The Gift

Scripture:

Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Titles, we all have several titles.  I am a son, a brother, a husband, and a father.  I have had the title System Analyst, Computer Technician among others.  There is only one who has the titles Prince of Peace, Counselor, Emmanuel He is the Son of God.  Another title is Savior, Messiah He is Christ the King.  Who else would be worthy of such titles but Jesus Himself.  Why is He so worthy?  Simple He is God incarnate.  He left His glory in heaven so that we might be reconciled with Himself, God the Father.  Our redemption rests in Christ. 

This Christmas let us all remember the true meaning of Christmas.  Don’t let the hustle and bustle of everything around you distract you from the most precious gift of all.  Every year Nancy makes Forgotten Cookies Christmas eve.  On Christmas morning they are ready to eat.  When you break open the cookie the inside is hollow, just as His grave…  Something else we have done is wrap a box and in the box we place our “hearts” for Jesus.  The gift is placed under the tree simply addressed “To Jesus”…

This year give Jesus your whole heart.  Remember He already gave you the best possible gift.  What else can we give Him…

Merry Christmas

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Lies With a Hint of Truth

Scripture:
Acts 20:22-32

Writing my devotional thoughts is one thing.  Writing them and sharing them is another.  Matthew 18:6 (NIV) states: “If anyone causes one of these little ones those who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”  It is important for us to share God’s word with others.  It is crucial for us to ensure those we are around are not led astray.  We must teach the truth and help others see false teachings for what they are. 

After having lunch repeatedly with someone I have seen Satan’s perversion of the truth.  Satan will come at you with partial lies.  He mixes in just enough truth that people will believe what he says to be truth.  What is said sounds good and it has the ring of truth in it.   It makes sense so how can it be wrong.  One example in the bible is Eve.  In Genesis Satan comments that surely she wouldn’t die if she ate the apple.  Then when she ate the forbidden fruit she didn’t die.  Or did she die after all?  Her physical life was not ended but her relationship with God was forever changed.  She experienced death in the complete separation from God.  Salvation, or life restored would come with the birth, life, and death of Christ.  His resurrection gives victory to all who believe, life restored with God.

In Acts 20:29-30 (NIV) we are given a warning “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”  Each of us needs to be on full alert constantly on guard.  False teachers and false disciples will try to slip in and draw anyone they can away from God.  Their teachings will be subtle and sound truthful.  In the end though it will be revealed for what it is.  We need to help reveal false teachings when it is evident.  We need to help others see the truth and remain in Christ. 

There are a few things to remember when it comes to teaching God’s word, or hearing someone teaching His word.  Is it consistent with the Bible?  Does it contradict anything in the Bible?  Does it change?  If ever in doubt pray and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.  One thing is for sure, I never want to get it wrong.  I want to ensure what I share is securely founded in Christ.

Love & Forgiveness

Scripture:
 Colossians 3:12-17

I remember growing up being in gym class at school.  Team captains would be picked then they would in turn choose members for their teams.  For those of us who were not popular, or good at sports, would be chosen last.  There is nothing worse than feeling unwanted and cared for.  The good news is that as believers in Christ we are chosen.  We are not unwanted left out or picked last because everyone has to be picked.  We are dearly loved and greatly cherished by God.  God gave everything for us.  He has given us the best gift anyone could ever receive.  In turn what do we do?  How do we act and treat other people?  God not only loves us but He loves everyone.  God wants all the people to choose Christ so that they too will become a part of the family.  We need to spread God’s love to everyone around.  This doesn’t mean we pick and choose whom we love.  We need to love everyone as Christ loves everyone.  John 13:34 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Not only are we to love one another we are to forgive each other as well.  Even though we can find it hard to forgive it is important that we do so.  God will forgive us all our sins and transgressions.  To take it a step further He not only forgives us He forgives others that seek redemption through Christ.  If God can forgive us and other people who are we to withhold forgiveness?  Luke 6:37 (NIV) “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” 

We all need to remember why Christ was born and lived here on earth.  He didn’t live and die just for one person.  He hung on that cross for all people.  Let us not withhold blessings, love, and forgiveness.  Let us spread the good news to all.  Let us spread God’s love to any and everyone we possibly can…

Merry Christmas

Spiritual Nourishment

Scripture:
John 6:25-41

A comment I have made over and over is “Feed them and they will come…”  My reference has always been the Methodist Church.  It seems that whenever I turned around there was always something going on and it involved food.  Let me tell you the spreads were always unbelievable.  Even the hotdog only luncheons seemed to have something special about them. (OK I guess as a kid you always loved a good hotdog huh.)  I have seen churches provide meals for families going through a crises or a new birth.  I have seen pot lucks put together to kick off an event.  Food always seems to be the center of what is going on.  Hey what better way than to attract a crowd than by feeding them.

The problem is that regular food that we eat is limited and it will spoil.  We constantly have to eat, three square meals a day.  OK in my case plus snacks.  In the Bible we are told about a food supply that never ends or spoils.  With this we will never be without or go hungry.  Of course people are eager for this food, until they realize what it is.  Jesus is the bread of life.  He is our fulfillment and will never turn us away.  We will always be filled as long as we seek Him.  Jesus is our spiritual nourishment that will never expire, go bad, or be depleted.  Unfortunately people just refuse to see it and cannot accept it.  Let us hand out the bread of life.  Let others see how satisfying it can really be.  Let us show the world that Jesus really is all that we need…

Merry Christmas

I Only Know So Much...

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

As I think and ponder what to write I reflect on a few thoughts.  One of those thoughts is how little I really know.  I think I am a fairly smart person who has a decent knowledge about computers.  However over the years as I learned and improved upon my skills I realized I know very little in the grand scheme of things.  What I know I know well.  It is just that what I know is a drop in the bucket to what is out there.  The more I learn the more I realize how little I really know.

The same is true with knowing God and the Bible.  I the more I learn and the more I grow I realize how little I really know.  My relationship is still miniscule compared to what it will be.  I only see a tiny portion of the picture.  God is the only one who is able to step back and see the entire picture.  As the scripture says I know in part and see small portions.  One day though we will get to see the big picture 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Merry Christmas

What Makes It Special?

Scripture:
Matthew 26:26-28

What is it that makes Holy Communion important and special?  After all we are drinking juice, or in some cases wine, and eating bread.  When we were still attending a Methodist Church I had started a Bible study.  I wanted to begin with communion.  My thought was to kick it off with Holy Communion as a reminder of who Christ is and what He has done for us.  In Matthew chapter twenty six Jesus holds the first communion.  During the process He tells the disciples to do this in remembrance.  What are we to remember?  Simple, we need to remember that Jesus came to earth as God in human form.  He came to atone for our sins.  His blood marks a new covenant with God.  His death brings redemption to everyone who believes.  John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  I believe that is what makes Holy Communion special.  Jesus knew we needed constant reminders.  What better way to give us a simple reminder of something so important.  A bit of juice and bread symbolically transformed.  This is something ordinary and simple and yet it reminds us of the most precious gift of all.  We make Grace out to be complicated.  In reality it is just as simple as Holy Communion.  Next time you take communion remember the full depth of what has taken place and what it means.  That is what makes communion so important, special, and holy.

Merry Christmas

Shortcuts

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 11:23-32

I remember a few years back Nancy and I tended a Home Church that was just starting.  At first everything seemed great.  We agreed with just about everything they stood for.  Then it happened and I knew it wasn’t such a good thing.  Oh the people there are great and strong believers in Christ.  They genuinely had a hunger for Christ.  There were just a couple of small things that I didn’t agree with.  One of the things, which I thought was good, was eating a meal together before service.  After the meal we had what is traditionally known as communion.  The hosts provided juice and bread for everyone.  The person in charge read scripture and prayed and we took communion in our family units throughout the kitchen.   What got me though was at the end left over bread and juice was just dumped in the trash.  It was just leftovers to be tossed out.

1 Corinthians 11:25-27 (NIV)

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

Just seeing the casualness of the process really bothered me.  I made sure to explain what we were doing and why to the kids.  I also spoke loud enough for others to hear me.  I expressed the importance of what we were doing and not to just casually toss aside any aspect of it.  Years later I still have a hard time with partaking in communion in certain churches and settings.  I wonder if I have moved beyond respect and honoring God to just going through traditional motions.  When we do take part in Communion we need to remember we are honoring God and remembering what Christ has done for us.  We are reminded what the cost that was paid really is.  I think we tend to dumb things down so they don’t seem so bad.  Christ was brutally beaten and died an excruciatingly painful death.  He did so willingly so that we might be restored in our relationship with Him and God.  In my opinion we should not take anything lightly when it comes to honoring Christ.  Throughout the Bible God has given explicit instructions on how to do certain things.  We are told the how, when, and with what materials to use.  Should we substitute with our own thoughts and ideas?  Should we change what God has deemed proper?  Bottom line is God knows our hearts.  God knows our intentions.  In all things we need to seek His guidance and be open to what He tells us.  Let us honor Him in all we do and not take cheap shortcuts…

Merry Christmas

Advent, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace...

Scripture:
1 John 4:7-21

As Christmas draws near you can see people hustling and bustling everywhere.  We go shopping for that elusive Christmas present.  We decorate our homes, streets, and businesses.  How many people have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas?  Growing up people everywhere would say “Merry Christmas” it didn’t matter where you were from or what you believed.  Christmas had a way to draw people closer to each other.  Today you are lucky to hear “Happy Holidays” in order not to offend someone.  The Christ in Christmas is being forgotten.

This is our second week of Advent.  I sometimes wonder how many hearts are preparing for the celebration of Christmas.  It seems to me that Advent is also slipping away almost forgotten.  What is advent and what does it really mean?  Simply put Advent as the “Traditional” churches define it is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  It is a period of four weeks before Christmas.  Each week begins on a Sunday.  Each Sunday a candle is lit as a reminder.  Each week has its own meaning.  Week one is Expectation or Hope.  Week two is for Love, week three is for Joy, and week for is Peace.  The fifth candle for advent is the Christ candle which is lit on Christmas day. 

There is no special magic in Advent, nothing spectacular in of itself.  What makes advent special and dear to me is that it is a time to prepare and celebrate.  It is a way to condition my heart and reflect on Christ.  It builds upon the celebration of the birth of our savior.  Advent may be a tradition from your traditional old fashioned churches but it still goes a long way to remind us of whose birth we celebrate on December 25^th.  Nancy reads from a book to our kids every day of advent.  They light a candle, read, pray, and end the moment with a Christmas Carol or two.  The books are stories about events that lead up to the birth of Jesus.  True the stories are fictional and based on children.  They do bring out the meaning of Christmas.  They help prepare our hearts and reflect on God through this most wonderful time of year.  It isn’t too late to start celebrating Advent.  Choose your own way but remember God is love. He loved us so much His one and only Son was born on Christmas Day…

Merry Christmas

The Judge

Scripture:
Romans 14:7-12

I remember one time giving a devotional to a group of teenagers.  I had taken the Bible cover off my Bible and placed a book cover from a fantasy novel on it.  I then took the Bible cover and placed on the fantasy novel.  I held the two books up for everyone to see.  Of course at first glance they all said the book with the Bible cover was the Bible.  So I opened it to read scripture from it.  Everyone was surprised when I started to read and it wasn’t the Bible.

The point of the story was that we tend to judge each other by first appearance.  During that session I pointed out to one of the teenagers sitting nearby.  I had commented on how I had prejudged that person based on what I first saw and observed.  I didn’t care for him at all.  I groaned inside when he would show up.  After I got to know him I knew the mistake I made.  I asked for forgiveness and stressed that we are not suppose to judge those around us.  Especially when we haven’t even met them yet, Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees in John 8:7 the one without sin can cast the first stone.  No one was able to stand there and condemn the women being charged with adultery.  John 8:7-9:

But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.”

We are all God’s children.  The last time I checked the only one able to cast the first stone died upon the cross instead.  If He didn’t throw the stone then who are we to?  It is not our job to judge someone.  Besides if we judged somebody that would entitle someone else to judge us.  I don’t know about you but I prefer to stand before God who is an impartial and just God.  I know I will stand not as a sinner but as a man made righteous through Christ.  I choose to bend my knee and confess Jesus as Lord now before it is too late…

God's Whispering Voice...

Scripture:
1 Kings 19:11-13
John 14:27

There is a question that troubles most of us at one time or another.  How do I know I am hearing God’s voice?  How do I know what He wants me to do? OK, that is two questions.  Over the years I have learned that God speaks loudest in a small whisper.  It is only when I am still and quite can I hear Him.  In order to best hear God we must focus on him and not allow the loud and busy distractions of the world get in the way.  We need to focus our thoughts and pray continuously.  When we release the distractions around us the noises that block God’s voice disappear.  At these times we will hear Him speak to us.  When I allow myself to get caught up in worldly things I lose sight of God.  I become too distracted to hear Him speak.

OK now that we think we heard His voice how do we know it is Him speaking?  A couple of thoughts you can use for a check list.  The first one, is what I am hearing contradicting God?  When you think you know what God is telling you does it go against scripture?  Does it go against the teachings of Christ?  People often say God told me to… and it clearly goes against His own word in the Bible.  The next thought I have is there peace in His calling.  Do you feel peaceful about what you think you hear God telling you to do?  If not then chances are God isn’t calling you to it.  Do not mistake apprehension with having no peace about it.  We can be apprehensive and nervous about God’s calling.  Some of the things I know God has called me to do I was scared to death over.  In the end my fears were put aside and things worked out.  My third and final thought about this is threes.  If you think God is calling you to something ask Him to confirm it in signs of three.  He will give you the confirmation you ask for.  However when the third sign appears you better be ready.

OK hearing God’s voice entails listening by removing all distractions.  He will not contradict Himself.  You will be at peace with what you hear if it is truly from Him.  You can ask for confirmation and He will give it.  Remember that Satan is a deceiver and will do anything to distract you and move you farther from God.  He will use parts of the Bible in what sounds like absolute truth to distort God’s word.  He might be trying to convince you of something and it might sound like the truth.  Parts of the truth will even be there.  That is why it is important to make sure it fits the mold before buying into it.  An example might be a calling into full time missions.  God does call people to mission work.  We are asked to give sacrificially to those in need.  However, God will not call you to a mission field when you are needed at home.  He will not call you give everything you own if it means putting your family out on the streets with nothing.  Remember God will not contradict Himself and you will be at peace with what He calls you to.  Ask for confirmation for what you think you hear.  

I would appreciate any thoughts or comments on this devotion.  May God be with you and guide you.  May we all hear his soft quite voice as He speaks to us.

Rags to Riches

Scripture:

Romans 5:12-19
1 Corinthians 1:1-9

 Is the glass half full or is it half empty?  Are you a fallen sinner who is granted forgiveness or a righteous person who is a saint that occasionally makes a mistake and sins?  How do you perceive yourself in life?  The truth is yes the glass is half full and it is also half empty.  We are fallen and sinners who are forgiven by grace.  We are also Saints made righteous by grace.  Too often I look at myself and see the weakness and failures.  I guess through my life I have looked at it as the glass is half empty.  I thought and even wanted to be positive and have the glass half full.  I tend to be hardest on myself thinking I cannot do this or that. I am a failure and who would want to listen to me.

I still think who would really want to read what I write.  However, I also know that God is the one who enables me to do so.  I am not the broken failure from years ago.  Even though I know it I still get it wrong.  After talking with a dear friend recently I was reminded that I can.  I have value and I am worth something.  That is why Christ died upon the cross.  That is why I have been offered, and accepted, the free gift of grace.  When I did I became a new person in Christ.  I am no longer the old but made whole.  Now the really good news is this isn’t just for me.  This offer is extended to anyone and everyone.  Once you accept Christ you are made new in Christ.  When you accept Christ you are no longer who you once were.  You too are a saint made righteous by grace.  Remove the rags and put on the robes Christ has offered.

We Are Mirrors That Reflect the Light of the World…

Scripture:
Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead…  What a way to start life in this world.  We are born into this fallen world already dead.  We just don’t know it.  It is through Christ that we are made alive.  It is from grace freely given that gives us life, a new birth.  We are like a dull rusty piece of metal or rock.  We cannot reflect any light nor have any use.  It is through grace that we are made clean and righteous.  When we accept Christ as our savior God begins to clean and make us whole.  If you take a dull piece of metal and clean it up polishing it eventually you can create a shine that will give a good reflection.  You can then use it to reflect light. 

While we are dead we are dull and useless filthy rags to God.  Once we accept grace we are made new in Christ.  We become a part of the light of the world.  We reflect Christ for the world to see.  The stronger we become in our faith the brighter we will shine.  We become more polished and smooth.  The closer we are to Christ the more we will reflect Him in the world.  Becoming a lighthouse for Christ means we live our lives according to His will, as He would have us live.  Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, Which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  We go from being ore into shiny silver mirrors reflecting God’s light into this dark world.

If you want to be shinier and brighter build upon your relationship with Christ.  Think of it as a scale.  Both sides are equal.  On one side is our relationship with Christ.  On the other side is our mirror that reflects the light of Christ into the world.  The better the relationship with Christ, stronger, the brighter the mirror will be.  The weaker the relationship the duller the mirror will be.  Do you want to be polished and bright or do you prefer to be dull and useless?

Reflecting Christ into the World

Scripture:
Romans 3:21-26
Philippians 2:12-18

“This little light of mine I am going to let it shine let it shine…”  A song we all sung as kids growing up.  It is so simple and yet how many times do we hide our “lights?”  In all we do we should reflect Christ.  A reflection of Christ should shine through us for the world to see.  If we do not show the world Christ how will the world find Him?

We have all sinned and fall short.  None of us are worthy.  Yet God who is a just God is also a merciful God.  Romans 6:23 (NIV) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Let us look at a judge.  A good judge will be a just judge.  He will not condemn the innocent and yet those who are guilty will be charged as such.  God who is a just God does the same.  The problem is that we are all sinners and as such are condemned.  I have heard people say that “I am a good person and I haven’t done anything really bad so I should go to heaven.”  That is similar to a person who robs a bank or murders someone.  Later when facing a judge state I made one mistake but on the whole I am a good person.  I have done many good things in the community since my crime.  I shouldn’t be punished for that one mistake I made so many years ago.  If the judge lets them off would the judge be a good and just judge?  Most would not think so.  Now you might be saying murder is different than what I have done.  You might say I haven’t done anything that bad.  Reality check, sin is sin it doesn’t matter how big or small.  If you commit one you are guilty of them all, James 2:10 (NIV) “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”  So it doesn’t matter if you commit one little sin that in our eyes doesn’t matter.  In God’s eyes it does matter and it separates us from Him.

The good news is that even though the wages of sin is death, separation from God for all eternity, we have a way to be reconciled.  God provided a way for our transgressions to be paid in full.  It is through Christ that our sins are forgiven.  It is through Him that the debt is paid.  When you stand before God will Christ stand before the God the Judge and say I paid the price for their sin.  The other option is that Christ will say I know not this person.

How many people do not see the light of the world shinning?  How many people will stand condemned with no one to intercede for them?  Christ is the light of the world.  We are the mirrors that will reflect that light into the world.  

Being Thankful

Scripture:
Psalm 9:1-2
Romans 5:1-11

As Thanksgiving approaches I contemplate what I have to be thankful for.  I could list several things from a worldly perspective such as having a job in troubled times, a home to live in, food to put on the table, two vehicles for our family.  The list could go on but mostly I have my family to be thankful for.  However, more important than any of those is my relationship with Jesus.  Salvation is freely given, it is the most expensive and precious gift we can ever receive.  Are we truly grateful for that awesome gift?  Do we give God our praise and our thanks, or we just utter words when it seems appropriate?

I remember being in church stating the Apostles Creed or the Lord’s Prayer.  Most of the time it seemed that people just recited words.  There was no real depth or meaning to them.  We lose sight of the depth and meaning of what Christ has done for us.  We take for granted the price that was paid.  This thanksgiving let us all remember the depth and meaning of the most precious gift we have ever received.  Let our hearts truly give praise and thanks to God our Father.  Do not just recite words but realize and understand what you are saying.  We have a lot to be thankful for.  I pray none of us takes it for granted and truly appreciate all we have and will have…

Giving Thanks

Scripture:
Psalm 107:31-43

How often do we say thank you?  When we say thanks are we just spitting out words?  How grateful are we for what we have?  Looking back over the years I realize that God has answered some really old prayers a long time ago.  I give thanks but is it a heartfelt deep down thankfulness that I offer?  When I was in the Navy I wanted a family.  I wanted to be married and have three to four kids.  It was important to me that my wife stayed home with the kids taking care of the home.  Granted this wasn’t necessary or had to be done but something I felt important.  I remember before getting married I commented on one of us needs to stay at home with the kids when we have them.  If you really have your heart set on a career I will stay home.  OK, I have two huge “thank you” to give to God.  God has given me a wonderful wife who puts up with me.  Beyond that He has given me not three or four but five very wonderful beautiful kids.  He has also enabled Nancy to be a stay at home mom.  The best part is that she has also been able to home-school our kids, a huge bonus.

I truly have lots to be thankful for.  Sure I say thanks God for this or for that but is it really a deep appreciation for the gifts He has given me?  There are times when we need to stop and reflect on what God has given to us.  We need to see the blessings in our lives, even the small unnoticed ones.  We need to give thanks and truly appreciate what He has done for us and given us.  He has given us the greatest gift of all, redemption.  Do we take it for granted as well?  Take a moment and look into your life and see the blessings hidden throughout your life.  Let us all have a grateful heart and give thanks.

The Master Craftsman...

Scripture:

Exodus 31:1-5
Romans 5:1-2

Every once in a while somebody sends me an email with pictures of wood carvings.  What is amazing is the carvings are cut right out of the tree trunks using a chainsaw.   We can find fine arts and crafts just about everywhere.  There are truly master craftsmen in the world today.  The ultimate master craftsman is at work in our lives.  God is in us and shapes us to perfection.  Of course we need to allow Him to work in our lives.  In turn we are each a craftsman in our own way.  God has given each of us a gift.  All of us have skills and talents.  Some people play instruments, others paint or sculpt.  There are people who can build things, others can fix just about anything.  Not everyone has the same skills.  Each of us has our own parts to play.  We need to use what God has given us to become the master craftsman that God intended us to be. 

We are made whole through Christ.  We are cleansed and justified by His sacrifice.  Through Christ we can accomplish anything.  Even if you don’t think you can do it remember Christ can do anything through you.  What is holding you back from being the master craftsman God wants you to be?  One area I struggle with is self confidence.  I continuously think I am not good enough or smart enough.  Who am I that anyone would want to read these devotional thoughts…

Remember it isn’t you but Christ in you that will enable you to do anything.  God doesn’t call the biggest, best or strongest to His tasks.  God doesn’t call the qualified to do His work.  God will qualify those He calls…

Being On Their Level...

Scripture:
Acts 17:19-31

Have you ever watched a TV show or cartoon aimed at two and three year olds?  To teenager, and some adults, it may seem stupid or lame.  You watch and wonder how in the world can toddlers like that.  You wouldn’t show them a show about gourmet cooking or an action film or something similar.  Even having them watch a show made for a preteen wouldn’t hold their attention.  I have watched children’s leaders in church up on stage acting out parts and doing things that will interest kids.  They talk in their language so to speak.  They bring the information to their level.  After all you cannot hold an adult Bible study for a group of four year olds.  They just wouldn’t get it.  Instead you present the material in ways they understand.

The same goes for any group or person you are trying to minister to.  If you cannot communicate to them in ways they can understand you will never reach them.  I once read that it takes six to nine months to become part of a group.  After reading that article I know for myself if they were right.  I had been going to a local coffee shop.  There was a group of retired men who met for coffee every morning.  After sitting by myself or talking with the owners for a few months I was invited to join them.  After several months went by I became a part of the group.  In all it took somewhere between six and nine months to happen.  Instead of being called a ROMEO I was a ROMEOit.  ROMEO stands for Retired Old Men Eating Out.  I was a Retired Old Men Eating Out in training…  

You can’t just jump in and expect to be one of the “guys.”  It does take time.  Anything worth doing or having is worth the time it takes to invest in it.  After all look at how much time God invests in you.  The next time you want to witness and minister to someone take the time to get to know them.  Become a part of their life.  Do not compromise who you are but be accepting of who they are…

My God Is Bigger...

Scripture:
Romans 8:31-39
Hebrews 12:4-11

I remember when I was a teenager there was a car dealership behind our house.  They had huge lights that lit up the back of their lot.  There were two lights one at each corner of our property.  Lining the fence that separated us we had huge cottonwood trees.  These trees would cast shadows on a windy night into our house.  I use to say I didn’t need to watch horror films to be scared.  All I had to do was turn out the lights and watch the shadows dance across the walls.  Before I knew it my imagination would get the best of me.  How easy we can become petrified when we let little fears get the best of us.   We fear talking with our spouses or our bosses.  We might fear driving through town because of all the traffic.  We fear things we do not know or understand.  I think Satan works overtime in order to put fear into our hearts.  If we become too afraid we can become paralyzed.

The truth is of the matter is what do we have to fear?  Really what do we have to fear?  Isn’t God who created all things greater than anything in this world?  Isn’t he greater than our enemies?  Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”  What more could be said?  If God is for us and if he is our fortress and refuge who can stand against us?  Who can defeat us?  God the creator of all things who is all powerful is our protector.  He is our provider.  A very dear friend of mine keeps reminding me to read and claim Psalm 91.  As I read and pray the Psalm I realize that nothing can overcome my God.  Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”  When you feel afraid or surrounded by your enemies read and claim Psalm 91.  Come and rest with me in His shadow…

Who is Bigger?

Scripture:
John 3:22-26

Today we seem to be filled with the goal of self fulfillment.  It has become about me and what “I” can do.  This has been emphasized over the last several days as I hear people talk about their accomplishments, “I never fail”, “I made this company what it is today”, “I did…”  Recently I have compiled a ninety day devotional book and self published it.  It is easy for me to turn around and say “look at what I wrote and did.”  The accomplishment becomes something I achieved.  

This couldn’t be further from the truth.  I have written over two hundred devotionals since I began writing them.  I know that every devotion is not liked by everyone.  I am sure some people think I got some of it wrong.  I will state that I couldn’t have written over two hundred of them myself.  I couldn’t even have successfully written the first.  It is through Christ and guidance of the Holy Spirit that anything can be written.  As John the Baptist stated I must decrease so that Christ can increase.  My life has to become less about me and more about Christ.  He needs to be the central focus of all I do.

This focus becomes harder and harder in a society that has become all about self.  What is in it for?  How do I benefit?  How can I get the credit?  When we focus on self we lose sight of God.  He becomes less important in our lives.  We have to become less so that Christ can become more.  It isn’t about me but about Him.

The Great Canvas of Life...

Scripture:

Isaiah 66:1-2 (NASB)

Thus says the LORD,

“Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.
Where then is a house you could build for Me?
And where is a place that I may rest?
“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

To be contrite is to show remorse, sorrow or to regret something.  A contrite spirit would be to regret your sin and to show remorse or sorrow over your sins.  God will look upon those who are contrite and humble.  How can we be contrite of spirit and humble before God?  For starters we need to recognize the fact that we are sinners.  We must accept the fact that God is the creator and we are just the creation.  Is a painting greater than the artist that paints?  Can the canvas with paint on it do greater things than the one that creates the painting?  Knowing God is our creator and accepting His divine authority is paramount in our lives.  By attempting to fulfill our own will and ignoring God’s will we are saying that we are greater than God.  We know better than he does.  I know through my own life that God’s plans are much better than my own.  Things usually turn out much better when I wait upon the Lord and seek His divine will. 

After all when we look upon the great canvas called life we only see a very small corner of a very large backdrop.  Next time you see a mural on a wall or large painting put your nose just barely off the surface.  Look at what is in front of you.  From that point of view can you see very much?  It isn’t until you step back several feet that you can see the entire painting or picture.  God is the only one who can step back and see the entire canvas of life.  He is the only one who knows and sees all.  I don’t know about you but I prefer to put my faith and trust in Him.  After all He knows better than I do.  I pray that God will help each one of us to be humble and have a contrite spirit…

Once Spoken...

Scripture:
Proverbs 15:1-7

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”  How many times have we heard that saying in our lives?  If it were only true, sure there is no physical damage done.  The emotional damage can last a life time.  All of us have emotional scars where somebody has said something that hurt us deep inside.  Another saying is that the “pen is mightier than the sword.”  If you hit somebody you will see a bruise.  If you verbally hurt someone you may never see the damage that was done.

God tells us to be careful of what we say.  We must continuously guard our tongues.  We have the power within us to help someone heal just by the words we speak.  It is important to watch what you say and who you say it to.  Those healing words can just as easily turn into daggers that tear into people’s emotions.  An email went around one time, in it a man was told to go to the highest tower in a village.  Then he was to tear open a feather pillow allowing all the feathers to scatter in the wind.  Once the man returned he was then instructed to go fetch every single feather and place them back into the pillow.  Next time you are inclined to speak out rashly or harshly at or about someone remember the feathers scattered in the wind from the pillow.  Once the words are spoken they can never be taken back, they can never be unspoken.  At that point all we can do is ask for forgiveness.  Wouldn’t it be better to not have to ask for forgiveness… 

Bath Time...

Scripture:
Psalm 119:9-16
Ephesians 1:9-14

There have been a few weekends when our little girls will color all over themselves with markers.  You would think having only washable markers wouldn’t be so bad.  There was one time when they painted themselves so thoroughly with blue and purple markers it didn’t come completely out.  Nancy scrubbed them at bath time but when they got out they had black, blue and purple markers smudged over their arms and legs.  It looked like a parent’s nightmare the night before church…

Our lives are the same way.  We have sinned and are stained.  No matter how many good works we do to cleanse ourselves we cannot come clean.  It is only through the righteousness of Christ that we can be cleansed.  2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  It is through Jesus and only by His cleansing can we be made clean.  Even though we are made righteous we still need to follow God’s will.  We still need to hold His word deep in our hearts.  Psalm 119:1-11 (NIV)

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

What else can be said…  Keep the faith, burry deep His word in your heart, follow Christ with all you are…