"A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
Proverbs 11:25
I sought the Lord's opinion before I had a yard sale. The last time I hosted such a sale, I said I'd never have another, but I wanted to pare down my possessions. A verse I read in Luke said, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor" so I priced my stuff and set it out on the front lawn, telling all visitors that the proceeds were to be given to Samaritan's Purse.
I am pleased to say many people gave more than was asked. By mid-afternoon, we were going to box up what didn't sell and take it to a drop-off place. Just that moment, two women pulled up to shop. When I described what was happening, they said, "We are from Lake Shore Assembly of God church and we collect items to give to the less fortunate." With renewed zest, I happily packed up what I had and filled their car. They were thanking me, but it was I who felt refreshed.
As the ladies formed a circle with us for prayer, right there in the yard, I felt the radiant face of God smiling down on me. It's amazing what can happen when you invite God to your event! I met nice people all day long and sent a check to my favorite charity.
Maybe I'll host another sale some day.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The Freedom of Meriam
"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer."
Ezra 8:23
Join me in praising God! A few days ago, I petitioned readers of this blog to pray for the safety and release of Meriam Ibrahim, whom an Islamic court had sentenced to flogging and hanging because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. Imagine my unmitigated joy when I heard on the radio that she had been released!
Praise our Lord God Almighty, for his mercies are fresh every morning. Having now saved Meriam from the death sentence, I can hardly wait to see what His will for her life is.
You know, when I heard this news, I almost had to sit down, so great was my surprise, but then I wondered, "Why am I surprised?" Time and time again, God is faithful and powerful. Just as he rescued Peter from prison in the New Testament, so he has rescued our sister, Meriam.
Isaiah 58:9 says, "Then you will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help and He will say, 'Here am I.'"
Thank you for your earnest prayers.
Ezra 8:23
Join me in praising God! A few days ago, I petitioned readers of this blog to pray for the safety and release of Meriam Ibrahim, whom an Islamic court had sentenced to flogging and hanging because she refused to renounce her Christian faith. Imagine my unmitigated joy when I heard on the radio that she had been released!
Praise our Lord God Almighty, for his mercies are fresh every morning. Having now saved Meriam from the death sentence, I can hardly wait to see what His will for her life is.
You know, when I heard this news, I almost had to sit down, so great was my surprise, but then I wondered, "Why am I surprised?" Time and time again, God is faithful and powerful. Just as he rescued Peter from prison in the New Testament, so he has rescued our sister, Meriam.
Isaiah 58:9 says, "Then you will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help and He will say, 'Here am I.'"
Thank you for your earnest prayers.
The Standard of Love
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
John 15:12
This verse embodies the Christian standard of love. The word "standard" has several meanings:
1) any figure or object, especially a flag or banner, used as an emblem or symbol of a people, more specifically, a long, tapering flag used as an ensign, as by a king.
2) something established for use as a basis of comparison in measuring or judging capacity, quantity, content , value, quality.
Christ, as my King, has a standard. On his flag would be a heart and a cross. As a follower of his, I am his standard bearer, but if my king's standard for measure is to love one another as He has loved me, that means I must be willing to lay down my life for my friends. ("Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13) If I am honest, I would say that I do not possess that level of integrity. Often, I love others because they love me. Do I love my enemies? Do I pray for those who persecute me? How deep does my willingness to sacrifice run? What are my limits and why do I set them? Maybe I have too much pride or I am afraid of getting hurt.
Here's where the rubber hits the road: True surrender to Jesus entails trusting him with the chambers of my heart. If I hold my cards close to the vest, then I will not see much of God's heart in return, but if I let go and freely give, so shall He freely give to me. My cup overflows.
John 15:12
This verse embodies the Christian standard of love. The word "standard" has several meanings:
1) any figure or object, especially a flag or banner, used as an emblem or symbol of a people, more specifically, a long, tapering flag used as an ensign, as by a king.
2) something established for use as a basis of comparison in measuring or judging capacity, quantity, content , value, quality.
Christ, as my King, has a standard. On his flag would be a heart and a cross. As a follower of his, I am his standard bearer, but if my king's standard for measure is to love one another as He has loved me, that means I must be willing to lay down my life for my friends. ("Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13) If I am honest, I would say that I do not possess that level of integrity. Often, I love others because they love me. Do I love my enemies? Do I pray for those who persecute me? How deep does my willingness to sacrifice run? What are my limits and why do I set them? Maybe I have too much pride or I am afraid of getting hurt.
Here's where the rubber hits the road: True surrender to Jesus entails trusting him with the chambers of my heart. If I hold my cards close to the vest, then I will not see much of God's heart in return, but if I let go and freely give, so shall He freely give to me. My cup overflows.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Shackles
"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God."
Luke 12: 8 & 9
I read the following in a newsletter from Samaritan's Purse:
"In Sudan, an Islamic court has sentenced a pregnant Christian mother to be flogged and then hanged because she refused to renounce her faith. Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who is a physician, defied the court, shouting, 'I am a Christian and I will remain a Christian.' Under Sharia law, since her father was a Muslim, she cannot become a Christian, and therefore her marriage is considered adultery. Eight months pregnant, she has been shackled to a wall in a prison in Khartoum."
This woman, it can be said, has a lot on the line. She has a husband, children, career, yet she knows what is most important - faith in Christ. Jesus Christ has her name on his lips. He hears her prayer and acknowledges her as his eternal daughter. The angels in heaven are all familiar with Meriam.
Oh, how I would love to read this update, in fact, I am praying for this:
"After spending weeks in shackles, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim has miraculously escaped from a prison in Khartoum! Though many guards surrounded her, the shackles were broken, the gates swung wide and she apparently walked to freedom."
When the apostle Peter was arrested and held in prison by King Herod, the church earnestly prayed for him (Acts 12:5). The night before he was to be brought to trial, the chains fell off his wrists, the iron gates were opened as an angel led him safely past sixteen sentries to freedom.
Please join me in praying for our sister in Christ, Meriam. If it is the Lord's will, may she be physically freed and restored to her family. Bring her the peace that passes all understanding, protect her from the Evil One and rescue her, dear Lord! Amen.
Luke 12: 8 & 9
I read the following in a newsletter from Samaritan's Purse:
"In Sudan, an Islamic court has sentenced a pregnant Christian mother to be flogged and then hanged because she refused to renounce her faith. Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who is a physician, defied the court, shouting, 'I am a Christian and I will remain a Christian.' Under Sharia law, since her father was a Muslim, she cannot become a Christian, and therefore her marriage is considered adultery. Eight months pregnant, she has been shackled to a wall in a prison in Khartoum."
This woman, it can be said, has a lot on the line. She has a husband, children, career, yet she knows what is most important - faith in Christ. Jesus Christ has her name on his lips. He hears her prayer and acknowledges her as his eternal daughter. The angels in heaven are all familiar with Meriam.
Oh, how I would love to read this update, in fact, I am praying for this:
"After spending weeks in shackles, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim has miraculously escaped from a prison in Khartoum! Though many guards surrounded her, the shackles were broken, the gates swung wide and she apparently walked to freedom."
When the apostle Peter was arrested and held in prison by King Herod, the church earnestly prayed for him (Acts 12:5). The night before he was to be brought to trial, the chains fell off his wrists, the iron gates were opened as an angel led him safely past sixteen sentries to freedom.
Please join me in praying for our sister in Christ, Meriam. If it is the Lord's will, may she be physically freed and restored to her family. Bring her the peace that passes all understanding, protect her from the Evil One and rescue her, dear Lord! Amen.
Free For All
"Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness, they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the Lord."
Isaiah 26:10
There's so much incredible beauty surrounding us in creation. Simply peering into a flower's blossom is a marvel I cannot explain. It requires more than just open eyes and ears to appreciate creation; it takes a heart pliable before the Potter. How can a person feel the velvety petals of a petunia or note the varied species of sparrows without giving praise to God? Yet, it happens.
Jesus said, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matt. 5:45) Grace is shown with the dawning of a new day. The majesty of a songbird is displayed, free for all to see and hear. The cardinal does not only sing in the yard of the rich or prosperous - it is unbiased, just as our Lord.
Look for the messages of grace today. They abound out of His great love for us.
Will you but see?
Isaiah 26:10
There's so much incredible beauty surrounding us in creation. Simply peering into a flower's blossom is a marvel I cannot explain. It requires more than just open eyes and ears to appreciate creation; it takes a heart pliable before the Potter. How can a person feel the velvety petals of a petunia or note the varied species of sparrows without giving praise to God? Yet, it happens.
Jesus said, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matt. 5:45) Grace is shown with the dawning of a new day. The majesty of a songbird is displayed, free for all to see and hear. The cardinal does not only sing in the yard of the rich or prosperous - it is unbiased, just as our Lord.
Look for the messages of grace today. They abound out of His great love for us.
Will you but see?
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Mortality Vs. Immortality
"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more."
Psalm 103: 15, 16
I went to a funeral this week, held for a man one year younger than me who died of ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. As I perused the pictures that chronicled his life, I saw the years of flourish: all the school pictures, beginning with first grade, his first car, his wedding day, the arrival of children, the passage of time. Then, the winds of mortality began to blow as somewhere on the timeline, he discovered he had a disease. Suffering faded the flower as he gradually declined. How sad.
But listen to these next two verses: "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children - with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Psalm 103: 17, 18
At first, all seems hopeless - "and its place remembers it no more" - like driving past an old cemetery, windswept and forgotten. Will our lives be lived in vain? The Bible goes on to tell us that if I respect the Lord, remember his promises and obey Him, then his love remains with me from "everlasting to everlasting!" No end in sight. God will remember me.
As Jesus said to Martha, he also tells me: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...
Do you believe this?" (John 11: 25 & 26)
Psalm 103: 15, 16
I went to a funeral this week, held for a man one year younger than me who died of ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. As I perused the pictures that chronicled his life, I saw the years of flourish: all the school pictures, beginning with first grade, his first car, his wedding day, the arrival of children, the passage of time. Then, the winds of mortality began to blow as somewhere on the timeline, he discovered he had a disease. Suffering faded the flower as he gradually declined. How sad.
But listen to these next two verses: "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children - with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Psalm 103: 17, 18
At first, all seems hopeless - "and its place remembers it no more" - like driving past an old cemetery, windswept and forgotten. Will our lives be lived in vain? The Bible goes on to tell us that if I respect the Lord, remember his promises and obey Him, then his love remains with me from "everlasting to everlasting!" No end in sight. God will remember me.
As Jesus said to Martha, he also tells me: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...
Do you believe this?" (John 11: 25 & 26)
Divine Vengeance
"Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you."
Revelation 18:20
I heard on the news about Hindus in India who persecuted a Christian because he had his son baptized. Then I heard of a Christian in North Korea who was captured and detained because he left his Bible in his hotel room.
Persecution for ones beliefs is not new. John the Baptist was beheaded. Stephen, in the book of Acts, was stoned to death. St. Peter was crucified upside down.
The Lord does not take these things lightly, although it may seem as if nothing is done in retaliation. But there will be a judgment day, when all people will stand before the Living God. Take refuge in the Lord and respect the wrath of God.
Revelation 18:20
I heard on the news about Hindus in India who persecuted a Christian because he had his son baptized. Then I heard of a Christian in North Korea who was captured and detained because he left his Bible in his hotel room.
Persecution for ones beliefs is not new. John the Baptist was beheaded. Stephen, in the book of Acts, was stoned to death. St. Peter was crucified upside down.
The Lord does not take these things lightly, although it may seem as if nothing is done in retaliation. But there will be a judgment day, when all people will stand before the Living God. Take refuge in the Lord and respect the wrath of God.
Casting Your Bread
"A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
Luke 12:33
"Give and it will be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
There is a verse in the Bible that tells us to cast our bread upon the waters and it will return to you. In other words, if you want something, let it go first. Show that you are willing to do without it, then you will have it. If you want to receive, give.
Look around at your possessions. Has the Lord blessed you with bounty? Do you really need all that you have? My niece read a book about paring down your stuff; the author says you can live with 100 items. Most everyone I talk to laments about their mountains of belongings that are weighing them down. Maybe you could have a garage sale and give the proceeds to your favorite charity?
I read about a Christian speaker at a conference who was trying to drive home the message about serving two masters, God and Money. How attached are we to our money or our belongings? He told the crowd to take our their wallets. "Caress it if you want, then hand it to the person on your right," he instructed. This brought apprhensive murmurings, but when he said, "Now we are going to pass the offering plate and I want everyone to be generous", there was quite an outcry!
A funny test, isn't it? But, I think we can all do with some housecleaning, physically and spiritually. Let go of it! Liberate yourself! Be generous with a great big measuring cup and you will be rewarded with more than you ever asked for.
It really is more blessed to give than to receive. Try it.
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
Luke 12:33
"Give and it will be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
There is a verse in the Bible that tells us to cast our bread upon the waters and it will return to you. In other words, if you want something, let it go first. Show that you are willing to do without it, then you will have it. If you want to receive, give.
Look around at your possessions. Has the Lord blessed you with bounty? Do you really need all that you have? My niece read a book about paring down your stuff; the author says you can live with 100 items. Most everyone I talk to laments about their mountains of belongings that are weighing them down. Maybe you could have a garage sale and give the proceeds to your favorite charity?
I read about a Christian speaker at a conference who was trying to drive home the message about serving two masters, God and Money. How attached are we to our money or our belongings? He told the crowd to take our their wallets. "Caress it if you want, then hand it to the person on your right," he instructed. This brought apprhensive murmurings, but when he said, "Now we are going to pass the offering plate and I want everyone to be generous", there was quite an outcry!
A funny test, isn't it? But, I think we can all do with some housecleaning, physically and spiritually. Let go of it! Liberate yourself! Be generous with a great big measuring cup and you will be rewarded with more than you ever asked for.
It really is more blessed to give than to receive. Try it.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
A man in Kenya answered a persistent knock on the door of his home. A gun wielding, vindictive terrorist demanded of him, "Are you a Muslim?"
"No," came the steady reply. "I am a Christian."
That answer brought swift death through a spray of bullets to head and chest as his wife looked on in horror.
The very word "terrorist" can instill fear. The sight of a weapon, angry, snapping eyes and the diseased soul of the perpetrator - all a nightmare. Yet, can anything separate a Christian from his loving Savior?
NO! Romans chapter eight reminds us: "Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword" separate us from the love of Christ Jesus? (verse 35) Even death brings life - better life, eternal life, where sorrow, disease, pain and death are NO MORE.
We really do have the peace that passes all understanding as the courage of Christ even helps us stare down the barrel of a gun.
Perhaps I will never hear such an ominous knock on my door in Painesville, but each day, I must prepare for such an event. Not in fear or trepidation, but in stalwart faith and the courage of the saints who have gone on before me.
"I am a Christian." Hallelujah!
John 14:27
A man in Kenya answered a persistent knock on the door of his home. A gun wielding, vindictive terrorist demanded of him, "Are you a Muslim?"
"No," came the steady reply. "I am a Christian."
That answer brought swift death through a spray of bullets to head and chest as his wife looked on in horror.
The very word "terrorist" can instill fear. The sight of a weapon, angry, snapping eyes and the diseased soul of the perpetrator - all a nightmare. Yet, can anything separate a Christian from his loving Savior?
NO! Romans chapter eight reminds us: "Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword" separate us from the love of Christ Jesus? (verse 35) Even death brings life - better life, eternal life, where sorrow, disease, pain and death are NO MORE.
We really do have the peace that passes all understanding as the courage of Christ even helps us stare down the barrel of a gun.
Perhaps I will never hear such an ominous knock on my door in Painesville, but each day, I must prepare for such an event. Not in fear or trepidation, but in stalwart faith and the courage of the saints who have gone on before me.
"I am a Christian." Hallelujah!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Judge for Yourselves
"But Peter and John replied, 'Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.'"
Acts 4:19
The powers-that-be in the society of the early church were not friendly to those who spoke the name of Jesus. After all, they had crucified this troublesome Jesus and buried him in a sealed, guarded tomb (or so they thought). Didn't that put to death all this talk about a Messiah? Why did these disciples have to keep bringing it up? When told not to speak in the name of Christ anymore, Peter and John replied, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (vs. 20)
In our society, it is lawful in some states for same-sex couples to marry. Some Christians are being charged with wrongdoing for refusing to photograph a gay wedding or bake a cake for the occasion as they remain true to God.
When push comes to shove, each believer must judge for himself to obey their government or to obey God. The Bible tells us that what is seen is temporary, what is unseen is eternal. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word of the Lord shall never pass away. In this world, we will have trouble, but take heart! Jesus has overcome the world.
Judge for yourselves. Do the right thing.
Acts 4:19
The powers-that-be in the society of the early church were not friendly to those who spoke the name of Jesus. After all, they had crucified this troublesome Jesus and buried him in a sealed, guarded tomb (or so they thought). Didn't that put to death all this talk about a Messiah? Why did these disciples have to keep bringing it up? When told not to speak in the name of Christ anymore, Peter and John replied, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (vs. 20)
In our society, it is lawful in some states for same-sex couples to marry. Some Christians are being charged with wrongdoing for refusing to photograph a gay wedding or bake a cake for the occasion as they remain true to God.
When push comes to shove, each believer must judge for himself to obey their government or to obey God. The Bible tells us that what is seen is temporary, what is unseen is eternal. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word of the Lord shall never pass away. In this world, we will have trouble, but take heart! Jesus has overcome the world.
Judge for yourselves. Do the right thing.
What Does Jesus Wear?
"He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak."
Isaiah 59:17
Spiderman has to don a special outfit, thereby transforming him from the meek Peter Parker to the invincible Spiderman, who saves many with heroic acts of righteousness. Slipping into the latex suit of red and blue, flaccid muscles bulge as ordinary human strength becomes supernatural and power overshadows weakness.
Unlike Spiderman, Jesus has no alter ego, no petered-out Parker beneath. He is who he is, through to the core. The first time he came from heaven to this earth, he was born of a woman, in a stable in Bethlehem. He laid down his life for the sins of the world, not willing to condemn, but to patiently wait for sinners to open the door of the heart. Unwilling that any should perish, he turned the other cheek and paved the Way to the Father.
The second time he comes will be with a mighty shout, surrounded by legions of angels, riding on the clouds of heaven. All eyes will see him wrapped in garments of zeal and vengeance as the time comes to judge the quick and the dead.
Today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off until tomorrow. Jesus loves you!
Isaiah 59:17
Spiderman has to don a special outfit, thereby transforming him from the meek Peter Parker to the invincible Spiderman, who saves many with heroic acts of righteousness. Slipping into the latex suit of red and blue, flaccid muscles bulge as ordinary human strength becomes supernatural and power overshadows weakness.
Unlike Spiderman, Jesus has no alter ego, no petered-out Parker beneath. He is who he is, through to the core. The first time he came from heaven to this earth, he was born of a woman, in a stable in Bethlehem. He laid down his life for the sins of the world, not willing to condemn, but to patiently wait for sinners to open the door of the heart. Unwilling that any should perish, he turned the other cheek and paved the Way to the Father.
The second time he comes will be with a mighty shout, surrounded by legions of angels, riding on the clouds of heaven. All eyes will see him wrapped in garments of zeal and vengeance as the time comes to judge the quick and the dead.
Today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off until tomorrow. Jesus loves you!
Why Do People Wear Clothes?
"Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."
Romans 13:14
Why do people wear clothes?
I googled the question but the answer varies. Protection from the elements, of course, is a prime reason. Vanity is another. Practicality i.e. where shall a person put their wallet or keys without pockets? Uniforms help to identify certain professions. Firemen wear protective gear. On the flip side, mysteriously, in some cultures the wearing of clothes is not imperative.
I am sure I am not alone when I say, I am glad we DO wear clothes. Ever have one of those exasperating dreams where you're unclothed in full views of others, yet unable to remedy the situation? There is a sense of shame being caught "with one's pants down." Perhaps it stems from the Fall of Man. After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, their eyes were opened and they knew they were naked so they created some clothes from leaves. When the Lord God came and talked to them about this, he made some more efficient clothes for them from animal skins. (But then, an animal had to die to help cover their shame.)
There is a parallel here. Try as we might, clothes do not really cover our shame. The best dressed person can still be miserable inside, in the soul, where sadness originates. How can we cover that? Only by confessing our sins and clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. His garments are spotless, durable and always in style. Remember, He had to die to help cover our shame so these are not cheap clothes. Wear them proudly!
Romans 13:14
Why do people wear clothes?
I googled the question but the answer varies. Protection from the elements, of course, is a prime reason. Vanity is another. Practicality i.e. where shall a person put their wallet or keys without pockets? Uniforms help to identify certain professions. Firemen wear protective gear. On the flip side, mysteriously, in some cultures the wearing of clothes is not imperative.
I am sure I am not alone when I say, I am glad we DO wear clothes. Ever have one of those exasperating dreams where you're unclothed in full views of others, yet unable to remedy the situation? There is a sense of shame being caught "with one's pants down." Perhaps it stems from the Fall of Man. After Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, their eyes were opened and they knew they were naked so they created some clothes from leaves. When the Lord God came and talked to them about this, he made some more efficient clothes for them from animal skins. (But then, an animal had to die to help cover their shame.)
There is a parallel here. Try as we might, clothes do not really cover our shame. The best dressed person can still be miserable inside, in the soul, where sadness originates. How can we cover that? Only by confessing our sins and clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. His garments are spotless, durable and always in style. Remember, He had to die to help cover our shame so these are not cheap clothes. Wear them proudly!
Monday, June 9, 2014
The Lukewarm Heart
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither cold nor hot - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Revelation 3: 15 & 16
These verses are the words of Jesus spoken to the church of Laodicea, but they serve as an apt warning to anyone with a lukewarm heart.
Lukewarm believers sit on the fence, happy to watch the world go by. Don't get too "preachy" with them, or they bristle.
I heard about a baptist church in England whose sign bearing flames warned the passerby, "If you think there is no God, you'd better be right!" That's a smoking hot attention-grabber this world needs, but some offended person complained to the authorities. The church was charged with a hate crime and ordered their sign be changed to read "God Loves You," a nice lukewarm, non-offensive statement.
Jesus, who knows our deeds, demands more of us. He abhors lukewarm; he spits it out! What example did he give us? Remember how hot under the collar he got with the moneychangers in the temple? Or when he called the Pharisees hypocrites, blind guides and whitewashed tombs? They got so ruffled, they wanted to kill him!
Good! There is a refiner's fire that tests our mettle. Get involved. Get fired up. Don't let your heart grow cold in these last days, but let it burn for more. Turn up the burner.
Revelation 3: 15 & 16
These verses are the words of Jesus spoken to the church of Laodicea, but they serve as an apt warning to anyone with a lukewarm heart.
Lukewarm believers sit on the fence, happy to watch the world go by. Don't get too "preachy" with them, or they bristle.
I heard about a baptist church in England whose sign bearing flames warned the passerby, "If you think there is no God, you'd better be right!" That's a smoking hot attention-grabber this world needs, but some offended person complained to the authorities. The church was charged with a hate crime and ordered their sign be changed to read "God Loves You," a nice lukewarm, non-offensive statement.
Jesus, who knows our deeds, demands more of us. He abhors lukewarm; he spits it out! What example did he give us? Remember how hot under the collar he got with the moneychangers in the temple? Or when he called the Pharisees hypocrites, blind guides and whitewashed tombs? They got so ruffled, they wanted to kill him!
Good! There is a refiner's fire that tests our mettle. Get involved. Get fired up. Don't let your heart grow cold in these last days, but let it burn for more. Turn up the burner.
Whose Seal Would You Rather Have?
Satan has always wanted to be like God, but because he lacks the qualities to actually be The Great One, the best he can do is to counterfiet.
The last book of the Bible, the Revelation, tells about the End Times. Of course, Satan is in the thick of things, deceiving folks and copying God. Read these two excerpts from Scripture:
"Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the Living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." Revelation 7: 2 & 3
"He (the Beast) also forced everyone small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the Beast or the number of his name...His number is 666." Rev. 13: 16-18
God has a seal so Satan has to have one, too. Do not be deceived! Be vigilant and alert for such counterfiet action. I would rather bear the seal of the Living God than to have the seal of the Beast. Wouldn't you?
The last book of the Bible, the Revelation, tells about the End Times. Of course, Satan is in the thick of things, deceiving folks and copying God. Read these two excerpts from Scripture:
"Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the Living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." Revelation 7: 2 & 3
"He (the Beast) also forced everyone small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the Beast or the number of his name...His number is 666." Rev. 13: 16-18
God has a seal so Satan has to have one, too. Do not be deceived! Be vigilant and alert for such counterfiet action. I would rather bear the seal of the Living God than to have the seal of the Beast. Wouldn't you?
Don't Be So Lazy
"How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."
Proverbs 6: 9-11
When I was young, I wanted to be a cat because cats didn't have to do chores; they slept, played, ate and everyone still thought they were cute.
I complained to my dad once about having to do so much work. His response stuck with me: "If you didn't have work to keep you busy, what would you do?"
He's right! Life is laborious. Even when I take a vacation, there's a pile of stuff to attend to when I get home. Unless a person wants to live in squallor, that person has to get up and get busy. Like the proverb says, you rest on your laurels for too long and the dust bunnies sneak up to attack.
Proverbs 6: 9-11
When I was young, I wanted to be a cat because cats didn't have to do chores; they slept, played, ate and everyone still thought they were cute.
I complained to my dad once about having to do so much work. His response stuck with me: "If you didn't have work to keep you busy, what would you do?"
He's right! Life is laborious. Even when I take a vacation, there's a pile of stuff to attend to when I get home. Unless a person wants to live in squallor, that person has to get up and get busy. Like the proverb says, you rest on your laurels for too long and the dust bunnies sneak up to attack.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
The Five Ws
"In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last itme."
1 Peter 1: 3-5
A good journalist makes sure his story answers the five Ws, which are the framework of his report: who, what, when, where and why. The apostle Peter does just that in these few verses, satisfying the reader's need to know the Gospel:
God's mercy is indeed a beautiful thing. Rest in his unchanging grace and receive Christ today. You will never regret it.
1 Peter 1: 3-5
A good journalist makes sure his story answers the five Ws, which are the framework of his report: who, what, when, where and why. The apostle Peter does just that in these few verses, satisfying the reader's need to know the Gospel:
- Who? Jesus Christ
- What? Our new birth into a living hope, our inheritance
- When? Upon his resurrection from the dead
- Where? Kept in heaven
- Why? Because of his great mercy
God's mercy is indeed a beautiful thing. Rest in his unchanging grace and receive Christ today. You will never regret it.
Life is an Action Movie
"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
1 Timothy 6: 11 & 12
If you've ever watched an action movie, you know the protagonist is no couch potato. He runs vigorously, he drives erratically, he yells and sweats profusely, he leaps and bounds without ever taking a nap or meal. By the end of the movie, he is all scraped up, but victorious.
Spiritual life is a battlefield, too. The enemy prowls about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The stressors are ever present, as Satan tries to turn our attention to him and worship him, rather than God.
To endure, we need to rise from our apathetic ashes and take full control of our spiritual lives. We are fighting against the powers of this dark world so grab onto God and pursue his strategic plan. Flee from greed, temptation, slow erosion of the mind, corruption, controversies and quarrels.
Your action is required. Get off the couch and put on the full armor of God. We've a battle to win!
1 Timothy 6: 11 & 12
If you've ever watched an action movie, you know the protagonist is no couch potato. He runs vigorously, he drives erratically, he yells and sweats profusely, he leaps and bounds without ever taking a nap or meal. By the end of the movie, he is all scraped up, but victorious.
Spiritual life is a battlefield, too. The enemy prowls about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The stressors are ever present, as Satan tries to turn our attention to him and worship him, rather than God.
To endure, we need to rise from our apathetic ashes and take full control of our spiritual lives. We are fighting against the powers of this dark world so grab onto God and pursue his strategic plan. Flee from greed, temptation, slow erosion of the mind, corruption, controversies and quarrels.
Your action is required. Get off the couch and put on the full armor of God. We've a battle to win!
The Happiness of Sparrows
"Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him."
Psalm 147:1
At dawn, I love to hear the sparrows singing their avian praises to the Creator. I wonder what they are saying? What are they so happy about? After all, they have no money, no job, no roof over their curved heads and they have to live outside, no matter the weather, foraging for food all day. Yet, they sing praises!
Jesus said that sparrows do not sow or reap or store away into barns, yet not one will fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father. These sweet, little birds are just happy to be alive, enthralled to greet a new dawn, aptly praising God who opens his hand to feed them. They use the gifts God gave them to give Him glory.
For having "bird brains", they are very wise!
Psalm 147:1
At dawn, I love to hear the sparrows singing their avian praises to the Creator. I wonder what they are saying? What are they so happy about? After all, they have no money, no job, no roof over their curved heads and they have to live outside, no matter the weather, foraging for food all day. Yet, they sing praises!
Jesus said that sparrows do not sow or reap or store away into barns, yet not one will fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father. These sweet, little birds are just happy to be alive, enthralled to greet a new dawn, aptly praising God who opens his hand to feed them. They use the gifts God gave them to give Him glory.
For having "bird brains", they are very wise!
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