SEEKING GOD
“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
Car keys! I sometimes wonder if car keys have legs, and sneakily use their legs to get up and walk away. Have you ever searched for your car keys, and still could not find them?
You continued searching diligently, but for some reason you still had no keys in your hand. The worst part about this scenario is that you were likely already late for something important. In this case, you opened every drawer, shuffled through every pile of paper, and looked in every pocket just to find those keys. Why? Because you needed those keys to get you to a specific place.
When you seek God, do you feel the same way? Do you feel as if you are searching and searching, but you still don’t have what you are looking for? The worst part about this scenario is if you are in the midst of a trial. In this case you should seek, search, and study the Scriptures fervently, because you will need God to help you get through the trial.
God promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him, but under one condition.
We are to seek Him wholeheartedly.
God repeats this promise in Jeremiah 29:13 “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Sometimes we give our hearts to so many different desires, and we only save a small portion of it for God. If we give all of ourselves—our heart and soul—to the dream of success, to the aspiration of a promotion, to the comforts and cares of this world, then what is left for God?
Is God your whole heart’s desire? If you want to find Him, then your answer should be yes!
Losing keys is frustrating. Not being able to find God is far more frustrating. Thankfully, the Scriptures give hope. They show us the simple way to find God.
Seek Him with all of our heart and soul today, and remember to keep the SON in our eyes!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
DOUBLE IDENTITY
It has been said ;“A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose.” During His earthly ministry Jesus did not change into another thing what His Father had made into one thing. He did not change a stone into bread when tempted to do so by the Devil. When Jesus changed the water into wine, it was still a liquid substance. When God changes a sinner into a saint, he remains a part of the human race. Interestingly though, I have found through the years that many try to deny this very fact.
Some refuse to accept that they were who they were , and are who they are at the same time.
We are indeed "new creatures in Christ”(2 Corinthians 5:17) but that doesn’t distance us from the definition of our identity. Paul put it this way, “I am what I am.”
When the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life, his or her principles are converted from ones of depravity to that of Deity. Your tastes and temperament stay the same, but are now governed by the Divine Nature.
When Jesus spoke of denying self, it was in reference to rights, not recognition.
If we want to live a happy, contented life, we must accept the reality of our duality. We are “born again” (John 3:3) but still retain our identity and humanity. With this in mind, we must stay in Gods Word, obey it as best we can, be filled with the Spirit, and take life a day at a time. It will work, if we will.
Some refuse to accept that they were who they were , and are who they are at the same time.
We are indeed "new creatures in Christ”(2 Corinthians 5:17) but that doesn’t distance us from the definition of our identity. Paul put it this way, “I am what I am.”
When the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life, his or her principles are converted from ones of depravity to that of Deity. Your tastes and temperament stay the same, but are now governed by the Divine Nature.
When Jesus spoke of denying self, it was in reference to rights, not recognition.
If we want to live a happy, contented life, we must accept the reality of our duality. We are “born again” (John 3:3) but still retain our identity and humanity. With this in mind, we must stay in Gods Word, obey it as best we can, be filled with the Spirit, and take life a day at a time. It will work, if we will.
CLEARANCE
In a major retail store I visited I came upon a section of shelves marked “Clearance.”
This is a special area of the store where they sell the items that had been scratched, dented or somehow damaged.
There is surely some process the store must go through to define and select items that are no longer “normal.” Likely there is a policy manual to guide them that specifies how big a dent may be, or how long a scratch can be, before it is labeled “less desirable” and relegated to the clearance area.
In case you haven’t noticed….. no one is normal! We are all unique, special, and we all carry the scars and dents of a life lived in the harsh environment of this world. We are all “damaged goods”.
Maybe our faults are physical, but they can also be emotional, intellectual or a result of our choices or habits. Whatever the cause of the problem, we all have them.
Thankfully God does not search through the shelves of our community and pull the damaged containers off the shelf, toss them into a basket and place them on a clearance isle somewhere in the back, dark corners of the world, or into life’s green dumpster.
In the gospel of Mark chapter 2 and verse 17 Jesus told us that He did not come for the “healthy”, He came for the sick. Jesus came for those that are beaten, bruised and broken. He came to those who are on their last nerve and are ready to give up, give out or give in.
If you feel you are normal and have everything “all figured out” then I apologize, this article is not for you. But, if you are among the other 99.9999% of us who are not abnormal, here this: God loves you!
God wants to lift you up, repair the damage that has occurred and place you, fully restored, into a place of safety and purpose.
You are always valuable to Him.
This is a special area of the store where they sell the items that had been scratched, dented or somehow damaged.
There is surely some process the store must go through to define and select items that are no longer “normal.” Likely there is a policy manual to guide them that specifies how big a dent may be, or how long a scratch can be, before it is labeled “less desirable” and relegated to the clearance area.
In case you haven’t noticed….. no one is normal! We are all unique, special, and we all carry the scars and dents of a life lived in the harsh environment of this world. We are all “damaged goods”.
Maybe our faults are physical, but they can also be emotional, intellectual or a result of our choices or habits. Whatever the cause of the problem, we all have them.
Thankfully God does not search through the shelves of our community and pull the damaged containers off the shelf, toss them into a basket and place them on a clearance isle somewhere in the back, dark corners of the world, or into life’s green dumpster.
In the gospel of Mark chapter 2 and verse 17 Jesus told us that He did not come for the “healthy”, He came for the sick. Jesus came for those that are beaten, bruised and broken. He came to those who are on their last nerve and are ready to give up, give out or give in.
If you feel you are normal and have everything “all figured out” then I apologize, this article is not for you. But, if you are among the other 99.9999% of us who are not abnormal, here this: God loves you!
God wants to lift you up, repair the damage that has occurred and place you, fully restored, into a place of safety and purpose.
You are always valuable to Him.
“SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE”
We live in changing times. More than ever before, and right before our eyes.
FASHIONS change. Don’t believe it? Just look at some of the pictures of yourself years ago! Side burns to here, Bee hives to there, high collars, bell bottoms- you get the picture.
FAMILIES change. Kin folk marry and move, babies are born, death divides and every year the family circle is altered a little or alot.
FRIENDS change. Childhood friends we once swore to be “best friends forever’ with are grown and gone and we don’t even know where they live anymore.
FEATURES change. Not many of us still weigh what we weighed in high school, and the hair we have is either turning gray or turning loose!
We used to have three networks on a Black and White TV - now we have 750 channels on a HDTV – showing the same three programs!
Records were replaced with 8 tracks, then came cassettes, then CDs now IPODS! We are surrounded by POD people!!!
And as one little gem puts it :
“My great-grandfather rode a horse, but was afraid of the train.
My grandfather rode on a train, but was afraid of a car.
My father rode in a car, but was afraid of an airplane.
I ride in an airplane, but I’m afraid of a horse!"
However, I’m glad that in the midst of a changing world, some things ……never change!
1.) The WORD FROM God …..hasn’t changed!
Psa. 12:6-7 “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever”.
God’s Word is INSPIRED not EXPIRED! It’s ABSOLUTE and not OBSOLETE!
2.) The WORSHIP OF God…..hasn’t changed!
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
He hasn’t rescinded the requirement to reverence!
3.) The WAY TO God …..hasn’t changed!
Jesus said : John 14:6 “I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Salvation is still ….."For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."—Eph. 2:8,9
Each of these unchanging truths WILL change us!
Think on this, and remember to keep the SON in your eyes!
FASHIONS change. Don’t believe it? Just look at some of the pictures of yourself years ago! Side burns to here, Bee hives to there, high collars, bell bottoms- you get the picture.
FAMILIES change. Kin folk marry and move, babies are born, death divides and every year the family circle is altered a little or alot.
FRIENDS change. Childhood friends we once swore to be “best friends forever’ with are grown and gone and we don’t even know where they live anymore.
FEATURES change. Not many of us still weigh what we weighed in high school, and the hair we have is either turning gray or turning loose!
We used to have three networks on a Black and White TV - now we have 750 channels on a HDTV – showing the same three programs!
Records were replaced with 8 tracks, then came cassettes, then CDs now IPODS! We are surrounded by POD people!!!
And as one little gem puts it :
“My great-grandfather rode a horse, but was afraid of the train.
My grandfather rode on a train, but was afraid of a car.
My father rode in a car, but was afraid of an airplane.
I ride in an airplane, but I’m afraid of a horse!"
However, I’m glad that in the midst of a changing world, some things ……never change!
1.) The WORD FROM God …..hasn’t changed!
Psa. 12:6-7 “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever”.
God’s Word is INSPIRED not EXPIRED! It’s ABSOLUTE and not OBSOLETE!
2.) The WORSHIP OF God…..hasn’t changed!
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
He hasn’t rescinded the requirement to reverence!
3.) The WAY TO God …..hasn’t changed!
Jesus said : John 14:6 “I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Salvation is still ….."For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."—Eph. 2:8,9
Each of these unchanging truths WILL change us!
Think on this, and remember to keep the SON in your eyes!
Falling Down And Getting Up
We live in days of economical difficulty, moral decay, marital disaster, and spiritual decline. As a result, a spirit of defeat has engulfed many.
During difficult days, a good verse to remember is Proverbs 24:16 — “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…”
Notice it doesn’t say, “IF a just man falleth.” Sooner or later, we all stumble. Everyone falls down now and then. That doesn’t mean we quit!
I recently read about a lady who was afraid to try ice skating because of the fear of falling on the ice. An experienced skater wisely told her, "Oh, you have to fall down-that’s the only way you can learn." The same is true in life. A baby will never learn to walk without falling a few times. If we never fall, it’s because we never try. The requirement to fall down during our journey is one of life's ironies. We must fall down (and thus, feel pain) so that we can succeed. Show me someone who never falls and I’ll show you someone who spends their life sitting and not moving forward. We can’t sit on the sidelines of life and expect to win the game. The old locker-room adage is appropriate: "Winners never quit and Quitters never win.”
We have to pick ourselves up (by the help of God) dust off and get back going. The Apostle Peter learned this and so should we. He messed up majorly, and yet was used of God even greater AFTER his mistakes , because he repented and returned. You are never a real failure unless you quit trying.
The key to falling down is to (1) learn from your experience; and (2) get back up, smile, and try again. You've just moved one fall closer to getting it right!
During difficult days, a good verse to remember is Proverbs 24:16 — “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…”
Notice it doesn’t say, “IF a just man falleth.” Sooner or later, we all stumble. Everyone falls down now and then. That doesn’t mean we quit!
I recently read about a lady who was afraid to try ice skating because of the fear of falling on the ice. An experienced skater wisely told her, "Oh, you have to fall down-that’s the only way you can learn." The same is true in life. A baby will never learn to walk without falling a few times. If we never fall, it’s because we never try. The requirement to fall down during our journey is one of life's ironies. We must fall down (and thus, feel pain) so that we can succeed. Show me someone who never falls and I’ll show you someone who spends their life sitting and not moving forward. We can’t sit on the sidelines of life and expect to win the game. The old locker-room adage is appropriate: "Winners never quit and Quitters never win.”
We have to pick ourselves up (by the help of God) dust off and get back going. The Apostle Peter learned this and so should we. He messed up majorly, and yet was used of God even greater AFTER his mistakes , because he repented and returned. You are never a real failure unless you quit trying.
The key to falling down is to (1) learn from your experience; and (2) get back up, smile, and try again. You've just moved one fall closer to getting it right!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I'm No Kin To The Monkey
As one who was facinated by evolution/dinosaurs as a child, deep study brought me to the inescapable conclusion that evolution is a fairy tale for adults.
Monday, April 19, 2010
PARROTS AND PUPPETS
John 18:34 “Jesus answered him, Sayest this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” A good question, isn’t it? Especially for this parrot age in which we live in.
People who do not think for themselves, do not speak for themselves.
I remember filling in at another Church and teaching a Sunday School class years ago and asking members of the class what they believed about a certain text, and the repeated reply was, “I just believe whatever the pastor believes.” This is what I call “secondhand religion.” To hear, “Polly wants a cracker,” sounds cute, but you can be sure it’s not an original thought with that bird!
Handed down tradition doesn’t mean its true, only that each generation has accepted it as such. Eternal truths never change, but these are few in comparison to man-made rules handed down to us, like the Jews of old, by well meaning but ill informed folk. Believe what you will about secondary issues, but Paul tells us to make sure we are “…fully persuaded in our own mind.” You’re not to adhere to what your guru tells you, but what God has shown you personally. It’s called the priesthood of all Believers.
It’s a good thing Apollos didn’t have this puppet philosophy (Acts 18:24-28). It is only those uncertain of themselves who want those around them to adopt their pattern of life so as to make them feel more secure in their set of beliefs and convictions.
A puppet cannot speak for itself but only says what another makes it appear to say for itself. Sadly many in our society are the same. They repeat what they hear or are told to tell without ever thinking for themselves. As the Bible says,“these things ought not so to be.”
So how about it? What do YOU say? Do you know WHY you believe WHAT you believe?
Think on these thinks and keep the SON in your eyes!
People who do not think for themselves, do not speak for themselves.
I remember filling in at another Church and teaching a Sunday School class years ago and asking members of the class what they believed about a certain text, and the repeated reply was, “I just believe whatever the pastor believes.” This is what I call “secondhand religion.” To hear, “Polly wants a cracker,” sounds cute, but you can be sure it’s not an original thought with that bird!
Handed down tradition doesn’t mean its true, only that each generation has accepted it as such. Eternal truths never change, but these are few in comparison to man-made rules handed down to us, like the Jews of old, by well meaning but ill informed folk. Believe what you will about secondary issues, but Paul tells us to make sure we are “…fully persuaded in our own mind.” You’re not to adhere to what your guru tells you, but what God has shown you personally. It’s called the priesthood of all Believers.
It’s a good thing Apollos didn’t have this puppet philosophy (Acts 18:24-28). It is only those uncertain of themselves who want those around them to adopt their pattern of life so as to make them feel more secure in their set of beliefs and convictions.
A puppet cannot speak for itself but only says what another makes it appear to say for itself. Sadly many in our society are the same. They repeat what they hear or are told to tell without ever thinking for themselves. As the Bible says,“these things ought not so to be.”
So how about it? What do YOU say? Do you know WHY you believe WHAT you believe?
Think on these thinks and keep the SON in your eyes!
Old Dogs
Old Dogs and New Tricks
The old adage, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks,” is just not true. It may seem improbable, but it’s not impossible. This applies to puppies and people. The difficulty lies not so much in learning the new, but unlearning the old. Provided, that is, that the old even needs to be forgotten to begin with.
As arduous as it is to train old “Rover” fresh techniques, it is even more difficult to teach NEW dogs OLD tricks.! Young “Spot” may have some cute little tricks up his paw; but the question is, will such actions and antics bring benefit to others, or are they potentially dangerous in the long run? This is especially true as it relates to the next generation.
More and more I am seeing in my own generation a total disregard for what gave them the freedoms they enjoy and often abuse. This is almost always done with a complaint that the older dogs are “out of date” and out of touch with reality. Really? Have we looked in our own kennel lately?
Pride can keep “Old Dogs” from learning the new; but stubbornness can keep “Pups” from learning the old.
It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and it gets pretty “ruff” at times…we need to stay in the “old paths” if we are going to make it.
(Jeremiah 6:16) “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
As the “dog days of summer” approach, may we reflect on these things and remember to keep the SON in our eyes!
Pastor John M. Keeter 2 Cor 5:17
Fellowship Baptist Church
Williamston , NC
www.fellowshipbaptistwilliamston.com
The old adage, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks,” is just not true. It may seem improbable, but it’s not impossible. This applies to puppies and people. The difficulty lies not so much in learning the new, but unlearning the old. Provided, that is, that the old even needs to be forgotten to begin with.
As arduous as it is to train old “Rover” fresh techniques, it is even more difficult to teach NEW dogs OLD tricks.! Young “Spot” may have some cute little tricks up his paw; but the question is, will such actions and antics bring benefit to others, or are they potentially dangerous in the long run? This is especially true as it relates to the next generation.
More and more I am seeing in my own generation a total disregard for what gave them the freedoms they enjoy and often abuse. This is almost always done with a complaint that the older dogs are “out of date” and out of touch with reality. Really? Have we looked in our own kennel lately?
Pride can keep “Old Dogs” from learning the new; but stubbornness can keep “Pups” from learning the old.
It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and it gets pretty “ruff” at times…we need to stay in the “old paths” if we are going to make it.
(Jeremiah 6:16) “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
As the “dog days of summer” approach, may we reflect on these things and remember to keep the SON in our eyes!
Pastor John M. Keeter 2 Cor 5:17
Fellowship Baptist Church
Williamston , NC
www.fellowshipbaptistwilliamston.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
LOVE Out Of PLACE
Love is in the air! February is the month of love and romance and during it we are reminded what love is and what love does. However, as we read the Word and look at the world, we see that more often than not, love is misplaced.
Love, in its proper place, is the best thing in the world and a gift from God who IS Love (1 John 4:8 & 16). Yet like anything out of place, when it is misused or misapplied, only brokenness results.
We are warmed repeatedly about misplace love in the Bible, for example:
1. The LOVE OF SELF. 2Timothy 3:2 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, (and as a result are) covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy”
2. The LOVE OF MONEY. 1Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: (not money itself, but the love of it) which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
3. The LOVE OF WORLD. 1John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
5. The LOVE OF PLEASURE. 2Timothy 3:4 talks of those who are “Traitors, heady, highminded, (because they are) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”
5. The LOVE OF DARKNESS. John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
We must be careful to place our love where it SHOULD be!
Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Think on these things and keep the SON in your eyes!
Love, in its proper place, is the best thing in the world and a gift from God who IS Love (1 John 4:8 & 16). Yet like anything out of place, when it is misused or misapplied, only brokenness results.
We are warmed repeatedly about misplace love in the Bible, for example:
1. The LOVE OF SELF. 2Timothy 3:2 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, (and as a result are) covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy”
2. The LOVE OF MONEY. 1Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: (not money itself, but the love of it) which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
3. The LOVE OF WORLD. 1John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
5. The LOVE OF PLEASURE. 2Timothy 3:4 talks of those who are “Traitors, heady, highminded, (because they are) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”
5. The LOVE OF DARKNESS. John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
We must be careful to place our love where it SHOULD be!
Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Think on these things and keep the SON in your eyes!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
PROTECTING OUR PURITY
PROTECTING OUR PURITY
In Northern Europe and Asia lives a little animal called the Ermine, known for it’s snow-white fur in winter. The Ermine instinctively protects its white coat against anything that would soil it.
Fur hunters take advantage of this unusual trait. They don't set a snare to catch the Ermine, but instead they find its home, usually a cleft in a rock or a hollow in an old tree, then they smear the entrance and interior with mud.
Afterward, the hunters set their dogs loose to find and chase the Ermine. The frightened animal flees toward home, but will not enter in because of the filth. Rather than soil his white coat, he is trapped by the dogs and captured while preserving his purity.
For the Ermine, purity is more precious than life.
Would that we were more like Ermine. Would to God we would see purity so precious that we would do anything to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” as the Bible says.
It isn’t easy. Nothing stays clean unless you work to keep it clean. The world hounds us with peer pressure, job expectations, and cultural bandwagons. Satan tries to trap us by bringing filth right into our own homes via television, internet, and ungodly music. We must work at preserving purity or we will lose it.
Being pure in heart and mind is not only healthy for us, but it will be worth it when we meet our pure and perfect Savior face to face. We want to be willing to say that His bride has kept herself unspotted and unblemished by sin, faithful to the Bridegroom.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Think on these things…and keep remember to keep the SON in your eyes!
In Northern Europe and Asia lives a little animal called the Ermine, known for it’s snow-white fur in winter. The Ermine instinctively protects its white coat against anything that would soil it.
Fur hunters take advantage of this unusual trait. They don't set a snare to catch the Ermine, but instead they find its home, usually a cleft in a rock or a hollow in an old tree, then they smear the entrance and interior with mud.
Afterward, the hunters set their dogs loose to find and chase the Ermine. The frightened animal flees toward home, but will not enter in because of the filth. Rather than soil his white coat, he is trapped by the dogs and captured while preserving his purity.
For the Ermine, purity is more precious than life.
Would that we were more like Ermine. Would to God we would see purity so precious that we would do anything to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” as the Bible says.
It isn’t easy. Nothing stays clean unless you work to keep it clean. The world hounds us with peer pressure, job expectations, and cultural bandwagons. Satan tries to trap us by bringing filth right into our own homes via television, internet, and ungodly music. We must work at preserving purity or we will lose it.
Being pure in heart and mind is not only healthy for us, but it will be worth it when we meet our pure and perfect Savior face to face. We want to be willing to say that His bride has kept herself unspotted and unblemished by sin, faithful to the Bridegroom.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Think on these things…and keep remember to keep the SON in your eyes!
FAITH
How’s Your Faith ?
" . . .According to your faith be it unto you."--Matthew 9:29
The Bible speaks of a "measure of faith" and also of a "proportion of faith." These tremendous words were spoken by Jesus to two blind men. They were greatly rewarded by their faith because their eyes were opened.
Notice Jesus did NOT say, according to your "fate" or according to your "fortune"; nor did He say, according to your "fame," "friends" or "feelings," but "According to your faith . . ."
This seems to indicate that there are various degrees of faith. Let’s consider several verses that help us to understand this truth.
1. In the Bible, we read the statement, "How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus asked His disciples in the boat when they feared that they would perish. Sadly there are many defeated Christians living without power and victory who have no faith.
2. In Matthew 8:26 Jesus said, "O ye of little faith." This again is the account of the disciples in the ship. Some have a small sum of faith , but not enough to help them through tough times.
3. The Bible also speaks of WEAK FAITH. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye . . ." (Rom. 14:1). Here the Apostle Paul is referring to an immature Christian who has not been made strong yet. He or she is spoken of as being one who is weak in the faith.
4. In the book of James we read of DEAD FAITH- "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead" (James 2:17). There is proof when there is faith. James admonished us to show faith by works.
5. The Bible speaks again of another kind of faith; VAIN FAITH.. " . . .and your faith is also vain" (I Cor. 15:14). The word "vain" means empty or of no avail. This means faith is wasted and useless if not based on what is real and worthy.
6. Jesus spoke to a Gentile woman and said she had GREAT FAITH. "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Luke 7:9). In several places Jesus spoke of those who had great faith. What a compliment!
7.The Bible says that Barnabas was FULL OF FAITH: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith" (Acts 11:24). He was a tremendous example and pattern for all believers. 8. The Bible tells us to have STEADFAST FAITH. " . . .beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col. 2:5). There is great peace and contentment in being settled in the promises of God.
9. James speaks also of being RICH IN FAITH: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5). Faith is more valuable than money.
10. Peter wrote, " . . .to them that have obtained like PRECIOUS FAITH. . ." (II Pet. 1:1), referring to salvation that makes us partakers of the grace of God. The word "precious" is used in relation to something that is scarce and very valuable.
11. Then the Bible speaks finally of " HOLY FAITH." " . . .building up yourselves on your most holy faith . . ." (Jude 20). What a wonderful way to refer to the faith “once delivered” (Jude 3)
In all of these Bible phrases, we see evidence of degrees of faith. The question then is…how’s YOUR faith?
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
" . . .According to your faith be it unto you."--Matthew 9:29
The Bible speaks of a "measure of faith" and also of a "proportion of faith." These tremendous words were spoken by Jesus to two blind men. They were greatly rewarded by their faith because their eyes were opened.
Notice Jesus did NOT say, according to your "fate" or according to your "fortune"; nor did He say, according to your "fame," "friends" or "feelings," but "According to your faith . . ."
This seems to indicate that there are various degrees of faith. Let’s consider several verses that help us to understand this truth.
1. In the Bible, we read the statement, "How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus asked His disciples in the boat when they feared that they would perish. Sadly there are many defeated Christians living without power and victory who have no faith.
2. In Matthew 8:26 Jesus said, "O ye of little faith." This again is the account of the disciples in the ship. Some have a small sum of faith , but not enough to help them through tough times.
3. The Bible also speaks of WEAK FAITH. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye . . ." (Rom. 14:1). Here the Apostle Paul is referring to an immature Christian who has not been made strong yet. He or she is spoken of as being one who is weak in the faith.
4. In the book of James we read of DEAD FAITH- "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead" (James 2:17). There is proof when there is faith. James admonished us to show faith by works.
5. The Bible speaks again of another kind of faith; VAIN FAITH.. " . . .and your faith is also vain" (I Cor. 15:14). The word "vain" means empty or of no avail. This means faith is wasted and useless if not based on what is real and worthy.
6. Jesus spoke to a Gentile woman and said she had GREAT FAITH. "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Luke 7:9). In several places Jesus spoke of those who had great faith. What a compliment!
7.The Bible says that Barnabas was FULL OF FAITH: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith" (Acts 11:24). He was a tremendous example and pattern for all believers. 8. The Bible tells us to have STEADFAST FAITH. " . . .beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col. 2:5). There is great peace and contentment in being settled in the promises of God.
9. James speaks also of being RICH IN FAITH: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5). Faith is more valuable than money.
10. Peter wrote, " . . .to them that have obtained like PRECIOUS FAITH. . ." (II Pet. 1:1), referring to salvation that makes us partakers of the grace of God. The word "precious" is used in relation to something that is scarce and very valuable.
11. Then the Bible speaks finally of " HOLY FAITH." " . . .building up yourselves on your most holy faith . . ." (Jude 20). What a wonderful way to refer to the faith “once delivered” (Jude 3)
In all of these Bible phrases, we see evidence of degrees of faith. The question then is…how’s YOUR faith?
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
THE FORGETFULNESS OF GOD
THE FORGETFULNESS OF GOD
Sin stalks and subdues souls with guilt and regret, shame and remorse rule and ruin millions by the hour causing conflict and confusion in the hearts of the Christian and the unconverted, as soul after soul suffers in silence.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
We read and hear about the holiness, of God, the love of God and the mercy of God…but how about the forgetfulness of God? Thank God our sins, via the cross of Calvary, are FORGIVEN & FORGOTTEN FOREVER.
The prophet Jeremiah says in chapter 31 verse 34 “ …I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
God’s forgetfulness is not like ours…His is not a matter of inabilty but of infallibilty! The forgetfulness of God is not a matter of weakness but WONDERFULNESS!
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don’t you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."
It’s not that God is unable or CAN NOT remember, but that He DOES not. He alone is able to chose what to remember or forget. No sins are omitted and no strings are attached. God’s forgiveness is not dependent on the worthineSs of the offender-but the wonderfulness of the offended! Instead of looking at our achievements––He looks to His own affection.
(1John 1:7) “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth (verb tense- “keeps cleansing”) us from ALL sin. Vs. 9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
As the songwriter said; “My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought – My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul”
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
Sin stalks and subdues souls with guilt and regret, shame and remorse rule and ruin millions by the hour causing conflict and confusion in the hearts of the Christian and the unconverted, as soul after soul suffers in silence.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
We read and hear about the holiness, of God, the love of God and the mercy of God…but how about the forgetfulness of God? Thank God our sins, via the cross of Calvary, are FORGIVEN & FORGOTTEN FOREVER.
The prophet Jeremiah says in chapter 31 verse 34 “ …I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
God’s forgetfulness is not like ours…His is not a matter of inabilty but of infallibilty! The forgetfulness of God is not a matter of weakness but WONDERFULNESS!
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don’t you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."
It’s not that God is unable or CAN NOT remember, but that He DOES not. He alone is able to chose what to remember or forget. No sins are omitted and no strings are attached. God’s forgiveness is not dependent on the worthineSs of the offender-but the wonderfulness of the offended! Instead of looking at our achievements––He looks to His own affection.
(1John 1:7) “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth (verb tense- “keeps cleansing”) us from ALL sin. Vs. 9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
As the songwriter said; “My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought – My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul”
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
How's Your Hearing?
Hearing God Speak
Can you hear God speak? Yes, you can—if you know where to listen! Where you say? Well the Bible tells us a few places we can.
First of all, I. You Can Hear Him Speak In Creation.
Psalm 19:1 tells us “The heavens declare(Speak) the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
We can clearly see and hear God in the works of His creation. It speaks of His glory, his power, and His love. Both verses were written by David, a man who spent much time outdoors in his work as a shepherd. He was in tune with nature, and being so he was in tune with God. Sitting underneath a starlit sky at night doing his work, it was quite clear to him that his surrounding were the handiwork of God. If we will take time to explore, and to experience his creation, it has his fingerprints all over it!
II. You Can Hear Him Speak In His Conversations.
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is a record of God's conversations with men in the past, and his words still speak to us today. It is just as relevant and real as when it was first given to men of old.
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
The Bible is God revealing himself to us speaking with (not just to) mankind ! If God is not speaking to us, it is because we are not spending time in his word.
III. You Can Hear Him Speak Through Circumstances.
It would be a good and wise thing to ask God what he is trying to say to us when we experience pain, sickness, loss.
C.S. Lewis said “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”
IV. You Can Hear Him Speak At Church.
God can speak to us in many places because God is everywhere , but the primary place in which he meets with his people, and speaks to them is in His house !
It is His ordained plan and place to communicate to His children.
Speaking of Pastors and Church leaders the Bible says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have SPOKEN unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We can hear God speak through the teaching, the music, the prayers, the Spirit, the preaching and the invitation.
And last, but certainly not least,
V. You Can Hear Him Speak At The Cross.
If we had been at the cross on the day that Christ was crucified, we would have heard God speak. Though we weren’t, what He said is recorded in His word for us to read and listen to today..
From the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even to the very ones who drove the nails into Him.
God spoke words of salvation to the whole world when Jesus uttered from the cross “It is finished!” and He still speaks to us today the same truths….are you listening?
Think on these things and keep the Son in your eyes!
Can you hear God speak? Yes, you can—if you know where to listen! Where you say? Well the Bible tells us a few places we can.
First of all, I. You Can Hear Him Speak In Creation.
Psalm 19:1 tells us “The heavens declare(Speak) the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
We can clearly see and hear God in the works of His creation. It speaks of His glory, his power, and His love. Both verses were written by David, a man who spent much time outdoors in his work as a shepherd. He was in tune with nature, and being so he was in tune with God. Sitting underneath a starlit sky at night doing his work, it was quite clear to him that his surrounding were the handiwork of God. If we will take time to explore, and to experience his creation, it has his fingerprints all over it!
II. You Can Hear Him Speak In His Conversations.
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is a record of God's conversations with men in the past, and his words still speak to us today. It is just as relevant and real as when it was first given to men of old.
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
The Bible is God revealing himself to us speaking with (not just to) mankind ! If God is not speaking to us, it is because we are not spending time in his word.
III. You Can Hear Him Speak Through Circumstances.
It would be a good and wise thing to ask God what he is trying to say to us when we experience pain, sickness, loss.
C.S. Lewis said “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”
IV. You Can Hear Him Speak At Church.
God can speak to us in many places because God is everywhere , but the primary place in which he meets with his people, and speaks to them is in His house !
It is His ordained plan and place to communicate to His children.
Speaking of Pastors and Church leaders the Bible says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have SPOKEN unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We can hear God speak through the teaching, the music, the prayers, the Spirit, the preaching and the invitation.
And last, but certainly not least,
V. You Can Hear Him Speak At The Cross.
If we had been at the cross on the day that Christ was crucified, we would have heard God speak. Though we weren’t, what He said is recorded in His word for us to read and listen to today..
From the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even to the very ones who drove the nails into Him.
God spoke words of salvation to the whole world when Jesus uttered from the cross “It is finished!” and He still speaks to us today the same truths….are you listening?
Think on these things and keep the Son in your eyes!
Evidence that You are Filled
Evidence that You are Filled with the Holy Spirit
Eph 5:18 “…. be filled with the Spirit” A young Italian boy knocked on the door of an artist's studio in Rome. When it was opened, he said, "Please Madam, would you give me the master's brush?" The famous painter had died, and the young boy, with a desire to be an artist, wished to paint with the master's brush.
The lady placed the brush in his hand, saying, "This is the brush, try it my boy!" The boy made a supreme effort, but soon found out that he could paint no better with this brush, than he could with his own. The lady then looked at the boy and said, "Remember child, you cannot paint like the great master, unless you have the master's spirit!"
God the Holy Spirit is not an INFLUENCE, or an IDEA, but an INDIVIDUAL! He is just as much God as God the Son and God the Father.
All Christians are INDWELT by the Spirit (Romans 8:9) “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” , but NOT all Christians are INFILLED with the spirit!
It is a matter of surrender and submission.
What is the evidence that you ARE filled with God’s Spirit? Following the command to be filled with the Spirit, we find a list of spiritual attributes that counteract fleshly, selfish living. By displaying these traits, saints show that the Spirit is in control of their lives. Here they are:
1. Verse 19 says we should be “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Joyful, not mournful music, characterizes Christianity. When we are filled with and by the Spirit, the heart is filled with merry and melodious music.
2. Notice the next verse: (Eph. 5:20), “Giving thanks always unto God” a spirit filled Christian is not grumpy and griping. We should have an attitude of gratitude!
3. And again the next verse: (Eph. 5:21). “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” The world is filled with rebellion against all authority. The flesh is anti- authority, but a Spirit-filled person will respect authority “in the fear of God.” The next two verses deal with husbands and wives submitting to each other in love.
We must be Spirit-filled Christians to live like this. We must walk by faith in constant dependence on the Spirit of God!
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
Eph 5:18 “…. be filled with the Spirit” A young Italian boy knocked on the door of an artist's studio in Rome. When it was opened, he said, "Please Madam, would you give me the master's brush?" The famous painter had died, and the young boy, with a desire to be an artist, wished to paint with the master's brush.
The lady placed the brush in his hand, saying, "This is the brush, try it my boy!" The boy made a supreme effort, but soon found out that he could paint no better with this brush, than he could with his own. The lady then looked at the boy and said, "Remember child, you cannot paint like the great master, unless you have the master's spirit!"
God the Holy Spirit is not an INFLUENCE, or an IDEA, but an INDIVIDUAL! He is just as much God as God the Son and God the Father.
All Christians are INDWELT by the Spirit (Romans 8:9) “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” , but NOT all Christians are INFILLED with the spirit!
It is a matter of surrender and submission.
What is the evidence that you ARE filled with God’s Spirit? Following the command to be filled with the Spirit, we find a list of spiritual attributes that counteract fleshly, selfish living. By displaying these traits, saints show that the Spirit is in control of their lives. Here they are:
1. Verse 19 says we should be “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Joyful, not mournful music, characterizes Christianity. When we are filled with and by the Spirit, the heart is filled with merry and melodious music.
2. Notice the next verse: (Eph. 5:20), “Giving thanks always unto God” a spirit filled Christian is not grumpy and griping. We should have an attitude of gratitude!
3. And again the next verse: (Eph. 5:21). “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” The world is filled with rebellion against all authority. The flesh is anti- authority, but a Spirit-filled person will respect authority “in the fear of God.” The next two verses deal with husbands and wives submitting to each other in love.
We must be Spirit-filled Christians to live like this. We must walk by faith in constant dependence on the Spirit of God!
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
Wisdom For the New Year
Wisdom For the New Year
THE END IS NEAR!! As we come to the close of 2009 the millennium gains momentum and what was future fantasy is now familiar fact. On this, the last day of the year, let us reflect and remember our need of wisdom.
Widom is defined as “the right use of knowledge” The Bible says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). If you want a happy new year, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).
A word of caution, there is the wisdom of the world and then there is the wisdom of God. James 3:13-16 tells us that the wisdom of this world is full of hatred and hypocrisy.
Contrariwise, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
God’s wisdom is guilt-free, rewarding and is God’s way of bringing us step by step through every phase of our life. God’s wisdom will help us in every age and stage of our life. This is the wisdom that we need and would do well to seek.
1. The wisdom of God is better than the MIND of man.
Read 1Corinthians 1:20- 30 and 2:4-5 God is the only one who can get us out of the social, economic and spiritual problems that plague us.
Gods wisdom is better than all the world’s philosophies and th eonly answer to lifes questions.
Christ is wisdom, (I Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:3) therefore: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…”
2. The wisdom of God is better than the MIGHT of man.
The prophet said to the king, “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). Man’s wisdom without God is not only lousy, it’s lethal! The Bible says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Man’s reasoning is “mental candy” that creates mental cavities.
The Bible teaches: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly” (Proverbs 2:7).
3. The wisdom of God is MINE and YOURS for the asking.
Wisdom is a gift. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). The best example of this is given in the life of young Solomon. (II Chronicles 1:7-10 & I Kings 4: 29,30).
Have you listeend and learned from the lessons of life this past year? Do you not want the wisdom of God to guide you in the next with this knowledge in tow?
Then join me in claiming: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). God bless you in the new year as you think on these things and keep the SON in your eyes!
THE END IS NEAR!! As we come to the close of 2009 the millennium gains momentum and what was future fantasy is now familiar fact. On this, the last day of the year, let us reflect and remember our need of wisdom.
Widom is defined as “the right use of knowledge” The Bible says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). If you want a happy new year, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).
A word of caution, there is the wisdom of the world and then there is the wisdom of God. James 3:13-16 tells us that the wisdom of this world is full of hatred and hypocrisy.
Contrariwise, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
God’s wisdom is guilt-free, rewarding and is God’s way of bringing us step by step through every phase of our life. God’s wisdom will help us in every age and stage of our life. This is the wisdom that we need and would do well to seek.
1. The wisdom of God is better than the MIND of man.
Read 1Corinthians 1:20- 30 and 2:4-5 God is the only one who can get us out of the social, economic and spiritual problems that plague us.
Gods wisdom is better than all the world’s philosophies and th eonly answer to lifes questions.
Christ is wisdom, (I Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:3) therefore: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…”
2. The wisdom of God is better than the MIGHT of man.
The prophet said to the king, “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). Man’s wisdom without God is not only lousy, it’s lethal! The Bible says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Man’s reasoning is “mental candy” that creates mental cavities.
The Bible teaches: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly” (Proverbs 2:7).
3. The wisdom of God is MINE and YOURS for the asking.
Wisdom is a gift. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). The best example of this is given in the life of young Solomon. (II Chronicles 1:7-10 & I Kings 4: 29,30).
Have you listeend and learned from the lessons of life this past year? Do you not want the wisdom of God to guide you in the next with this knowledge in tow?
Then join me in claiming: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). God bless you in the new year as you think on these things and keep the SON in your eyes!
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