Dome of the Rock sits on Mount Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac up for sacrifice, and on which the Jewish faith were built. So together with its significance to Christians because of our heritage going all the back to the Old Testament, you might say it's the holiest spot on earth!
If you're ever in Jerusalem, make it the most important stop on your tour! -- Mike Huckabee
In a recent blog (July 7, 2013) President Lincoln is quoted as having said regarding their consecration of the Battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania that nothing that they said there could further sanctify the ground.
As I read Governor Huckabee’s comment about Mount Moriah, a similar thought crossed my mind. If that ground is sacred because it is where Abraham set about to sacrifice his son in obedience to the Living God, there is nothing any subsequent event in any succeeding generation can do to augment the reality that what Abraham did there made it holy ground.
Neither the assent Christians give to the veracity and holiness of Abraham’s obedience nor the muslim assertion that their prophet rose to heaven from that spot can consecrate the spot beyond Abraham’s resolve to obey the command the Lord had given to him or the Lord’s provision there of a lamb whose sacrifice took the place of the offering of his son.
In fact, what makes Abraham’s act significant at all in a time when child sacrifice was routinely practiced by pagan religions is the fact that it is a ‘type’ or ‘shadow’ of the greatest sacrifice ever to be made on the planet—the offering up of Jesus as the substitutionary death for every human who has ever lived!
Let us not trivialize that momentous act of Abraham that foreshadowed the most important event of history by the suggestion that any other purported occurrence approximates it in significance. And let us understand that the hallowing of our precious faith with its exclusivity of truth and God-authorship is precisely why Jerusalem is today a ‘burdensome stone.’
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Our Adoption Is Sure
July 16
Adoption is the closest thing to God’s love in all the realm of man’s relationships. Of course, it is undeniable that lovers have deep love for one another and dwell in a realm of intimacy no one else can share. Yes, biological parents adore their offspring and would go to any length to guard and guide them and to supply all they need to have joy and abundant provision of all earthly needs.
But though these relationships are indeed abounding in love, they do not approximate the love of the Holy One for His people. Just as He has diligently sought for the lost among us and just as He has paid a great price for His “unspeakable gift to us,” II Corinthians 9:15, so have adoptive parents diligently sought a child to love—and so have they paid a great price for the privilege of doing so.
Consider these few verses and their profound implication in the lives of mere mortals who are stained by sin:
“The Father has loved us so much that we are called the children of God…” I John 3:1 proclaims a truth that is beyond our conceptualization! In fact, some people are so astounded by the thought of an almighty God condescending to adopt the children of men into His own family that they disbelieve it entirely.
Or consider Galatians 4:6, 7 that says, “Since you are God’s children, He has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts and that Spirit cries out within you, ‘Abba, Father ‘ …And God will give you the blessings He has promised because you are His child.” Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that His Spirit dwells within us and affirms there that He is our Father and our Provider.
The Word goes on to say in Romans 8:14, “The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them.” He who dwells within us longs to lead us aright as we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28) in Christ Jesus.
Yet until Christ comes again we will not fully understand all to which we are heir. The Beloved Apostle tells us in I John 3:2, “…now we are children of God and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future, but when Jesus comes again we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He really is.”
With just these few words of assurance, can we not press forward in faith, knowing in Whom we have believed and being persuaded “that He is able to keep all we have committed to Him…” II Timothy 1:12; can we not believe the wonderful truth that “our adoption is sure,” Romans 8:23.
Adoption is the closest thing to God’s love in all the realm of man’s relationships. Of course, it is undeniable that lovers have deep love for one another and dwell in a realm of intimacy no one else can share. Yes, biological parents adore their offspring and would go to any length to guard and guide them and to supply all they need to have joy and abundant provision of all earthly needs.
But though these relationships are indeed abounding in love, they do not approximate the love of the Holy One for His people. Just as He has diligently sought for the lost among us and just as He has paid a great price for His “unspeakable gift to us,” II Corinthians 9:15, so have adoptive parents diligently sought a child to love—and so have they paid a great price for the privilege of doing so.
Consider these few verses and their profound implication in the lives of mere mortals who are stained by sin:
“The Father has loved us so much that we are called the children of God…” I John 3:1 proclaims a truth that is beyond our conceptualization! In fact, some people are so astounded by the thought of an almighty God condescending to adopt the children of men into His own family that they disbelieve it entirely.
Or consider Galatians 4:6, 7 that says, “Since you are God’s children, He has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts and that Spirit cries out within you, ‘Abba, Father ‘ …And God will give you the blessings He has promised because you are His child.” Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that His Spirit dwells within us and affirms there that He is our Father and our Provider.
The Word goes on to say in Romans 8:14, “The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them.” He who dwells within us longs to lead us aright as we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28) in Christ Jesus.
Yet until Christ comes again we will not fully understand all to which we are heir. The Beloved Apostle tells us in I John 3:2, “…now we are children of God and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future, but when Jesus comes again we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He really is.”
With just these few words of assurance, can we not press forward in faith, knowing in Whom we have believed and being persuaded “that He is able to keep all we have committed to Him…” II Timothy 1:12; can we not believe the wonderful truth that “our adoption is sure,” Romans 8:23.
Monday, July 15, 2013
A Study: The Berean
July 15
In case you have lost sight of how precious you are to Jesus, this study by John W. Ritenbaugh from the Berean will refresh your spirit and make you aware again of what a treasure you are in the mind and heart and value system of our Savior:
Matthew 13:45-46
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. New King James Version
Though it is one of the better known parables, the Pearl of Great Price also happens to be misunderstood frequently. The common explanation is that the merchant represents a Christian, and the pearl of great price is the Kingdom of God to which he gives his all so he can be a part of it. Another interpretation is that the pearl is Christ, and a Christian gives his all to Him. As meaningful as these interpretations may be, another is far more meaningful, and the evidence given in the narrative favors it.
In this parable the merchant is seriously and deliberately searching the world to secure the best and costliest gems. It is the very business of his life. He travels widely with zeal and a lofty purpose because he can do so and appreciate the best when he sees it.
The common interpretation shows the sinner, the merchant, diligently searching the world and sacrificing all to find the Kingdom of God or Christ. This cannot be true! On several counts it is totally out of alignment with Scripture as well as experience. This approach puts the seeker totally in control of his destiny.
Three scriptures disprove that we are the merchant seeking to "buy" the Kingdom of God, Christ, or eternal life.
Romans 3:11: There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God.
Luke 19:9-10: And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
John 6:44: No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is Christ who seeks the sinner! The Shepherd seeks the sheep, not vice versa. Furthermore, if the pearl is either Christ, the Kingdom of God, or eternal life, it contradicts other scriptures regarding God's grace. Notice II Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" Romans 6:23 adds, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Finally, in Luke 7:41-42 Jesus says in the Parable of the Two Debtors:
There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price shows the merchant willing to buy a pearl at high cost. Can we possibly buy the Kingdom of God or eternal life or forgiveness if we have nothing with which to buy? If we think we have something with which we might barter with God, or if we think we have something to sell in order to buy from Him, then grace ceases to be grace!
The Bible consistently reveals we have no righteousness, skills, or intellect that is of any value in purchasing anything from God. Isaiah 64:6 confirms this: "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is like filthy rags." Peter's denunciation of Simon Magus plainly shows that men cannot buy the things of God. "But Peter said to him, 'Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" (Acts 8:20).
We are not the active agent in choosing Christ. John 15:16 specifically refers to Christ's apostles, but the principle extends to us: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." Jesus clearly states in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
By this time it ought to be clear that Jesus Christ is the merchant, the price paid was His life, and the church (the individual Christian in a very narrow sense) is the pearl. The church is one pearl, one body, composed of those He has sought out through the ages to be a habitation for God by His Spirit and who will be His bride at His return. This beautiful and meaningful little parable shows some of the extent of His labor of love for us.— John W. Ritenbaugh from the Berean
In case you have lost sight of how precious you are to Jesus, this study by John W. Ritenbaugh from the Berean will refresh your spirit and make you aware again of what a treasure you are in the mind and heart and value system of our Savior:
Matthew 13:45-46
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. New King James Version
Though it is one of the better known parables, the Pearl of Great Price also happens to be misunderstood frequently. The common explanation is that the merchant represents a Christian, and the pearl of great price is the Kingdom of God to which he gives his all so he can be a part of it. Another interpretation is that the pearl is Christ, and a Christian gives his all to Him. As meaningful as these interpretations may be, another is far more meaningful, and the evidence given in the narrative favors it.
In this parable the merchant is seriously and deliberately searching the world to secure the best and costliest gems. It is the very business of his life. He travels widely with zeal and a lofty purpose because he can do so and appreciate the best when he sees it.
The common interpretation shows the sinner, the merchant, diligently searching the world and sacrificing all to find the Kingdom of God or Christ. This cannot be true! On several counts it is totally out of alignment with Scripture as well as experience. This approach puts the seeker totally in control of his destiny.
Three scriptures disprove that we are the merchant seeking to "buy" the Kingdom of God, Christ, or eternal life.
Romans 3:11: There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God.
Luke 19:9-10: And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
John 6:44: No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is Christ who seeks the sinner! The Shepherd seeks the sheep, not vice versa. Furthermore, if the pearl is either Christ, the Kingdom of God, or eternal life, it contradicts other scriptures regarding God's grace. Notice II Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" Romans 6:23 adds, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Finally, in Luke 7:41-42 Jesus says in the Parable of the Two Debtors:
There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price shows the merchant willing to buy a pearl at high cost. Can we possibly buy the Kingdom of God or eternal life or forgiveness if we have nothing with which to buy? If we think we have something with which we might barter with God, or if we think we have something to sell in order to buy from Him, then grace ceases to be grace!
The Bible consistently reveals we have no righteousness, skills, or intellect that is of any value in purchasing anything from God. Isaiah 64:6 confirms this: "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is like filthy rags." Peter's denunciation of Simon Magus plainly shows that men cannot buy the things of God. "But Peter said to him, 'Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" (Acts 8:20).
We are not the active agent in choosing Christ. John 15:16 specifically refers to Christ's apostles, but the principle extends to us: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." Jesus clearly states in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
By this time it ought to be clear that Jesus Christ is the merchant, the price paid was His life, and the church (the individual Christian in a very narrow sense) is the pearl. The church is one pearl, one body, composed of those He has sought out through the ages to be a habitation for God by His Spirit and who will be His bride at His return. This beautiful and meaningful little parable shows some of the extent of His labor of love for us.— John W. Ritenbaugh from the Berean
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Life and Its Anxiety
July 14
Life can be fraught with anxiety. We awaken each morning to news that is troubling on every hand. Whether we read our newspapers or watch our televisions, we are bombarded with the latest reports of man’s inhumanity to man or of governmental wheeling and dealing or of judicial renderings that are contrary to God’s law.
A Florida trial has been televised nationally that states the case of a neighborhood watch representative who was purported to have been accosted in the carrying out of his duties by the teen he was following who is alleged to have attacked him.
The outcome of the altercation was the death of the teen. Here we have two heartbroken families and a tinder-box potential for a community aflame now that the verdict of ‘not guilty’ has been rendered.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that this weekend alone 72 black people were shot and 12 of them killed in Chicago while the media obsesses over the Florida case which involves a dead black youth and an Hispanic defendant. This sounds much more like race bating by the news reporters than it sounds like their conveying of facts.
If they are endeavoring to use the news to stir up racial tensions and hatred it seems the media are achieving their goal. If, however, they are striving to simply report the facts as they exist, they are missing the opportunity to do so more often than not. How are law-abiding people to survive in this atmosphere of discord?
The main thing we can do is to remember that our lives have been secured for time and eternity into the hand of the Savior. With this understanding, we may say like Paul in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” We needn’t count our lives precious because God counts them precious!
The Holy One has assured us, “When you pass through rough waters, I will be with you; when you cross raging rivers, you will not drown. Even if you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither will the flames kindle upon you,” Isaiah 43:2. As David affirmed in Psalm 3:3, “Lord, You are my shield…You give me courage.”
We who know Him, who believe His Word, trust Him in all times, in all circumstances; and each of us is sure that we may say, as did Paul, “He is able to keep all that I’ve committed to Him,” II Timothy 1:12.
Life can be fraught with anxiety. We awaken each morning to news that is troubling on every hand. Whether we read our newspapers or watch our televisions, we are bombarded with the latest reports of man’s inhumanity to man or of governmental wheeling and dealing or of judicial renderings that are contrary to God’s law.
A Florida trial has been televised nationally that states the case of a neighborhood watch representative who was purported to have been accosted in the carrying out of his duties by the teen he was following who is alleged to have attacked him.
The outcome of the altercation was the death of the teen. Here we have two heartbroken families and a tinder-box potential for a community aflame now that the verdict of ‘not guilty’ has been rendered.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that this weekend alone 72 black people were shot and 12 of them killed in Chicago while the media obsesses over the Florida case which involves a dead black youth and an Hispanic defendant. This sounds much more like race bating by the news reporters than it sounds like their conveying of facts.
If they are endeavoring to use the news to stir up racial tensions and hatred it seems the media are achieving their goal. If, however, they are striving to simply report the facts as they exist, they are missing the opportunity to do so more often than not. How are law-abiding people to survive in this atmosphere of discord?
The main thing we can do is to remember that our lives have been secured for time and eternity into the hand of the Savior. With this understanding, we may say like Paul in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” We needn’t count our lives precious because God counts them precious!
The Holy One has assured us, “When you pass through rough waters, I will be with you; when you cross raging rivers, you will not drown. Even if you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; neither will the flames kindle upon you,” Isaiah 43:2. As David affirmed in Psalm 3:3, “Lord, You are my shield…You give me courage.”
We who know Him, who believe His Word, trust Him in all times, in all circumstances; and each of us is sure that we may say, as did Paul, “He is able to keep all that I’ve committed to Him,” II Timothy 1:12.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Mantle Of Parenthood
July 13
"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'." John 8:31
God wants men to be free.
God wants men to be free to demonstrate toughness when a situation or relationship demands it. Free to display grit, strength, commitment, and decisiveness under the Holy Spirit's direction. God also wants me to be free to demonstrate tenderness, sensitivity and humility. Free to be vulnerable enough to foster intimacy and to shed tears.
Authentic masculinity produces a divine elasticity in men. Finally they can lead with firmness, then submit with humility. They can challenge with a cutting edge, then encourage with enthusiasm. They can fight aggressively for a just cause, then moments later weep over suffering.
Secure, free, authentic men leave a mark -- on their colleagues, friends, wives, and especially their children.-- Bill Hybels
Each of us shall leave a mark—for good or for ill—upon the lives that touch ours. Someone once said, “An organization takes on the character of its leader,” and that is proven out time and again. It is especially true within families and can be seen by the work ethic, the loyalty, the faith that are passed from generation to generation.
Because this truth is at play within the dynamics of each home and family, it behooves the parents to resolve that they shall be the best of role models to their children. “As a mother is before her daughter, so shall her daughter be,” Ezekiel 16:44, is an inescapable reality.
Ephesians 6:4 requires much the same of fathers. Here Paul writes, “Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and wisdom and admonition of the Lord.” We delude ourselves if we think we can do our own thing and the children will not be impacted by the consequences of our choices and actions.
Therefore, may we take on the mantle of parenthood with determination that we will use it to cover our children in the plan of salvation. May we wear the robe of righteousness that He supplies to every believer with the prayer that His goodness will be seen by everyone in our lives—and that in seeing they may be drawn to the One who places His Robe of Life upon us (see John 17:3).
"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'." John 8:31
God wants men to be free.
God wants men to be free to demonstrate toughness when a situation or relationship demands it. Free to display grit, strength, commitment, and decisiveness under the Holy Spirit's direction. God also wants me to be free to demonstrate tenderness, sensitivity and humility. Free to be vulnerable enough to foster intimacy and to shed tears.
Authentic masculinity produces a divine elasticity in men. Finally they can lead with firmness, then submit with humility. They can challenge with a cutting edge, then encourage with enthusiasm. They can fight aggressively for a just cause, then moments later weep over suffering.
Secure, free, authentic men leave a mark -- on their colleagues, friends, wives, and especially their children.-- Bill Hybels
Each of us shall leave a mark—for good or for ill—upon the lives that touch ours. Someone once said, “An organization takes on the character of its leader,” and that is proven out time and again. It is especially true within families and can be seen by the work ethic, the loyalty, the faith that are passed from generation to generation.
Because this truth is at play within the dynamics of each home and family, it behooves the parents to resolve that they shall be the best of role models to their children. “As a mother is before her daughter, so shall her daughter be,” Ezekiel 16:44, is an inescapable reality.
Ephesians 6:4 requires much the same of fathers. Here Paul writes, “Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and wisdom and admonition of the Lord.” We delude ourselves if we think we can do our own thing and the children will not be impacted by the consequences of our choices and actions.
Therefore, may we take on the mantle of parenthood with determination that we will use it to cover our children in the plan of salvation. May we wear the robe of righteousness that He supplies to every believer with the prayer that His goodness will be seen by everyone in our lives—and that in seeing they may be drawn to the One who places His Robe of Life upon us (see John 17:3).
Friday, July 12, 2013
Bridging the Vast Gulf
July 12
"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." I Timothy 1:15
GOD'S GRACIOUS HANDS
When we understand the character of God, when we grasp something of His holiness, then we begin to understand the radical character of our sin and hopelessness.
Helpless sinners can survive only by grace. Our strength is futile in itself; we are spiritually impotent without the assistance of a merciful God. We may dislike giving our attention to God's wrath and justice, but until we incline ourselves to these aspects of God's nature, we will never appreciate what has been wrought for us by grace.
Even [Jonathan] Edwards's sermon on sinners in God's hands was not designed to stress the flames of hell. The resounding accent falls not on the fiery pit but on the hands of the God who holds us and rescues us from it.
The hands of God are gracious hands. They alone have the power to rescue us from certain destruction.― R.C. Sproul, from The Holiness of God
The Apostle Paul, who laid aside all his worldly accomplishments, who put from him the accolades of men, and who ultimately sacrificed himself at the hands of the Romans for the sake of “knowing Christ and Him crucified,” I Corinthians 2:2, counted himself as nothing more or less than the chiefest among sinners, I Timothy 1:15.
While he was “yet dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1, he, as all others lost in the quagmire of the world’s illusionary treasures and accomplishments, clutched at the esteem he had earned by his meritorious and his excellent efforts; but once he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he knew that nothing he esteemed compared in value to owning Jesus as Savior and Lord ( see Acts 26:12-18).
We, too, must recognize the vast gulf between fallen man and our Holy God. We, like Paul, must grasp the reality of our sinfulness and our total inability to achieve righteous standing in His eyes apart from His placing His robe of righteousness upon us, Isaiah 61:10. When we do, we will stand in awe of the love and power that transformed us from sinners to beloved, adopted children of the Living God, Romans 8:15.
"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." I Timothy 1:15
GOD'S GRACIOUS HANDS
When we understand the character of God, when we grasp something of His holiness, then we begin to understand the radical character of our sin and hopelessness.
Helpless sinners can survive only by grace. Our strength is futile in itself; we are spiritually impotent without the assistance of a merciful God. We may dislike giving our attention to God's wrath and justice, but until we incline ourselves to these aspects of God's nature, we will never appreciate what has been wrought for us by grace.
Even [Jonathan] Edwards's sermon on sinners in God's hands was not designed to stress the flames of hell. The resounding accent falls not on the fiery pit but on the hands of the God who holds us and rescues us from it.
The hands of God are gracious hands. They alone have the power to rescue us from certain destruction.― R.C. Sproul, from The Holiness of God
The Apostle Paul, who laid aside all his worldly accomplishments, who put from him the accolades of men, and who ultimately sacrificed himself at the hands of the Romans for the sake of “knowing Christ and Him crucified,” I Corinthians 2:2, counted himself as nothing more or less than the chiefest among sinners, I Timothy 1:15.
While he was “yet dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1, he, as all others lost in the quagmire of the world’s illusionary treasures and accomplishments, clutched at the esteem he had earned by his meritorious and his excellent efforts; but once he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he knew that nothing he esteemed compared in value to owning Jesus as Savior and Lord ( see Acts 26:12-18).
We, too, must recognize the vast gulf between fallen man and our Holy God. We, like Paul, must grasp the reality of our sinfulness and our total inability to achieve righteous standing in His eyes apart from His placing His robe of righteousness upon us, Isaiah 61:10. When we do, we will stand in awe of the love and power that transformed us from sinners to beloved, adopted children of the Living God, Romans 8:15.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Our Blessed Assurance Dispells All Doubt
July 11
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." I John 5:11-13
H.A. Ironside (1876-1951) was a turn-of-the-century American Bible teacher, pastor, and author. An observer recounted this story of Ironside ministering to an elderly man unsure of his salvation.
The man said to Ironside, "I will not go on unless I know I'm saved, or else know it's hopeless to seek to be sure of it. I want a definite witness, something I can't be mistaken about!"
Ironside replied, "Suppose you had a vision of an angel who told you your sins were forgiven. Would that be enough to rest on?"
"Yes, I think it would. An angel should be right," the man replied.
"But suppose on your deathbed Satan came and said, 'I was that angel, transformed to deceive you'," Ironside continued. What would you say?"
The man was speechless. Ironside then said that God has given us something more dependable than the voice of an angel. He has given His Son, who died for our sins, and He has testified in His own Word that if we trust Him all our sins are gone.
Ironside read 1 John 5:13, "You may know that you have eternal life." Then he said, "Is that not enough to rest on? It is a letter from heaven expressly to you." God's Spirit used that to bring assurance to the man's heart. Anonymous
We love the notion of something free. From children who delight in the gift in the Cracker Jack box to people who open a new bank account to obtain the blender offered for doing so to the thousands who daily purchase lottery tickets in the hope of hitting the jackpot, we are compelled to reach for the unearned prize.
The one thing mankind in general seems able to resist in the way of a free gift offered is the one our God extends to us in the form of Jesus Christ who died for our sins.
In Romans 3:24 the Apostle Paul states quite clearly, ”…and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.” All are justified freely, but all do not accept the free gift of justification. Some do not accept the gift because they do not know about it.
Romans 10:14 asks bluntly, “How then can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?”
Perhaps we who know Jesus as Savior and Lord must resolve to share the good news of the free gift with those who have not heard even more fully than we ever yet have. The days are growing ever more evil and the world is becoming even more greatly steeped in the darkness of sin.
As Jesus Himself said in John 9:4, “We must do the work of Him who sent Me while it is yet day, for the night is coming when no one can work.” That spiritual night is rapidly closing upon us.
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." I John 5:11-13
H.A. Ironside (1876-1951) was a turn-of-the-century American Bible teacher, pastor, and author. An observer recounted this story of Ironside ministering to an elderly man unsure of his salvation.
The man said to Ironside, "I will not go on unless I know I'm saved, or else know it's hopeless to seek to be sure of it. I want a definite witness, something I can't be mistaken about!"
Ironside replied, "Suppose you had a vision of an angel who told you your sins were forgiven. Would that be enough to rest on?"
"Yes, I think it would. An angel should be right," the man replied.
"But suppose on your deathbed Satan came and said, 'I was that angel, transformed to deceive you'," Ironside continued. What would you say?"
The man was speechless. Ironside then said that God has given us something more dependable than the voice of an angel. He has given His Son, who died for our sins, and He has testified in His own Word that if we trust Him all our sins are gone.
Ironside read 1 John 5:13, "You may know that you have eternal life." Then he said, "Is that not enough to rest on? It is a letter from heaven expressly to you." God's Spirit used that to bring assurance to the man's heart. Anonymous
We love the notion of something free. From children who delight in the gift in the Cracker Jack box to people who open a new bank account to obtain the blender offered for doing so to the thousands who daily purchase lottery tickets in the hope of hitting the jackpot, we are compelled to reach for the unearned prize.
The one thing mankind in general seems able to resist in the way of a free gift offered is the one our God extends to us in the form of Jesus Christ who died for our sins.
In Romans 3:24 the Apostle Paul states quite clearly, ”…and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.” All are justified freely, but all do not accept the free gift of justification. Some do not accept the gift because they do not know about it.
Romans 10:14 asks bluntly, “How then can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?”
Perhaps we who know Jesus as Savior and Lord must resolve to share the good news of the free gift with those who have not heard even more fully than we ever yet have. The days are growing ever more evil and the world is becoming even more greatly steeped in the darkness of sin.
As Jesus Himself said in John 9:4, “We must do the work of Him who sent Me while it is yet day, for the night is coming when no one can work.” That spiritual night is rapidly closing upon us.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Spend Well In Heaven
July 10
"Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, so all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love." Psalm 5:11, 12
ARE YOU SWEET OR SOUR?
I can't remember anyone telling me, "Stop acting so nice." I never heard of a law ordering me to be not happy. No one ever told me I have too much peace or joy. But a lot of us act as if we're under such orders.
Why do so many Christians have such sour faces? It is because we allow circumstances to dictate our level of joy and peace. If everything is going right, we are positive and happy. If things go wrong, even in just a little way, we get negative.
We must remember that we are God's representatives of Jesus on earth. When people look at us, they should be able to see Jesus. Like fruit, the attributes of God will grow in our lives, if we are open to Him. Don't get discouraged because it takes time! If you are serious about living for God, He will develop all the good fruit in you to minister to others.
Are you sweet or sour? When the world looks at your life, do they see a positive person living for God? If not, ask the Holy Spirit of God to grow His fruit in your life. God is faithful and the good work He has begun He will bring to pass! -- Dr. Timothy Emerick
“I am my own man.” “I am a self-made man.” These are common assertions among people we encounter, and although we are less likely to hear them from professing Christians, we do indeed hear them from believers as well. The reality is that no matter who speaks them, they are not true.
None of us lives in a vacuum and none of us has arrived at any point in life, whether good or bad, without someone’s assistance. We are fairly quick to allocate blame to others when our own lives are under criticism—It’s my father’s fault or I had a teacher who mistreated me; but we’re pretty quick to claim credit for all that’s good about life.
But we arrive at our position in business, in politics, in every-day living through channels that lead through the influence of other people and their attitude toward us is dictated most often by the facade we project to them. If we evidence sweetness, kindness, consideration, we will elicit those attributes from others. If we disdain the people within our sphere, they will have little regard for us.
As Proverbs 18:24 states clearly, “To have friends, a man must show himself friendly.” In Galatians 6: 7-9, it is stated thusly, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
God’s Word makes it clear—what we invest in life, much as what we invest in a financial account, is what shall accrue to us. If we invest wisely, if we sow seeds of kindness, compassion, understanding, love, and truth, we shall find those wonderful qualities thriving in the garden of our lives. And the fruit of our garden shall spend well in Heaven when we arrive there.
"Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, so all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love." Psalm 5:11, 12
ARE YOU SWEET OR SOUR?
I can't remember anyone telling me, "Stop acting so nice." I never heard of a law ordering me to be not happy. No one ever told me I have too much peace or joy. But a lot of us act as if we're under such orders.
Why do so many Christians have such sour faces? It is because we allow circumstances to dictate our level of joy and peace. If everything is going right, we are positive and happy. If things go wrong, even in just a little way, we get negative.
We must remember that we are God's representatives of Jesus on earth. When people look at us, they should be able to see Jesus. Like fruit, the attributes of God will grow in our lives, if we are open to Him. Don't get discouraged because it takes time! If you are serious about living for God, He will develop all the good fruit in you to minister to others.
Are you sweet or sour? When the world looks at your life, do they see a positive person living for God? If not, ask the Holy Spirit of God to grow His fruit in your life. God is faithful and the good work He has begun He will bring to pass! -- Dr. Timothy Emerick
“I am my own man.” “I am a self-made man.” These are common assertions among people we encounter, and although we are less likely to hear them from professing Christians, we do indeed hear them from believers as well. The reality is that no matter who speaks them, they are not true.
None of us lives in a vacuum and none of us has arrived at any point in life, whether good or bad, without someone’s assistance. We are fairly quick to allocate blame to others when our own lives are under criticism—It’s my father’s fault or I had a teacher who mistreated me; but we’re pretty quick to claim credit for all that’s good about life.
But we arrive at our position in business, in politics, in every-day living through channels that lead through the influence of other people and their attitude toward us is dictated most often by the facade we project to them. If we evidence sweetness, kindness, consideration, we will elicit those attributes from others. If we disdain the people within our sphere, they will have little regard for us.
As Proverbs 18:24 states clearly, “To have friends, a man must show himself friendly.” In Galatians 6: 7-9, it is stated thusly, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
God’s Word makes it clear—what we invest in life, much as what we invest in a financial account, is what shall accrue to us. If we invest wisely, if we sow seeds of kindness, compassion, understanding, love, and truth, we shall find those wonderful qualities thriving in the garden of our lives. And the fruit of our garden shall spend well in Heaven when we arrive there.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
The Equalizer
July 9
I pray that you are so confident in faith in your Heavenly Father that nothing anyone else does, nothing anyone else says, nothing anyone else IS can shake you from your absolute faith in His goodness and mercy or rob you of the joy of the Lord which is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
I met with an old friend recently and we were discussing someone who has lived with a debilitating handicap the entirety of her young life (she is ten years old). Though it is anguishing to contemplate her life and the sorrow her parents face daily, the thought came back which the Lord gave to me years ago when I wept before Him saying, "Life isn't fair! YOU aren't fair! Why are some so rich while others are so poor? Why are some so well while others are so sick? Why do some live full lives while others die so young?"
He spoke words into my mind that flooded over the accusation. He said, "Christ is the Equalizer."
He didn't stop there but went on to explain why: "The rich man, without Christ, is impoverished but doesn't recognize his complete lack. The poor man who owns Jesus, possesses eternal treasure. The well man who cannot see his sin-sickness refuses Jesus, its remedy; the sick man who knows the Lord is forever whole. The live man who claims not the Savior is dead in his trespasses and sins while the man who dies in faith in our Savior is alive forevermore."
Those sobering words explain the entirety of man's cry for 'fairness' in life. JESUS makes life 'fair'! Circumstances are ever changing. They can be turned around in the twinkling of an eye. But Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forever," Hebrews 13:8. His promises are "yea and amen," II Corinthians 1:20, and the fulfillment of the glorious promise He gives to everyone who trusts in Him is, "...you shall be with Me in paradise," Luke 23:43.
God bless you and fill you with His joy that is your strength, no matter how those around you comport themselves, no matter what they say. Your treasure, your well-being, your life, is rich and full for time and for eternity because you are Christ's and He is yours forever.
I pray that you are so confident in faith in your Heavenly Father that nothing anyone else does, nothing anyone else says, nothing anyone else IS can shake you from your absolute faith in His goodness and mercy or rob you of the joy of the Lord which is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
I met with an old friend recently and we were discussing someone who has lived with a debilitating handicap the entirety of her young life (she is ten years old). Though it is anguishing to contemplate her life and the sorrow her parents face daily, the thought came back which the Lord gave to me years ago when I wept before Him saying, "Life isn't fair! YOU aren't fair! Why are some so rich while others are so poor? Why are some so well while others are so sick? Why do some live full lives while others die so young?"
He spoke words into my mind that flooded over the accusation. He said, "Christ is the Equalizer."
He didn't stop there but went on to explain why: "The rich man, without Christ, is impoverished but doesn't recognize his complete lack. The poor man who owns Jesus, possesses eternal treasure. The well man who cannot see his sin-sickness refuses Jesus, its remedy; the sick man who knows the Lord is forever whole. The live man who claims not the Savior is dead in his trespasses and sins while the man who dies in faith in our Savior is alive forevermore."
Those sobering words explain the entirety of man's cry for 'fairness' in life. JESUS makes life 'fair'! Circumstances are ever changing. They can be turned around in the twinkling of an eye. But Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forever," Hebrews 13:8. His promises are "yea and amen," II Corinthians 1:20, and the fulfillment of the glorious promise He gives to everyone who trusts in Him is, "...you shall be with Me in paradise," Luke 23:43.
God bless you and fill you with His joy that is your strength, no matter how those around you comport themselves, no matter what they say. Your treasure, your well-being, your life, is rich and full for time and for eternity because you are Christ's and He is yours forever.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Typos
July 8
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
God’s Inerrant Word?
Thank God that today we have the technical capability to produce countless versions of numerous, near-perfect translations of God's Word! But during the early years after the Bible began to be printed, some typographical mistakes slipped in. Fortunately, they were caught and corrected. Had they not been, the integrity of the Truth of the Lord may have been compromised. Here are a few of what are perhaps the most amusing of them:
Wicked Bible: This printing reported the Seventh Commandment as "Thou shalt commit adultery," a mistake that understandably infuriated England's King Charles. He ordered all copies destroyed and fined all printers whose hands had touched the edition.
Place maker Bible: A 16th century printer had Jesus blessing the "place-makers" instead of "peacemakers." An American printer later substituted the "Parable of the Vineyard" with the "Parable of the Vinegar.”
Printers Bible: Perhaps King David was on target in a 1702 edition, which quoted him as saying "Printers [instead of "princes"] have persecuted me without cause."
"Sin-On" Bible: The first English-language Bible to be printed in Ireland in 1716 encouraged its readers to "sin on more" rather than "sin no more." A similar error in 1653 had declared: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit the kingdom of God?"
Murderer's Bible: This 19th-century faux pas had Mark 7:27 saying "Let the children be killed" instead of "filled."
Wife-Hater Bible: An 1810 version read, "If any man come to Me, and hate not his own wife (instead of "life"), he cannot be My disciple."
Camels Bible: In 1832 an edition had Rebekah leaving her tent to meet Isaac with a group of, not damsels, but camels.
These typos are amusing to contemplate; however, the importance of maintaining the inerrancy of God’s Immutable Word cannot be over-stated. We know that sometimes people purposely misinterpret what they read in scripture and thereby distort the Lord's intended meaning to the point of great error. We know that sometimes they simply misunderstand and thereby miss-convey its intent.
It is important that we read with understanding and walk within the Truth that the Holy One intends to impart through His immutable Word. To do anything else is to invest ourselves in error. From error comes transgression. Certainly these little 'goof-ups' prove those errors can place us on a wrong course.
Besides giving us His infallible Word, Jesus has also sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within those who believe, John 14:26. His presence with us helps us to interpret the Word accurately and to understand it correctly because He was sent to “teach us all things and bring all truth to your remembrance.” Because we have the Word "hidden in our hearts," and because the Lord Himself abides there, our ability to discern His will is greatly enhanced.
We thank and praise Him that we need not forge our way through life with only our own frail understanding to guide us but that we have the assurance of the help of the Comforter He promised, to "lead us into all truth," John 16:13. Jesus is faithful to wrap us in His love and His power as we overcome all hindrances in order to reach the place of acceptance of and obedience to the immutable Word of God.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
God’s Inerrant Word?
Thank God that today we have the technical capability to produce countless versions of numerous, near-perfect translations of God's Word! But during the early years after the Bible began to be printed, some typographical mistakes slipped in. Fortunately, they were caught and corrected. Had they not been, the integrity of the Truth of the Lord may have been compromised. Here are a few of what are perhaps the most amusing of them:
Wicked Bible: This printing reported the Seventh Commandment as "Thou shalt commit adultery," a mistake that understandably infuriated England's King Charles. He ordered all copies destroyed and fined all printers whose hands had touched the edition.
Place maker Bible: A 16th century printer had Jesus blessing the "place-makers" instead of "peacemakers." An American printer later substituted the "Parable of the Vineyard" with the "Parable of the Vinegar.”
Printers Bible: Perhaps King David was on target in a 1702 edition, which quoted him as saying "Printers [instead of "princes"] have persecuted me without cause."
"Sin-On" Bible: The first English-language Bible to be printed in Ireland in 1716 encouraged its readers to "sin on more" rather than "sin no more." A similar error in 1653 had declared: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit the kingdom of God?"
Murderer's Bible: This 19th-century faux pas had Mark 7:27 saying "Let the children be killed" instead of "filled."
Wife-Hater Bible: An 1810 version read, "If any man come to Me, and hate not his own wife (instead of "life"), he cannot be My disciple."
Camels Bible: In 1832 an edition had Rebekah leaving her tent to meet Isaac with a group of, not damsels, but camels.
These typos are amusing to contemplate; however, the importance of maintaining the inerrancy of God’s Immutable Word cannot be over-stated. We know that sometimes people purposely misinterpret what they read in scripture and thereby distort the Lord's intended meaning to the point of great error. We know that sometimes they simply misunderstand and thereby miss-convey its intent.
It is important that we read with understanding and walk within the Truth that the Holy One intends to impart through His immutable Word. To do anything else is to invest ourselves in error. From error comes transgression. Certainly these little 'goof-ups' prove those errors can place us on a wrong course.
Besides giving us His infallible Word, Jesus has also sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within those who believe, John 14:26. His presence with us helps us to interpret the Word accurately and to understand it correctly because He was sent to “teach us all things and bring all truth to your remembrance.” Because we have the Word "hidden in our hearts," and because the Lord Himself abides there, our ability to discern His will is greatly enhanced.
We thank and praise Him that we need not forge our way through life with only our own frail understanding to guide us but that we have the assurance of the help of the Comforter He promised, to "lead us into all truth," John 16:13. Jesus is faithful to wrap us in His love and His power as we overcome all hindrances in order to reach the place of acceptance of and obedience to the immutable Word of God.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Fourth of July Weekend
July 7
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1863
On June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumner commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by President Abraham Lincoln. In his eulogy on the slain president, he called it a "monumental act."
He said Lincoln was mistaken that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here." Rather, the Bostonian remarked, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
2 Chronicles 7:14
if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
On this Fourth of July, may all true, patriotic Americans resolve to do all in their power to restore this nation that was laid at the feet of Jesus at its inception to the position of faith before the cross that elevated her to the status of the greatest country the world has ever known. May we resolve with Lincoln to perpetuate the battle for freedom that was so valiantly fought at Gettysburg.
On this Fourth of July, may we who believe in the Living and Eternal Christ bind together in one accord, lifting to the Throne of Mercy and Grace the words of supplication for our land that are found in II Chronicles 7:14.
May we resolve to be His light in this darkening culture; may we be His ray of truth shining a nation plunged into the depth of lies. May we, as the words of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” declare, proclaim to those who would snare us in bondage, “As Christ died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!” Let us cast off the yoke of tyranny and allow liberty to again be proclaimed in this land!
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1863
On June 1, 1865, Senator Charles Sumner commented on what is now considered the most famous speech by President Abraham Lincoln. In his eulogy on the slain president, he called it a "monumental act."
He said Lincoln was mistaken that "the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here." Rather, the Bostonian remarked, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
2 Chronicles 7:14
if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
On this Fourth of July, may all true, patriotic Americans resolve to do all in their power to restore this nation that was laid at the feet of Jesus at its inception to the position of faith before the cross that elevated her to the status of the greatest country the world has ever known. May we resolve with Lincoln to perpetuate the battle for freedom that was so valiantly fought at Gettysburg.
On this Fourth of July, may we who believe in the Living and Eternal Christ bind together in one accord, lifting to the Throne of Mercy and Grace the words of supplication for our land that are found in II Chronicles 7:14.
May we resolve to be His light in this darkening culture; may we be His ray of truth shining a nation plunged into the depth of lies. May we, as the words of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” declare, proclaim to those who would snare us in bondage, “As Christ died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!” Let us cast off the yoke of tyranny and allow liberty to again be proclaimed in this land!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
A Little American History
July 6
"God has set His throne in heaven; He rules over us all. He's the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at His bidding, quick to hear and do what He says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever He wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—everything and everyone made by God." Psalm 103:19-22
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
In 1893, at the age of thirty-three, Katharine Lee Bates, an English professor at Wellesley College, took a train trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to teach a summer school session at Colorado College. Several of the sights on her trip inspired her to write a poem, first published in the Fourth of July edition of the church periodical, “The Congregationalist,” in 1895.
A decade earlier, in 1882, church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward was on a ferryboat trip from Coney Island back to his home in New York City after a leisurely summer day. A tune came to him, and he immediately wrote it down. In fact, He was so anxious to capture the tune in his head, he asked a friend and fellow passenger for his shirt cuff to write on!
Ward's music combined with Bates's poem were first published together in 1910 and titled, "America the Beautiful." (From Mike Huckabee’s God Fruits)
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven, but the reality is that since its inception, the earthly nation we call the United States of America has been the preferred choice for citizenship of countless millions of people from every corner of the globe.
Because the founding fathers of this country established it on Biblical principles and counted no one but Christ Himself as their King, this country has not only enjoyed the favor and blessings of the Living God but has conferred the opportunity to attain that favor and to secure those blessings upon all those who have come to our shores.
In honor its birthday, here is a quiz to see how much you know about this place that has been so blessed among the nations of men:
U.S. History Quiz!
1. When did the Continental Congress first meet?
2. Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
3. How many Founding Fathers signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution?
4. How many of the 56 signers of the Declaration died before the Peace Treaty of 1783 was signed to officially end the American Revolution?
5. Who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army?
6. Who was a female version of Paul Revere?
7. What two signers of the Declaration died on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration?
8. What two signers of the Declaration were founders of America's first anti-slavery society?
Answers:
1.The Continental Congress first met on September 5, 1774 at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. Shortly after the gathering of delegates the Reverend Jacob Duché officially prayed. This tradition has been continued throughout the centuries. (For more information, see Color Through History or America's Godly Heritage.)
2. The Continental Congress appointed a committee of five to write the Declaration (Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman), but the others selected Thomas Jefferson to be the primary author; Adams and Franklin made a few additions. (For more information about Thomas Jefferson, see The Jefferson Lies, Thomas Jefferson poster, or check out the Historical Documents section of our website!)
3. Six: Benjamin Franklin, George Clymer, Robert Morris, George Read, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson (For information about the signing of the Declaration of Independence or the signing of the Constitution, see The Signing of the Constitution Poster or The Signing of the US Constitution Poster.)
4.Nine: Button Gwinnett, John Hart, Joseph Hewes, Philip Livingston, Thomas Lynch, Jr., John Morton, George Ross, Richard Stockton, and George Taylor (For additional information about the Signers of the Declaration, see The Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Wives of the Signers.)
5. George Washington (For additional information about George Washington, check out The Bulletproof George Washington, Color Through History, or the Washington & Troops Crossing the Delaware
Puzzle.)
6. Sybil Ludington
7. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (To read the story of their reconciliation, see the WallBuilders website. For additional information on Thomas Jefferson, see The JeffersonLies.)
8. Dr. Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Franklin (To learn more about these Founding Fathers, check out Drive Through History: Discovering America's Founding Fathers the Benjamin Rush.
Taken from David Barton’s Wall Builders.
"God has set His throne in heaven; He rules over us all. He's the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at His bidding, quick to hear and do what He says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever He wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—everything and everyone made by God." Psalm 103:19-22
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
In 1893, at the age of thirty-three, Katharine Lee Bates, an English professor at Wellesley College, took a train trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to teach a summer school session at Colorado College. Several of the sights on her trip inspired her to write a poem, first published in the Fourth of July edition of the church periodical, “The Congregationalist,” in 1895.
A decade earlier, in 1882, church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward was on a ferryboat trip from Coney Island back to his home in New York City after a leisurely summer day. A tune came to him, and he immediately wrote it down. In fact, He was so anxious to capture the tune in his head, he asked a friend and fellow passenger for his shirt cuff to write on!
Ward's music combined with Bates's poem were first published together in 1910 and titled, "America the Beautiful." (From Mike Huckabee’s God Fruits)
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven, but the reality is that since its inception, the earthly nation we call the United States of America has been the preferred choice for citizenship of countless millions of people from every corner of the globe.
Because the founding fathers of this country established it on Biblical principles and counted no one but Christ Himself as their King, this country has not only enjoyed the favor and blessings of the Living God but has conferred the opportunity to attain that favor and to secure those blessings upon all those who have come to our shores.
In honor its birthday, here is a quiz to see how much you know about this place that has been so blessed among the nations of men:
U.S. History Quiz!
1. When did the Continental Congress first meet?
2. Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
3. How many Founding Fathers signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution?
4. How many of the 56 signers of the Declaration died before the Peace Treaty of 1783 was signed to officially end the American Revolution?
5. Who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army?
6. Who was a female version of Paul Revere?
7. What two signers of the Declaration died on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration?
8. What two signers of the Declaration were founders of America's first anti-slavery society?
Answers:
1.The Continental Congress first met on September 5, 1774 at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. Shortly after the gathering of delegates the Reverend Jacob Duché officially prayed. This tradition has been continued throughout the centuries. (For more information, see Color Through History or America's Godly Heritage.)
2. The Continental Congress appointed a committee of five to write the Declaration (Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman), but the others selected Thomas Jefferson to be the primary author; Adams and Franklin made a few additions. (For more information about Thomas Jefferson, see The Jefferson Lies, Thomas Jefferson poster, or check out the Historical Documents section of our website!)
3. Six: Benjamin Franklin, George Clymer, Robert Morris, George Read, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson (For information about the signing of the Declaration of Independence or the signing of the Constitution, see The Signing of the Constitution Poster or The Signing of the US Constitution Poster.)
4.Nine: Button Gwinnett, John Hart, Joseph Hewes, Philip Livingston, Thomas Lynch, Jr., John Morton, George Ross, Richard Stockton, and George Taylor (For additional information about the Signers of the Declaration, see The Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Wives of the Signers.)
5. George Washington (For additional information about George Washington, check out The Bulletproof George Washington, Color Through History, or the Washington & Troops Crossing the Delaware
Puzzle.)
6. Sybil Ludington
7. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (To read the story of their reconciliation, see the WallBuilders website. For additional information on Thomas Jefferson, see The JeffersonLies.)
8. Dr. Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Franklin (To learn more about these Founding Fathers, check out Drive Through History: Discovering America's Founding Fathers the Benjamin Rush.
Taken from David Barton’s Wall Builders.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Secure
Fortunes rise and fortunes fall. Whether we are able to live our lives in the lap of luxury or whether we are privileged to live our lives totally dependent upon the mercy of God for each day’s need—no matter how our lives may look externally to anyone observing our journey from birth to eternity—our circumstances are subject to change.
The wealthy man who thinks he shall have need of nothing can become like so many during the Great Depression whose reversals of fortune were too much for them to bear. The poor man who anticipates nothing but one day of want followed by another may become the recipient of a windfall that transforms his life.
Nothing is absolute but God Himself. Nothing is sure except His promises. As we stand on the unshakable Word of the God who cannot fail and cannot lie, we are secure in a world that leaves little room for confidence in our circumstances. No matter how the details of life may ebb and flow, we remain unshakable in our expectation of Jesus’ promises.
The Word says in Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you shall perfect it until the day of Jesus’ appearing.” No matter what joys or disappointments we may have in life, if we have placed our lives at the feet of the Lord, He shall work every aspect of our lives toward the glorious realization of all His perfection –not merely in time but in eternity.
The fortunes of nations rise and fall as well as do those of individuals. Sometimes those changes occur with great rapidity as happened this week in the nation of Egypt where millions of protesters gathered against the regime; they were supported by the military and Morsi was replaced by an interim president. It remains to be seen how the course of this nation will change because of this turn of events.
Ultimately, we know the Lord God reigns and He will have His way. The Word tells us that in the end times, everything that can be shaken will be shaken (see Hebrews 12:27) and that includes the shaking of nations. Man will come to realize that there is no earthly entity in which he can securely place his hope; he will come to realize that there is only ONE place where he may confidently place his life for time and eternity--and that is at the feet of Jesus.
Whether you are in a seemingly secure place in life or whether you are in the throes of change, if your hand is in the hand of our precious Savior, you may rest in the assurance that He will not let you fall.
The wealthy man who thinks he shall have need of nothing can become like so many during the Great Depression whose reversals of fortune were too much for them to bear. The poor man who anticipates nothing but one day of want followed by another may become the recipient of a windfall that transforms his life.
Nothing is absolute but God Himself. Nothing is sure except His promises. As we stand on the unshakable Word of the God who cannot fail and cannot lie, we are secure in a world that leaves little room for confidence in our circumstances. No matter how the details of life may ebb and flow, we remain unshakable in our expectation of Jesus’ promises.
The Word says in Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you shall perfect it until the day of Jesus’ appearing.” No matter what joys or disappointments we may have in life, if we have placed our lives at the feet of the Lord, He shall work every aspect of our lives toward the glorious realization of all His perfection –not merely in time but in eternity.
The fortunes of nations rise and fall as well as do those of individuals. Sometimes those changes occur with great rapidity as happened this week in the nation of Egypt where millions of protesters gathered against the regime; they were supported by the military and Morsi was replaced by an interim president. It remains to be seen how the course of this nation will change because of this turn of events.
Ultimately, we know the Lord God reigns and He will have His way. The Word tells us that in the end times, everything that can be shaken will be shaken (see Hebrews 12:27) and that includes the shaking of nations. Man will come to realize that there is no earthly entity in which he can securely place his hope; he will come to realize that there is only ONE place where he may confidently place his life for time and eternity--and that is at the feet of Jesus.
Whether you are in a seemingly secure place in life or whether you are in the throes of change, if your hand is in the hand of our precious Savior, you may rest in the assurance that He will not let you fall.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Independence Day
Today, July 4, is Independence Day in the United States and the focus of today's blog is the thoughts of some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the month, these blogs will relate to the idea of freedom--freedom from tyranny and political oppression--as well as freedom from sin. The focus of this post will always be Jesus Christ and Him crucified so that man, no matter the form of government under which he lives, might be free in spirit to love and honor and worship the One True and Living God who is our Lord and Savior--the true Freedom Giver.
To Americans I say, have a blessed Fourth of July, and as you celebrate with your fireworks and cookouts, be sure you lift up thanks to the Lord for the spiritual freedom He gave you on Calvary and are also mindful of the great price your forefathers paid for your political freedom. To those who live under the bondage of political oppression I say, rejoice in the Christ whose you are for He has set you free from the yoke of bondage to any man or political system.
July 4
Independence Day by David Barton
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days afterwards – July 4th – the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed, albeit by only two individuals at that time: John Hancock, President of Congress, and Charles Thompson, Secretary of Congress. Four days later, on July 8, members of Congress took that document and read it aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell was rung. The inscription around the top of that bell, Leviticus 25:10, was most appropriate for the occasion: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.”
To see the turmoil in other nations, their struggles and multiple revolutions, and yet to see the stability and blessings that we have here in America, we may ask how has this been achieved? What was the basis of American Independence?
John Adams said “The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence were the principles of Christianity.” Perhaps the clearest identification of the spirit of the American Revolution was given by John Adams in a letter to Abigail the day after Congress approved the Declaration. He wrote her two letters on that day; the first was short and concise, jubilant that the Declaration had been approved. The second was much longer and more pensive, giving serious consideration to what had been done that day. Adams cautiously noted: “This day will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.”
It is amazing that on the very day they approved the Declaration, Adams was already foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future generations. Adams contemplated whether it would be proper to hold such celebrations, but then concluded that the day should be commemorated – but in a particular manner and with a specific spirit. As he told Abigail: “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
John Adams believed that the Fourth of July should become a religious holiday – a day when we remembered God’s hand in deliverance and a day of religious activities when we committed ourselves to Him in “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” Such was the spirit of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of those who led it, evidenced even further in the words of John Quincy Adams, one who was deeply involved in the activities of the Revolution.
According to John Quincy Adams, Christmas and the Fourth of July were intrinsically connected. On the Fourth of July, the Founders simply took the precepts of Christ, who came into the world through His birth (Christmas) and incorporated those principles into civil government.
Have you ever considered what it meant for those 56 men – an eclectic group of ministers, businessmen, teachers, university professors, sailors, captains, farmers – to sign the Declaration of Independence? This was a contract that began with the reasons for the separation from Great Britain and closed in the final paragraph stating “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” These men took this pledge seriously and it cost them greatly.
When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said, “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.”
The spiritual emphasis manifested so often by the Americans during the Revolution caused one Crown-appointed British governor to write to Great Britain complaining that: “If you ask an American who is his master, he’ll tell you he has none. And he has no governor but Jesus Christ.” This was boldly declared with not one but sixteen Congressional proclamations for national days of prayer and fasting throughout the Revolution.
Preserving American liberty depends first upon our understanding the foundations on which this great country was built and then preserving the principles on which it was founded. Let’s not let the purpose for which we were established be forgotten. The Founding Fathers have passed us a torch; let’s not allow it to go out.
To Americans I say, have a blessed Fourth of July, and as you celebrate with your fireworks and cookouts, be sure you lift up thanks to the Lord for the spiritual freedom He gave you on Calvary and are also mindful of the great price your forefathers paid for your political freedom. To those who live under the bondage of political oppression I say, rejoice in the Christ whose you are for He has set you free from the yoke of bondage to any man or political system.
July 4
Independence Day by David Barton
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days afterwards – July 4th – the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed, albeit by only two individuals at that time: John Hancock, President of Congress, and Charles Thompson, Secretary of Congress. Four days later, on July 8, members of Congress took that document and read it aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell was rung. The inscription around the top of that bell, Leviticus 25:10, was most appropriate for the occasion: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.”
To see the turmoil in other nations, their struggles and multiple revolutions, and yet to see the stability and blessings that we have here in America, we may ask how has this been achieved? What was the basis of American Independence?
John Adams said “The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence were the principles of Christianity.” Perhaps the clearest identification of the spirit of the American Revolution was given by John Adams in a letter to Abigail the day after Congress approved the Declaration. He wrote her two letters on that day; the first was short and concise, jubilant that the Declaration had been approved. The second was much longer and more pensive, giving serious consideration to what had been done that day. Adams cautiously noted: “This day will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.”
It is amazing that on the very day they approved the Declaration, Adams was already foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future generations. Adams contemplated whether it would be proper to hold such celebrations, but then concluded that the day should be commemorated – but in a particular manner and with a specific spirit. As he told Abigail: “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
John Adams believed that the Fourth of July should become a religious holiday – a day when we remembered God’s hand in deliverance and a day of religious activities when we committed ourselves to Him in “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” Such was the spirit of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of those who led it, evidenced even further in the words of John Quincy Adams, one who was deeply involved in the activities of the Revolution.
According to John Quincy Adams, Christmas and the Fourth of July were intrinsically connected. On the Fourth of July, the Founders simply took the precepts of Christ, who came into the world through His birth (Christmas) and incorporated those principles into civil government.
Have you ever considered what it meant for those 56 men – an eclectic group of ministers, businessmen, teachers, university professors, sailors, captains, farmers – to sign the Declaration of Independence? This was a contract that began with the reasons for the separation from Great Britain and closed in the final paragraph stating “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” These men took this pledge seriously and it cost them greatly.
When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said, “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.”
The spiritual emphasis manifested so often by the Americans during the Revolution caused one Crown-appointed British governor to write to Great Britain complaining that: “If you ask an American who is his master, he’ll tell you he has none. And he has no governor but Jesus Christ.” This was boldly declared with not one but sixteen Congressional proclamations for national days of prayer and fasting throughout the Revolution.
Preserving American liberty depends first upon our understanding the foundations on which this great country was built and then preserving the principles on which it was founded. Let’s not let the purpose for which we were established be forgotten. The Founding Fathers have passed us a torch; let’s not allow it to go out.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Like Them
July 3
"Jesus is the One whom God raised from the dead. And we are all witnesses to this." Acts 2:32
We don't know where the disciples went when they fled the garden, but we do know what they took: a memory. They took a heart-stopping memory of a Man who called Himself no less than God in the flesh. And they couldn't get Him out of their minds. Try as they might to lose Him in the crowd, they couldn't forget Him.
If they saw a leper, they thought of His compassion. If they heard a storm, they would remember the day He silenced one. If they saw a child, they would think of the day He held one. And if they saw a lamb being carried to the temple, they would remember His face streaked with blood and His eyes flooded with love.
No, they couldn't forget Him. As a result, they came back. And as a result, the Church of our Lord began with a group of frightened men in an upper room. Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado
The disciples couldn’t forget Jesus. They fled from the scene of His torture, but they could not erase Him from their minds. Oh, no, it was not the cruelty against Him by the Romans that stamped itself indelibly upon their minds—it was all the miraculous things He’d done until that point that were fastened in their memories! It was His emerging from the tomb that they could not forget!
All He has done in the past has impacted us, too. Believers today cannot allow themselves to have a momentary memory lapse regarding the power of the Savior we love and serve. The circumstances of our lives may distract us. The pressures of our trials may weigh heavily upon us. But the reality is, deep within our mind, is the knowledge of WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE HAS DONE—and for us that translates to WHAT HE CAN AND WILL YET DO!
What gives us this assurance, in the throes of all we suffer, that He will undertake in our behalf? What prompts us to trust Him when every new turn of events taunts us that our hope is in vain? Why should we yet lift our eyes toward Heaven when clouds of disappointment, of dashed expectations seem to darken our view? Why should we believe in Him?
Because we know He works in an unseen realm where sight is irrelevant! We know there is activity going on in the behalf of our situation that cannot be beheld except by eyes of faith! It is with these spiritual eyes that we must view our circumstances, assured of the veracity of His promise to use our prayers to pull down the strongholds about which we pray! (Philippians 3:21)
We must be like the Apostles who knew in the depth of their memory that Jesus had not diminished in power! And they remembered His promise to endue them with power from on high because He went to the Father! (Acts 1:8)
Like them, we are endued with power from on high! Like them, we shall see the impact of that power applied to the circumstances about which we pray! Like them, we shall transform the world around us, conform the circumstances of our lives to His glory—as we lay hold of the reality of His faithfulness!
"Jesus is the One whom God raised from the dead. And we are all witnesses to this." Acts 2:32
We don't know where the disciples went when they fled the garden, but we do know what they took: a memory. They took a heart-stopping memory of a Man who called Himself no less than God in the flesh. And they couldn't get Him out of their minds. Try as they might to lose Him in the crowd, they couldn't forget Him.
If they saw a leper, they thought of His compassion. If they heard a storm, they would remember the day He silenced one. If they saw a child, they would think of the day He held one. And if they saw a lamb being carried to the temple, they would remember His face streaked with blood and His eyes flooded with love.
No, they couldn't forget Him. As a result, they came back. And as a result, the Church of our Lord began with a group of frightened men in an upper room. Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado
The disciples couldn’t forget Jesus. They fled from the scene of His torture, but they could not erase Him from their minds. Oh, no, it was not the cruelty against Him by the Romans that stamped itself indelibly upon their minds—it was all the miraculous things He’d done until that point that were fastened in their memories! It was His emerging from the tomb that they could not forget!
All He has done in the past has impacted us, too. Believers today cannot allow themselves to have a momentary memory lapse regarding the power of the Savior we love and serve. The circumstances of our lives may distract us. The pressures of our trials may weigh heavily upon us. But the reality is, deep within our mind, is the knowledge of WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE HAS DONE—and for us that translates to WHAT HE CAN AND WILL YET DO!
What gives us this assurance, in the throes of all we suffer, that He will undertake in our behalf? What prompts us to trust Him when every new turn of events taunts us that our hope is in vain? Why should we yet lift our eyes toward Heaven when clouds of disappointment, of dashed expectations seem to darken our view? Why should we believe in Him?
Because we know He works in an unseen realm where sight is irrelevant! We know there is activity going on in the behalf of our situation that cannot be beheld except by eyes of faith! It is with these spiritual eyes that we must view our circumstances, assured of the veracity of His promise to use our prayers to pull down the strongholds about which we pray! (Philippians 3:21)
We must be like the Apostles who knew in the depth of their memory that Jesus had not diminished in power! And they remembered His promise to endue them with power from on high because He went to the Father! (Acts 1:8)
Like them, we are endued with power from on high! Like them, we shall see the impact of that power applied to the circumstances about which we pray! Like them, we shall transform the world around us, conform the circumstances of our lives to His glory—as we lay hold of the reality of His faithfulness!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Let Faith Transform You
July 2
"We who share His weakness shall by the power of God live with Him in your service." II Corinthians 13:4
THE SPIRITUAL PLAYPEN
Love is the way to maturity. Selfishness stunts growth and keeps us in a spiritual playpen. The world is full of emotional babies, crawling over each other, screaming, "Mine! This I want, and this I shall have, and never mind what it does to anybody else!"
What a relief, what peace, when one who has reached spiritual adulthood, who by love has grown out of himself, comes along. He freely gives up his own aims and ambitions, his safety and his cherished plans, his possessions, his feelings, anything at all that will help and says my life for yours. Such a one comes as a rescuer.
To give myself up is the last thing I think of doing. It looks like weakness. In God's eyes, though, it is power!.-- Elisabeth Elliot
To give oneself up is power in God’s eyes, but Elisabeth Elliot is quite correct—it is not thusly perceived in the eyes of the world. The world sees power as self-realization, as domination over others. What humility is to God, self-aggrandizement is to those who dwell in the failed system into which man has relegated himself through sin.
The perception of the Holy One in this matter is clearly defined in Philippians 2:6-11 where it is said of Jesus, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Unless and until we assume that same attitude of humility for ourselves—that declares our inability to please God or to save ourselves apart from embracing Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord—we are dead in our trespasses and sins. However, the moment we claim His proprietary life, death and resurrection in our behalf as our own, “Old things are washed away; behold, all things become new,” II Corinthians 5:17.
At that moment, His grace intervenes into our sin-laden lives and we are accounted righteous according to Romans 4:13, which says, "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." Let faith in Jesus transform you from a sinner to a righteous heir of Heaven.
"We who share His weakness shall by the power of God live with Him in your service." II Corinthians 13:4
THE SPIRITUAL PLAYPEN
Love is the way to maturity. Selfishness stunts growth and keeps us in a spiritual playpen. The world is full of emotional babies, crawling over each other, screaming, "Mine! This I want, and this I shall have, and never mind what it does to anybody else!"
What a relief, what peace, when one who has reached spiritual adulthood, who by love has grown out of himself, comes along. He freely gives up his own aims and ambitions, his safety and his cherished plans, his possessions, his feelings, anything at all that will help and says my life for yours. Such a one comes as a rescuer.
To give myself up is the last thing I think of doing. It looks like weakness. In God's eyes, though, it is power!.-- Elisabeth Elliot
To give oneself up is power in God’s eyes, but Elisabeth Elliot is quite correct—it is not thusly perceived in the eyes of the world. The world sees power as self-realization, as domination over others. What humility is to God, self-aggrandizement is to those who dwell in the failed system into which man has relegated himself through sin.
The perception of the Holy One in this matter is clearly defined in Philippians 2:6-11 where it is said of Jesus, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Unless and until we assume that same attitude of humility for ourselves—that declares our inability to please God or to save ourselves apart from embracing Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord—we are dead in our trespasses and sins. However, the moment we claim His proprietary life, death and resurrection in our behalf as our own, “Old things are washed away; behold, all things become new,” II Corinthians 5:17.
At that moment, His grace intervenes into our sin-laden lives and we are accounted righteous according to Romans 4:13, which says, "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." Let faith in Jesus transform you from a sinner to a righteous heir of Heaven.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Live in the Fullness
July 1
"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch." Psalm 5:3
URGENT INCOMING MESSAGE!
A former park ranger at Yellowstone National Park tells the story of a ranger leading a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals that he considered the messages on his two-way radio distracting, so he switched it off.
Nearing the tower, the group was met by a nearly breathless lookout, who asked the ranger why he hadn't responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been spotted stalking the group, and the authorities were trying to warn them of the danger.
Is your "radio" turned off when it comes to God? Any time we turn out the messages God has sent us, we put at peril, not only ourselves but also those around us. How important it is that we never turn off God's saving communication! Unknown Author
Today, dear reader, is one more day of walking with our hand in the hand of the One who loves us. Isaiah 41:13 says, “Fear not, for I am the one who holds your hand and will keep you.”
Today is one more day of tuning our hearts toward His. The Living and True God assures us in Zachariah 1:3, “Turn ye unto Me, saith the Lord of Hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts.” It is His desire that His people be turned toward Him in their spirit and walk with Him in all their ways.
Today is one more day of endeavoring to live this life in harmony with the Giver of Life as we are admonished to do in Hebrews 12:14 where Paul says, “Strive to live in peace with all men, for without holiness, no one shall see the Lord.” Perhaps His intent through our effort to be holy is that men shall see Him in us as much as that we shall ultimately see Him through our endeavor.
Do we always succeed in these lofty pursuits? If we are honest with ourselves, we must acknowledge that we do not; but HE does not hold us accountable for our shortcomings--He covers them.
How blessed we are to have a Savior who is pleased to dwell with us, to make His very abode in our hearts, John 14:23, to say we are the Temple of His Holy Spirit, I Corinthians 6:19-20. May we open our hearts afresh every morning to feel His presence and to know His love and to live in the fullness of Whose we are.
"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch." Psalm 5:3
URGENT INCOMING MESSAGE!
A former park ranger at Yellowstone National Park tells the story of a ranger leading a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals that he considered the messages on his two-way radio distracting, so he switched it off.
Nearing the tower, the group was met by a nearly breathless lookout, who asked the ranger why he hadn't responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been spotted stalking the group, and the authorities were trying to warn them of the danger.
Is your "radio" turned off when it comes to God? Any time we turn out the messages God has sent us, we put at peril, not only ourselves but also those around us. How important it is that we never turn off God's saving communication! Unknown Author
Today, dear reader, is one more day of walking with our hand in the hand of the One who loves us. Isaiah 41:13 says, “Fear not, for I am the one who holds your hand and will keep you.”
Today is one more day of tuning our hearts toward His. The Living and True God assures us in Zachariah 1:3, “Turn ye unto Me, saith the Lord of Hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts.” It is His desire that His people be turned toward Him in their spirit and walk with Him in all their ways.
Today is one more day of endeavoring to live this life in harmony with the Giver of Life as we are admonished to do in Hebrews 12:14 where Paul says, “Strive to live in peace with all men, for without holiness, no one shall see the Lord.” Perhaps His intent through our effort to be holy is that men shall see Him in us as much as that we shall ultimately see Him through our endeavor.
Do we always succeed in these lofty pursuits? If we are honest with ourselves, we must acknowledge that we do not; but HE does not hold us accountable for our shortcomings--He covers them.
How blessed we are to have a Savior who is pleased to dwell with us, to make His very abode in our hearts, John 14:23, to say we are the Temple of His Holy Spirit, I Corinthians 6:19-20. May we open our hearts afresh every morning to feel His presence and to know His love and to live in the fullness of Whose we are.
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