But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:6-13.
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4.
Remember that as we are studying God’s Word that one is to never presume that something is being said when the Word does not say ‘it’. This is so very important, because when this principle of Bible Study is not used and applied we soon discover that some erroneous statements sometimes become ‘fact’. One of those ‘erroneous’ facts is, “Make Jesus Lord of your life.”
One can search the Scriptures for the basis of that statement and the foundation is not present. Jesus is Lord and we cannot make Him Lord BECAUSE His is Lord and without our help. Nor can we say this to a Christian who feels that life is not being lived as it ought to be lived. That person cannot make Jesus Lord of life because Jesus is Lord, period. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:6-10.
You have heard it said, over and over again, that you must make Jesus the Lord of your life. Let me say that this is an erroneous statement that does not have foundation in Scripture. Just as Paul wrote in Colossians 2:6, “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him….”
Note: Paul does not write, “so make Him Lord.” He is Lord and no one can make Him to be the Person that He already is.
He is who He is….the Lord Jesus Christ and when one receives Him as Savior….He is received as Lord, too. He is who He is.
We cannot crown Him King, because He does not need a crown. But look at this:
Now it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrew2:6-9.
Notice that His crown is “glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” And we find in John 19:1-2 the mockery as “Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.”
We, indeed, sing songs that proclaim Him King and suggest that “We crown Him Lord of all.” But rest assured that we do this to sing praise to Him, but let us not be deceived into believing that we make Him to be King and Lord.
HE IS WHO HE IS, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
At the moment that I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ became my Lord. This does not mean that I have always done and said the right things and have not sinned, but this does not mean that He, the Lord Jesus Christ is not the Lord of my life. Why? Because He owns my life and heart “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
I cannot make Him to be that which He already is.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the next time that you feel that you have sinned and have ‘let the Lord down’ do not think that He has left the throne of your life….He has not. He is still King and Lord of your life. You may not feel like it, but He is.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8. Simply recall that if we will, He will.
Do not be deceived into thinking that you must do something to make Him into that which He already is….the Lord of your life. That is, if you are a believer and you do belong to Him.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Blame Game
I am reminded once again that people are out to ‘get us’, and we must be prepared. Satan is able to pull people into his cause…even good people. And Paul wrote a powerful statement in Galatians that we often overlook and he points to these perspectives concerning the spiritual war in which we are involved.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12.
Jesus speaks of the character of Satan in John 8:44, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Too often we act as if we are the victims of sin and have the attitude that "the devil made me do it." The fact is many of us give in to temptations and we cannot blame anyone or anything for the moral decisions that we make. The question then comes, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1) and “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” James 4:4.
Paul’s evaluation of this truth tells us that we absolutely must depend upon the Lord because this spiritual combat is not against humans. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (v. 12)
This is a stark description of the spiritual forces that are deployed against us. Paul's intention is to emphasize that this force is too intense for any of us to challenge without the help of our God. We must constantly depend upon the Lord's strength.
But, almost everyone would say, "I am not controlled by Satan or by any forces of a dark kingdom. I am living just as I please." This is exactly what the Devil would want us to think
Paul describes it best when he says, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— (Ephesians. 2:1-2)
We will say, "I do what I want to," and this is so very true, unless what we want to do is good, and this is more difficult. Doing the right thing is always difficult because we are then faced with the pressures of our time. Friends and family alike are always wanting us to do differently than that which we know is correct.
Paul's advice to us is, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans. 12:2)
We must be aware of the spiritual danger of the conflict, and have a healthy respect for Satan's strength. But, always keep in mind that Satan can never gain an advantage over us unless we are ignorant of his schemes and devices.
No matter what Satan does remember that God is able to defeat him and the recognition of our own weakness. Paul wrote to the Corinthians “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians. 12:10)
Does the devil make me do it? He is powerful, but, God is so much more powerful.
Satan is unable to make me do anything, but is able to:
· tempt me
· bring pressure from those around me
· stir-up trouble
But, even if Satan came to me he cannot make me sin.
This view of an active and powerful devil is rooted in the Gospels, where a large proportion of Jesus' healings are exorcisms, and believers are exhorted to steel themselves against demonic temptations and attacks. "We do not battle against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual hosts of wickedness," St Paul wrote, and St. Peter warned, "The devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Still, "the devil made me do it" is foolish. Temptation comes whispering, but "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," James wrote. People tell the devil "No" every day.
The key to that resistance is understanding who he is and is weakness. The early Christians were emphatic that humility was the greatest virtue of all, and that it alone would send Satan scurrying. It's no skin off his nose if we do not believe he exists: all the better for his subtle plans.
The devil doesn't mind if we fail to see him, but he relies on our failing to see ourselves.
No, the Devil does not make me do anything. And he cannot make you do anything, either. But what we must determine is our Source of Strength…..
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12.
Jesus speaks of the character of Satan in John 8:44, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Too often we act as if we are the victims of sin and have the attitude that "the devil made me do it." The fact is many of us give in to temptations and we cannot blame anyone or anything for the moral decisions that we make. The question then comes, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1) and “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” James 4:4.
Paul’s evaluation of this truth tells us that we absolutely must depend upon the Lord because this spiritual combat is not against humans. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (v. 12)
This is a stark description of the spiritual forces that are deployed against us. Paul's intention is to emphasize that this force is too intense for any of us to challenge without the help of our God. We must constantly depend upon the Lord's strength.
But, almost everyone would say, "I am not controlled by Satan or by any forces of a dark kingdom. I am living just as I please." This is exactly what the Devil would want us to think
Paul describes it best when he says, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— (Ephesians. 2:1-2)
We will say, "I do what I want to," and this is so very true, unless what we want to do is good, and this is more difficult. Doing the right thing is always difficult because we are then faced with the pressures of our time. Friends and family alike are always wanting us to do differently than that which we know is correct.
Paul's advice to us is, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans. 12:2)
We must be aware of the spiritual danger of the conflict, and have a healthy respect for Satan's strength. But, always keep in mind that Satan can never gain an advantage over us unless we are ignorant of his schemes and devices.
No matter what Satan does remember that God is able to defeat him and the recognition of our own weakness. Paul wrote to the Corinthians “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians. 12:10)
Does the devil make me do it? He is powerful, but, God is so much more powerful.
Satan is unable to make me do anything, but is able to:
· tempt me
· bring pressure from those around me
· stir-up trouble
But, even if Satan came to me he cannot make me sin.
This view of an active and powerful devil is rooted in the Gospels, where a large proportion of Jesus' healings are exorcisms, and believers are exhorted to steel themselves against demonic temptations and attacks. "We do not battle against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual hosts of wickedness," St Paul wrote, and St. Peter warned, "The devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Still, "the devil made me do it" is foolish. Temptation comes whispering, but "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," James wrote. People tell the devil "No" every day.
The key to that resistance is understanding who he is and is weakness. The early Christians were emphatic that humility was the greatest virtue of all, and that it alone would send Satan scurrying. It's no skin off his nose if we do not believe he exists: all the better for his subtle plans.
The devil doesn't mind if we fail to see him, but he relies on our failing to see ourselves.
No, the Devil does not make me do anything. And he cannot make you do anything, either. But what we must determine is our Source of Strength…..
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
BraveHeart
Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate..." Amos 5:14-1
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11.
Brave - courageous endurance
Heart - spirit, courage, or enthusiasm
Perhaps the reason that we do not understand bravery as believers…at least here in the United States…is that, in recent times, we have not suffered in any kind of way for our faith. Our forefathers who came to the shores of the New World were seeking freedom from religious persecution in Europe. From 1800 until this moment, there has been no religious persecution. However, we are beginning to taste a bit of that from time to time. (And might I say that this is the reason that our political participation in is so very important….do we want socialism or do we want to retain the republic we now enjoy?)
Christians will not join together until we realize what is going on around us. We are too comfortable in our secularized establishments that we call ‘church’, construct buildings and call them ‘churches’. establish ‘programs’ and call them ‘ministries’. All the while our communities are looking at the facilities and have no idea what the Church is. Do not get me wrong. Our buildings and programs are necessary vehicles for us, but are we being brave in our secular world?
As a Nation, we are currently in the midst of political turmoil. This is the only way that I am able to describe our election process…turmoil. Of all the people in our Nation that are sometimes brave – or stupid – are folks that dare step into the political ring for they risk everything to be candidates for any kind of political office. Looking at them, I wonder if we as Christians ares so brave. For the Apostle Paul wrote, “I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-29. “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:30.
I will fit myself into my air-conditioned, heated automobile fitted with power everything, radio, CD player, seat belts, air bags, headrests, Blackberry and Blue Tooth, Bible on CD, all kinds of stuff to keep me awake as I drive. In my pocket I have a credit card to purchase what I want and sometimes need, am wearing a neatly pressed shirt, comfortable shoes, and I do not forget my dark chocolate that will help keep my body healthy. And I do all of this in the name of Jesus so that I can stand behind a pulpit that is equipped with a wireless microphone so that fewer than 200 people can hear what they hope to be a 15 minute sermon. After all, the ball game begins at 12:30. And we call this ‘going to church’.
People will meet in adobe buildings with dirt floors, sit on wooden benches, mothers will nurse their babies while others will sleep on the floor, older children will play on the floor and many will come to hear the Bible read because either they do not have one of their own or they cannot read. Some of them may walk for several miles, and they would never say that they are ‘suffering for Jesus’ and we might speak the same in careless gesture.
As believers our responsibility is not so much to ourselves as it is to the huge numbers of folks that do not know Jesus Christ. They probably know of Him but they really do not know Him. This responsibility for us is to Brave Hearts in a culture that has become numb to the Christian faith and is often times refusing us the platform to speak our faith publicly.
Theodore Roosevelt said, “No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life, in a great cause.” Our cause is absolute and we must not be afraid to speak out. My prayer is “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20.
True enough, we are not in the chains that Paul found himself, but the chains that sometimes bind us are fear and sometimes embarrassment. But let us be reminded that we must “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10. Eternity depends upon our courage, Brave Hearts..
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11.
Brave - courageous endurance
Heart - spirit, courage, or enthusiasm
Perhaps the reason that we do not understand bravery as believers…at least here in the United States…is that, in recent times, we have not suffered in any kind of way for our faith. Our forefathers who came to the shores of the New World were seeking freedom from religious persecution in Europe. From 1800 until this moment, there has been no religious persecution. However, we are beginning to taste a bit of that from time to time. (And might I say that this is the reason that our political participation in is so very important….do we want socialism or do we want to retain the republic we now enjoy?)
Christians will not join together until we realize what is going on around us. We are too comfortable in our secularized establishments that we call ‘church’, construct buildings and call them ‘churches’. establish ‘programs’ and call them ‘ministries’. All the while our communities are looking at the facilities and have no idea what the Church is. Do not get me wrong. Our buildings and programs are necessary vehicles for us, but are we being brave in our secular world?
As a Nation, we are currently in the midst of political turmoil. This is the only way that I am able to describe our election process…turmoil. Of all the people in our Nation that are sometimes brave – or stupid – are folks that dare step into the political ring for they risk everything to be candidates for any kind of political office. Looking at them, I wonder if we as Christians ares so brave. For the Apostle Paul wrote, “I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-29. “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:30.
I will fit myself into my air-conditioned, heated automobile fitted with power everything, radio, CD player, seat belts, air bags, headrests, Blackberry and Blue Tooth, Bible on CD, all kinds of stuff to keep me awake as I drive. In my pocket I have a credit card to purchase what I want and sometimes need, am wearing a neatly pressed shirt, comfortable shoes, and I do not forget my dark chocolate that will help keep my body healthy. And I do all of this in the name of Jesus so that I can stand behind a pulpit that is equipped with a wireless microphone so that fewer than 200 people can hear what they hope to be a 15 minute sermon. After all, the ball game begins at 12:30. And we call this ‘going to church’.
People will meet in adobe buildings with dirt floors, sit on wooden benches, mothers will nurse their babies while others will sleep on the floor, older children will play on the floor and many will come to hear the Bible read because either they do not have one of their own or they cannot read. Some of them may walk for several miles, and they would never say that they are ‘suffering for Jesus’ and we might speak the same in careless gesture.
As believers our responsibility is not so much to ourselves as it is to the huge numbers of folks that do not know Jesus Christ. They probably know of Him but they really do not know Him. This responsibility for us is to Brave Hearts in a culture that has become numb to the Christian faith and is often times refusing us the platform to speak our faith publicly.
Theodore Roosevelt said, “No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life, in a great cause.” Our cause is absolute and we must not be afraid to speak out. My prayer is “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20.
True enough, we are not in the chains that Paul found himself, but the chains that sometimes bind us are fear and sometimes embarrassment. But let us be reminded that we must “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10. Eternity depends upon our courage, Brave Hearts..
Directions
And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10.
“Follow this road to the Big Tree on the left. There you will turn to the right and stay on that road until you come to the house with the red door. Take the middle road where the three roads meet and travel for 600 feet or so and you will let me out at the burned out building.” Directions you might give to your taxi driver in Costa Rica.
A sign near Boulder Colorado reads, “Free Bathroom Tours” next left…..
How about the ‘Burnt Bun’ restaurant??
“No Parking – Tow away Zone” / 2 Hour Parking / 15 Minute Parking” all of these on the same pole…could be in your town…
“Curl Up N Dye” Hair Salon. Be careful here.
Duh, Attorney at Law. Hope you have a lawyer. This lawyer does exist and I found out where. But I have his first name and I will not give it to you.
Finding directions in life is sometimes difficult because we may not be ‘in tune’ with the Holy Spirit. And allow me to say that you do not have to be some kind of ‘Spiritual Giant’ to follow Him. Too many of us make life far more difficult than it has to be simply because we do not read, study and apply God’s Word to daily living.
The worst advice that we can read, even for fun, are the “Horror Scopes” that are found in newspapers and other places. And then there are the ‘Advice Columns’ that have been lurking in newspapers, too. Their advice seems to be okay, but when you wake up in the ‘dark’, do not call them up and tell them your troubles after following their suggestions. They might say, ‘you misunderstood me’. There is no guarantee there.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119:9-16.
Paul travelled with the Holy Spirit as his Guide in all things. And we should certainly do the same in every thing that we do. To do differently is to follow a road to disaster.
“Many things I have tried to grasp and lost. That which I have placed in God’s hands I still have.” –Martin Luther
“Follow this road to the Big Tree on the left. There you will turn to the right and stay on that road until you come to the house with the red door. Take the middle road where the three roads meet and travel for 600 feet or so and you will let me out at the burned out building.” Directions you might give to your taxi driver in Costa Rica.
A sign near Boulder Colorado reads, “Free Bathroom Tours” next left…..
How about the ‘Burnt Bun’ restaurant??
“No Parking – Tow away Zone” / 2 Hour Parking / 15 Minute Parking” all of these on the same pole…could be in your town…
“Curl Up N Dye” Hair Salon. Be careful here.
Duh, Attorney at Law. Hope you have a lawyer. This lawyer does exist and I found out where. But I have his first name and I will not give it to you.
Finding directions in life is sometimes difficult because we may not be ‘in tune’ with the Holy Spirit. And allow me to say that you do not have to be some kind of ‘Spiritual Giant’ to follow Him. Too many of us make life far more difficult than it has to be simply because we do not read, study and apply God’s Word to daily living.
The worst advice that we can read, even for fun, are the “Horror Scopes” that are found in newspapers and other places. And then there are the ‘Advice Columns’ that have been lurking in newspapers, too. Their advice seems to be okay, but when you wake up in the ‘dark’, do not call them up and tell them your troubles after following their suggestions. They might say, ‘you misunderstood me’. There is no guarantee there.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119:9-16.
Paul travelled with the Holy Spirit as his Guide in all things. And we should certainly do the same in every thing that we do. To do differently is to follow a road to disaster.
“Many things I have tried to grasp and lost. That which I have placed in God’s hands I still have.” –Martin Luther
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Hooked
Early in the morning Lonnie and I walked down to the boat dock on the lake’s edge to do some ‘fishin’. The two of us were ‘fully equipped’ to catch the ‘big’n’ that always gits away.. To make a very long story very, very short, “I hooked mine first.” And he was the biggest thing that I ever ‘hooked’. As I was making my cast the hook caught in something behind me, but it was no fish…it was Lonnie’s leg! The bad part is that as soon as it ‘snagged’ I jerked the thing and as real fishermen would say, ‘I set the hook’ and deep. Lonnie was ‘hooked’ and was made a ‘believer’ in the fact that one should never stand behind the one who is casting. ‘Hooked’ indeed…….
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
John 11:25-27.
“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed,” 1 Timothy 1:12
"You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!" James 2:19.
believe - to have confidence or faith in the truth
confidence - full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing
faith - belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion
trust - to commit or consign with trust or confidence.
The idiom in the English language expressed with the word ‘hooked’ indicates ‘being convinced without reservation.’ Perhaps you have heard or even used the term, ‘Hooked on Jesus’.
Some folks are ‘Ford’, ‘Chevy’, ‘Dodge’, and there was a time that others were ‘Studebaker’ or ‘Olds’ kind of car buyers. However, all of those things change from time to time, and today we have added ‘Toyota’, ‘Honda’, ‘Lexus’, and other ‘odd sounding’ names of cars to our preference lists. But the obvious reasons for the purchase of anything is ‘quality’ or at least the perception of such a thing. The marks of quality seem to change from one year to the next therefore causing new models of vehicles to come into existence and others to become memories of yesteryear. When that happens folks must find other fishing holes.
So it is with religion. People are always looking around for a place of worship that will satisfy their personal ideas as to what their ‘god’ ought to look like. The postmodern church movement, I believe, looks like this. For many, the ‘emerging church’ has emerged because of the tremendous upheaval among evangelical communities over the past 40 years. As a Southern Baptist, we were caught in the Quake of Identity Crisis and the Tsunami literally ripped us apart. Our ‘Humpty Dumpty’ took the fall and today we are scrambling around reassembling Humpty, not attempting to put him together as he was. Thus we have ‘Humpty’ and we have ‘Dumpty’. Both believe in the same God, the same Jesus, and the same Bible, but each approaches Him quite differently.
But the postmoderns have not yet ‘hooked’ into what they searching for. They have an idea of who their god is, but from my perspective, they have not found him. They have been ‘hooked’ on a lot of ideas, but the God of the Bible they have missed. But the God of the Bible is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He never changes and His Word never changes. His truth is static. And unlike some politicians say about the Constitution of the United States, it is alive, but it does not and will not change.
Like Paul, I am not ashamed of the gospel for it continues to be the power of God for salvation to those who believe. Yes, our methods may change and in fact do change from one generation to another. The gospel message does not and has never changed. This is what we must sink our hooks in to. We must set the hook deep and remain there.
But as we do this, we must recall that we must daily read the Scriptures and practice what we read there. For Jesus said this to a group of Jewish believers, “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
John 8:43-47.
And this is true for everyone, the postmodern community, the Baby Boomers and everyone in between. But “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I applied this same quote yesterday, and mistakenly, at least I thought so, used it again today.
However, it makes sense for today as well.......
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
John 11:25-27.
“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed,” 1 Timothy 1:12
"You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!" James 2:19.
believe - to have confidence or faith in the truth
confidence - full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing
faith - belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion
trust - to commit or consign with trust or confidence.
The idiom in the English language expressed with the word ‘hooked’ indicates ‘being convinced without reservation.’ Perhaps you have heard or even used the term, ‘Hooked on Jesus’.
Some folks are ‘Ford’, ‘Chevy’, ‘Dodge’, and there was a time that others were ‘Studebaker’ or ‘Olds’ kind of car buyers. However, all of those things change from time to time, and today we have added ‘Toyota’, ‘Honda’, ‘Lexus’, and other ‘odd sounding’ names of cars to our preference lists. But the obvious reasons for the purchase of anything is ‘quality’ or at least the perception of such a thing. The marks of quality seem to change from one year to the next therefore causing new models of vehicles to come into existence and others to become memories of yesteryear. When that happens folks must find other fishing holes.
So it is with religion. People are always looking around for a place of worship that will satisfy their personal ideas as to what their ‘god’ ought to look like. The postmodern church movement, I believe, looks like this. For many, the ‘emerging church’ has emerged because of the tremendous upheaval among evangelical communities over the past 40 years. As a Southern Baptist, we were caught in the Quake of Identity Crisis and the Tsunami literally ripped us apart. Our ‘Humpty Dumpty’ took the fall and today we are scrambling around reassembling Humpty, not attempting to put him together as he was. Thus we have ‘Humpty’ and we have ‘Dumpty’. Both believe in the same God, the same Jesus, and the same Bible, but each approaches Him quite differently.
But the postmoderns have not yet ‘hooked’ into what they searching for. They have an idea of who their god is, but from my perspective, they have not found him. They have been ‘hooked’ on a lot of ideas, but the God of the Bible they have missed. But the God of the Bible is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He never changes and His Word never changes. His truth is static. And unlike some politicians say about the Constitution of the United States, it is alive, but it does not and will not change.
Like Paul, I am not ashamed of the gospel for it continues to be the power of God for salvation to those who believe. Yes, our methods may change and in fact do change from one generation to another. The gospel message does not and has never changed. This is what we must sink our hooks in to. We must set the hook deep and remain there.
But as we do this, we must recall that we must daily read the Scriptures and practice what we read there. For Jesus said this to a group of Jewish believers, “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
John 8:43-47.
And this is true for everyone, the postmodern community, the Baby Boomers and everyone in between. But “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I applied this same quote yesterday, and mistakenly, at least I thought so, used it again today.
However, it makes sense for today as well.......
Concentric Circles
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Matthew 25:44-45
Perfect circles have no end, are perfectly symmetrical at all points and these points are equidistant from the center of the circle. This is the description of the circle of your influence as well. However, there is one thing that you must consider in this description of your circle of influence. And that is the power of your influence upon others.
Evangelistic emphasis is mostly found in preaching to strangers, anonymous crowds. Evangelism must take place where we are. Concentric Circles of Concern is a book written by Oscar Thompson that provides suggestions about sharing Christ's love by meeting the spiritual needs of those around us. Beginning with family, followed by friends, then to everyone in your field of influence and continuing to move outward in concentric circles. However, I find it interesting that this is a concept that has its beginnings in Scripture. In fact, the circle has provided humankind with great curiosity for thousands of years.
Ancient peoples the world over have observed the effects of the circle in relationships and have placed this idea in their centers of worship. Two examples that come to mind are the Stonehenge in England and stone circles left in the ruins by American Indians in the Southwestern United States.
Therefore, the image of the circle is not new and is profoundly powerful as an example for us today. Although Jesus does not make mention of the use of the circle in His statement found in Matthew 25:45, the effect is the same. , ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Everywhere we go our influence impacts people in one way or another simply because of our presence. This being true, why not make an effort to have a positive influence wherever we are?
Hopefully, the statement itself will arouse your interest only because the words come from the heart of Jesus Christ. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Author of this statement and He is not some ‘Joe’ that has recently come in out of the rain….so to speak. This is Jesus Christ and it is important that He be listened to.
Whatever you and I do does impact the lives of others and Jesus says that He takes serious note of what we do and do not do. Why? Because we are impacting Him in the process. Our lives are important and who we influence is important because we are important to the Savior of the world.
Take a quick walk through most bookstores and libraries and there you will discover the importance of influence. Some authors refer to influence as a science and big dollars are being made by peddling influence. First impressions, first words, and many other things are considered as we encounter people. These impressions fall into the category of influence.
All that has been noted are ideals that will come from your heart….not your appearance. Your appearance is only the reflection of your heart. Consider this, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.
Why proclaim the Gospel? This is the heart of God and as believers His heart is our heart. “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-15.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Perfect circles have no end, are perfectly symmetrical at all points and these points are equidistant from the center of the circle. This is the description of the circle of your influence as well. However, there is one thing that you must consider in this description of your circle of influence. And that is the power of your influence upon others.
Evangelistic emphasis is mostly found in preaching to strangers, anonymous crowds. Evangelism must take place where we are. Concentric Circles of Concern is a book written by Oscar Thompson that provides suggestions about sharing Christ's love by meeting the spiritual needs of those around us. Beginning with family, followed by friends, then to everyone in your field of influence and continuing to move outward in concentric circles. However, I find it interesting that this is a concept that has its beginnings in Scripture. In fact, the circle has provided humankind with great curiosity for thousands of years.
Ancient peoples the world over have observed the effects of the circle in relationships and have placed this idea in their centers of worship. Two examples that come to mind are the Stonehenge in England and stone circles left in the ruins by American Indians in the Southwestern United States.
Therefore, the image of the circle is not new and is profoundly powerful as an example for us today. Although Jesus does not make mention of the use of the circle in His statement found in Matthew 25:45, the effect is the same. , ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Everywhere we go our influence impacts people in one way or another simply because of our presence. This being true, why not make an effort to have a positive influence wherever we are?
Hopefully, the statement itself will arouse your interest only because the words come from the heart of Jesus Christ. Understand that Jesus Christ is the Author of this statement and He is not some ‘Joe’ that has recently come in out of the rain….so to speak. This is Jesus Christ and it is important that He be listened to.
Whatever you and I do does impact the lives of others and Jesus says that He takes serious note of what we do and do not do. Why? Because we are impacting Him in the process. Our lives are important and who we influence is important because we are important to the Savior of the world.
Take a quick walk through most bookstores and libraries and there you will discover the importance of influence. Some authors refer to influence as a science and big dollars are being made by peddling influence. First impressions, first words, and many other things are considered as we encounter people. These impressions fall into the category of influence.
All that has been noted are ideals that will come from your heart….not your appearance. Your appearance is only the reflection of your heart. Consider this, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.
Why proclaim the Gospel? This is the heart of God and as believers His heart is our heart. “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-15.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hide and Seek
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” Psalm 54:1-2
“Here I come, ready or not!” How many times did we engage in that game as children? Almost every time all of us gathered at the Cahill’s, the Henderson’s or elsewhere, we kids would play ‘Hide and Seek’. And almost always we played at night and ‘safe’ was the front porch….or wherever there was a light. We sought to be ‘safe’, even in our games. As adults we continue to seek ‘home’, to be ‘safe’.
‘Hide and Seek’, what fun it is to play that game with our children, and in my case the grandkids. Ha, thought that I would never be a grandparent. That only happens to old people….I have been a member of AARP for four years. Wow!! And I continue to be a seeker, not because of wisdom, but because of my persons spiritual wellness. But I must be wise to some degree because Scripture tells me that wise men seek God. But I am not wise in and of myself.
“From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’
And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Proverbs 28:20-22, 28.
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.” Psalm 24:3-6
For 40 years I have been serving the Lord in ministry, and what I have found is this, people do not really seek God. What people are seeking is His salvation without wanting to know Him, the Savior. And the tragedy is that most of us who have proclaimed the Gospel and are proclaiming the Gospel have been asking the wrong questions. We have invited people to be saved, to find salvation, but not the Savior. What is our favorite question? “Do you want to go to Heaven?” “Do you want to be saved?” In order to be saved people must know the Savior, and He is the means to the end. Heaven is not the means to the end, Jesus Christ is the means to the end, the end being Heaven.
There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and only He is able to fill that void. How does He fill it? By His Son, Jesus Christ. The Cross is the message, the power of God for salvation. But Jesus is the Savior. By reading Scripture one can find the way to the Lord, but the Scriptures are not the way to Heaven. For the Lord Himself has said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7.
Writing about the Grace of God for several days has demonstrated that His Grace is a gift that is given to those who seek Him, discover Him, receive Him by faith, but also know Him.
In the mid 70’s there was an evangelism effort among evangelicals which had a theme that simply said, “I Found It”. Today I look back and see the zeal and reasoning behind the statement, but in reality the statement should have read, I have found Jesus, or I know Jesus. Why? Because there were many who were saying, “I never lost it”.
The larger question is not, “Are you saved?” but rather, “Do You Know Jesus?” Salvation is not an escape, but a relationship with Jesus Christ and those of us who are Christians, i.e, ‘saved,’ know this. But the average person on the street does not. Do they want to be saved? I would think so. But do they want to really know the Person of Jesus Christ as the means? Not really. To find safety is everyone’s goal, but not everyone wants to follow the correct avenue. Just proclaiming ‘safe’ does not ensure ‘safety’.
“Here I come, ready or not!” How many times did we engage in that game as children? Almost every time all of us gathered at the Cahill’s, the Henderson’s or elsewhere, we kids would play ‘Hide and Seek’. And almost always we played at night and ‘safe’ was the front porch….or wherever there was a light. We sought to be ‘safe’, even in our games. As adults we continue to seek ‘home’, to be ‘safe’.
‘Hide and Seek’, what fun it is to play that game with our children, and in my case the grandkids. Ha, thought that I would never be a grandparent. That only happens to old people….I have been a member of AARP for four years. Wow!! And I continue to be a seeker, not because of wisdom, but because of my persons spiritual wellness. But I must be wise to some degree because Scripture tells me that wise men seek God. But I am not wise in and of myself.
“From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’
And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Proverbs 28:20-22, 28.
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.” Psalm 24:3-6
For 40 years I have been serving the Lord in ministry, and what I have found is this, people do not really seek God. What people are seeking is His salvation without wanting to know Him, the Savior. And the tragedy is that most of us who have proclaimed the Gospel and are proclaiming the Gospel have been asking the wrong questions. We have invited people to be saved, to find salvation, but not the Savior. What is our favorite question? “Do you want to go to Heaven?” “Do you want to be saved?” In order to be saved people must know the Savior, and He is the means to the end. Heaven is not the means to the end, Jesus Christ is the means to the end, the end being Heaven.
There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and only He is able to fill that void. How does He fill it? By His Son, Jesus Christ. The Cross is the message, the power of God for salvation. But Jesus is the Savior. By reading Scripture one can find the way to the Lord, but the Scriptures are not the way to Heaven. For the Lord Himself has said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7.
Writing about the Grace of God for several days has demonstrated that His Grace is a gift that is given to those who seek Him, discover Him, receive Him by faith, but also know Him.
In the mid 70’s there was an evangelism effort among evangelicals which had a theme that simply said, “I Found It”. Today I look back and see the zeal and reasoning behind the statement, but in reality the statement should have read, I have found Jesus, or I know Jesus. Why? Because there were many who were saying, “I never lost it”.
The larger question is not, “Are you saved?” but rather, “Do You Know Jesus?” Salvation is not an escape, but a relationship with Jesus Christ and those of us who are Christians, i.e, ‘saved,’ know this. But the average person on the street does not. Do they want to be saved? I would think so. But do they want to really know the Person of Jesus Christ as the means? Not really. To find safety is everyone’s goal, but not everyone wants to follow the correct avenue. Just proclaiming ‘safe’ does not ensure ‘safety’.
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