Being Prepared...

Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ephesians 6:10-18

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When I use go out to work on a computer I can always tell when I am not prepared.  If I forget tools or software I usually end up having problems of some sort.  I would get to a client site and if I had to open the case I would have to borrow a screw driver.  The worst though was not having software to run diagnostics or scan for viruses.  I wouldn't be able to complete the job.  On the other hand when I had all my tools and software I could complete the job.  The computer would be fixed and running properly.

An auto mechanic would not be very effective if they didn't have their scopes, scanners and tools.  They wouldn't be able to accurately diagnose the problem and fix your car.  You wouldn't take your car back there again.

It is much the same for Christians.  We must be prepared at all times.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that the scripture is inspired by God and profitable for our usage.  We can and should use the Scripture to teach, correction and training in the ways of God.  Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us what we need to get ready and to be prepared.  By putting on the full armor of God will we be protected and able to withstand attacks from the enemy.  without God's armor we cannot hope to prevail.  Without arming ourselves with scripture, faith, salvation, righteousness, truth, and prayer we cannot be ready.  Without these we cannot stand firm in the battle. God gives us the resources to triumph all we have to do is use them. 

Nag, Nag, Nag...

Scripture:

Judges 16:4-17

Hebrews 12:5-7

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We all get frustrated and worn down by nagging.  There are times when I come home from work and feel overwhelmed by all the commotion.  Aaron wants to play on the computer, Lois & Jane want to watch a movie or show, Megan wants to watch a movie.  It seems there is always something.  When Nancy goes out for an evening I get the task of getting the little ones to bed, clean the kitchen, and take care of the things she normally does.  Lois will ask to watch Dora or Diego or something else.  I will tell her maybe later.  No sooner has she left that she returns to ask again, and again, and yet again.  After about the eighth time I start getting annoyed.  I tell her to stop asking or the answer will turn from a maybe to a NO.  Yet she will still keep asking, just not as frequent.

Delilah wore down Samson about subduing him.  Even though he knew it would weaken him he told her his secret.  As I read the passage I kept thinking Samson you idiot she has attempted to weaken you how many times before and brought the philistines in.  Yet he gives her the answer anyway.

How must God feel.  We keep bombarding him with selfishness.  We then cry and threw tantrums when we do not get what we want.  God wants to give us what we want.  He doesn't want to give us what will lead us into sin.  He will guide and discipline us.  When we do not get what we want  or He disciplines us we can react as a two year old.  We go into our tantrums and complain that God isn't listening or that He doesn't answer our prayers.  When in reality He does listen and tries to correct us from our mistakes.  He does answer our prayers.  We just did not like the answer.  We do not like being disciplined.  When we are disciplined we tend to get angry and rebellious.  

Our parents lovingly disciplined us to correct bad behavior or to encourage good behavior.  God does the same with us.  In the end we are better for our parents corrections.  Again how much better are we because of God's...

Are You Attached...

Scripture:

John 14:26-27

John 15:1-8

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We all like to be independent.  We do not like to rely on anyone.  I can do it myself is a common theme you will here all over.  Cora, who is now 2, loves to do it herself.  For dinner last night Nancy made stew.  Cora had a little bowl and spoon set and ready for her.  I sat down with her to help her and make sure she didn't fall.  I grabbed her spoon full of stew for her to take a bite.  She promptly said "no."  I had to put the spoon full of food back down in her bowl.  She then picked it up and ate the stew.  She then dipped her spoon by herself back into her bowl for another bite.  As long as I didn't touch her spoon she was happy.

People tend to not stop for directions.  I know I have driven around in circles looking for a place.  Why, so I don't have to stop for help.  Working on projects around the house we tend to think oh I can do that.  Next thing you know the patch in the wall is now a huge hole.  It would have been easier and in the long run cheaper to have help...  I have had clients who attempted to fix their computers themselves.  Finally after failed attempts they will call me to come in and fix their computer.  By the time I am done I have spent twice the amount of time on it.  

Jesus tells us that we need Him in order to bear fruit.   John 15:4 "⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."  John 14:26 "²⁶"But the ^(A)Helper, the Holy Spirit, ^(B)whom the Father will send in My name, ^(C)He will teach you all things, and ^(D)bring to your remembrance all that I said to you."  We are given a helper, the Holy Spirit.  Why would we be given a helper if we are capable on our own?  The answer is we cannot go at it alone.  Jesus tells us we will wither and die if we do not remain in Him.  We cannot bear fruit if we are not attached to the branch.  

It can be extremely hard to recognize the fact that we are not independent after all.  When we are young we rely on our parents for care and our needs.  We mature into adults and think we are independent.  The irony of it is when we grow old we return into the care of others.  Somewhere in the middle we lose touch with the fact we cannot go at it alone.  That is why God gave us fellowship.  We are to assist one another.  Christ being in us will allow others to see Him through us.  Christ being in us means we are attached to the branch...

Wolves In Sheep's Clothing...

Scripture:

Acts 8:9-23

John 5:24-26

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Have you ever met someone who knew all the right words to say?  I have often wondered about TV evangelists.  I always think of scams when I see or hear them.  Oh their churches are huge and beautiful a wonder to behold.  I doubted the sincerity of those involved.  How many of them are in it just to get rich or fame and power?  You often hear of scandals and misconduct.  You also have people who slip in and say all the right things and know just what to do.  Some will say and do what they think you want to hear.  Lifestyles don’t change and people hide their true nature in the shadows unseen.  There are those who just want to gain from Christians and Churches.  They are self seeking and in it just for themselves.  Simon the sorcerer was such a person.  He wanted the fame and power.  He was self serving saying just the right words until Peter saw right through him. 

People think they can hide their true nature in the darkness of shadows. They think they can continually take advantage of the church and Christians.  They slip here and there blending in going unnoticed, so they think.  God sees all.  He knows our hearts and our ways.  The truth is we cannot hide from God.  We cannot deceive Him. 

If we keep ourselves right with God and we are filled with the Holy Spirit God will help us discern and see into the hearts of those who would deceive us.  Just as Peter saw through Simon the sorcerer we will see into the hearts of those that would deceive us.  Job 12:22 “He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light.”  The Holy Spirit will reveal to us those who are not a part of the flock…