Good Morning,
1 John 2:15-16 (NIV)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
I read these verses and immediately the "thought" came into my head, "What do I have; what things have I accumulated; what "creature comforts" do I own...that I simply cannot (or choose NOT to) live without?" The next "thought" that came to me was, "If I had to sell everything I own, all those things that I have accumulated, what is ONE thing that I simply would not let go under any circumstances?"
These "thoughts" that came into my head aren't mine. I think we all know that. These ideas come from God and it is HE who is asking me these questions.
Basically He's asking me what things of and in the world do I hold much too highly. He's saying to me that I need to maybe get rid of some things in my life and that I need to reconsider that which is important to me.
When I answer these questions from God (and ONLY to Him!) I hear Him clearly answer, "Really?" And that, of course, brings more and deeper thoughts about how I see myself in the world and what I feel is important in my life. Then, even after I've seen what things I can do without, there are still worldly things that remain and I have to answer these questions once again. Again, God answers, "Really?"
You see, I can do without almost everything that I own and ought to be satisfied to simply have my relationship with God...and all that it means.
So, in the final analysis, what is it in my life that I cannot live without? Only God. If I have Him, I have it all. I know I have it all because I know that God will provide for ALL of my needs. I know that I have it all because I can be satisfied with what it is God gives me. I know I have it all because I can see this or that and simply know I don't "need" it and, really, I don't even want it (whatever the "it" might be).
I pose to you that it would be good for you to ask God to question you about this. Then, I would ask that you answer honestly and examine deeply.
That's all. That's enough.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thoughts and Attitudes
Good Morning,
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
So, we think that our "private" thoughts and our "hidden" attitudes are ours alone and that we can keep them to ourselves? Is that what most of us really believe? I mean, I don't go around telling people about my innermost thoughts, most of the time. And I surely keep some of my attitudes about things to myself and deep inside. So, what's the harm, right?
The thing is, NOTHING can be kept from God! Even those "private" and "hidden" things that we keep secret from the rest of the world are known to God. He knows our thoughts and attitudes about everything, no matter how far buried they might be inside us. We simply cannot hide from God, nor can we keep anything from Him.
He knows.
And what we read today tells us that we can judge our thoughts and attitudes by simply reading and studying the Bible. Yes, we can judge ourselves about what we think and the way we feel about our thoughts. It's all there for us to know and understand. You see, God doesn't hide anything from us. Just as we are open books to Him, HE has give us a book to open so we will understand HIM and understand those thoughts and attitudes that we have; those thoughts and attitudes we probably ought NOT to have.
Nothing complicated here. All pretty simple. Everything actually very easy to understand. Right there for us to comprehend.
So, our part? Read what God has put there for us. He will, through His words in the Bible, let us know if we're wrong or right. Even to our deepest thoughts and attitudes.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
So, we think that our "private" thoughts and our "hidden" attitudes are ours alone and that we can keep them to ourselves? Is that what most of us really believe? I mean, I don't go around telling people about my innermost thoughts, most of the time. And I surely keep some of my attitudes about things to myself and deep inside. So, what's the harm, right?
The thing is, NOTHING can be kept from God! Even those "private" and "hidden" things that we keep secret from the rest of the world are known to God. He knows our thoughts and attitudes about everything, no matter how far buried they might be inside us. We simply cannot hide from God, nor can we keep anything from Him.
He knows.
And what we read today tells us that we can judge our thoughts and attitudes by simply reading and studying the Bible. Yes, we can judge ourselves about what we think and the way we feel about our thoughts. It's all there for us to know and understand. You see, God doesn't hide anything from us. Just as we are open books to Him, HE has give us a book to open so we will understand HIM and understand those thoughts and attitudes that we have; those thoughts and attitudes we probably ought NOT to have.
Nothing complicated here. All pretty simple. Everything actually very easy to understand. Right there for us to comprehend.
So, our part? Read what God has put there for us. He will, through His words in the Bible, let us know if we're wrong or right. Even to our deepest thoughts and attitudes.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Too Old?
Good Morning,
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Now I am old and what was my future is now my present, and even, perhaps, my past. The days, weeks, months, and years of my life have gone by and seem to be passing now even more quickly than ever. Time, unfortunately, does not stand still for any of us and what once was all in front of me has now gone by.
So, does this verse of Scripture we read today still stand as truth for those of us who have lived long and are not young any more? Does this verse speak to ALL of us? Even those of us who have only a few more years (or less) to live out this life we've been given?
I ask, "Lord, WHAT plans do you have for me now that my future is now? And, how will I prosper now that I am no longer in the work force and out in those places where that might happen? Will I, Lord, be kept from harm now that my body is frail and harm seems to come from almost everywhere?"
The answer, of course, is a resounding "Yes!" from God to these questions that I've posed today. How long we've been alive on this planet has nothing at all to do with the promises of God. The questions, I think, come from the enemy to place seeds of doubt on what God can...AND WILL!...do in our lives, no matter the number of years we have been here, or might have left. The enemy wants those of us who are more mature (being politically correct here!) to think that our usefulness has past and that God will not use us; has no plans for us; will not prosper us; and will allow us to come to harm. LIES! LIES! LIES! Never forget that the enemy is the master of lies and the supreme liar of all time.
Who we are and how old we are has nothing to do with believing what God has told us in this short verse of Scripture. He DOES have plans for every one of us no matter who, what, where, or our when in life. He DOES want to prosper us (let's not misunderstand "prosper" here, ok?). And He WILL protect us from harm in so many, many ways.
Let's close our ears, those of us who have lived long to this point, to the lies that might come from many places about us being "too old" to be useful any more. Let us not listen to those who might tell us to just relax and not try to "do too much" because we're just not that competent any more.
God can and will use every one of us to accomplish His purposes, in His ways, and most importantly, in His time.
(A little P. S. here for the younger ones who might read these words. Don't, please, put "out to pasture" the older ones in your congregations. Learn from them. Let them show you so very much that they've gone through. Be kind and gentle and, who knows, maybe God will show YOU how to help that "senior citizen" see God's plans for him or her and how God will prosper them and keep them from harm. YOU, young people, can truly be God's implements in this. Just look and see. Oh, most importantly? Obey!)
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Now I am old and what was my future is now my present, and even, perhaps, my past. The days, weeks, months, and years of my life have gone by and seem to be passing now even more quickly than ever. Time, unfortunately, does not stand still for any of us and what once was all in front of me has now gone by.
So, does this verse of Scripture we read today still stand as truth for those of us who have lived long and are not young any more? Does this verse speak to ALL of us? Even those of us who have only a few more years (or less) to live out this life we've been given?
I ask, "Lord, WHAT plans do you have for me now that my future is now? And, how will I prosper now that I am no longer in the work force and out in those places where that might happen? Will I, Lord, be kept from harm now that my body is frail and harm seems to come from almost everywhere?"
The answer, of course, is a resounding "Yes!" from God to these questions that I've posed today. How long we've been alive on this planet has nothing at all to do with the promises of God. The questions, I think, come from the enemy to place seeds of doubt on what God can...AND WILL!...do in our lives, no matter the number of years we have been here, or might have left. The enemy wants those of us who are more mature (being politically correct here!) to think that our usefulness has past and that God will not use us; has no plans for us; will not prosper us; and will allow us to come to harm. LIES! LIES! LIES! Never forget that the enemy is the master of lies and the supreme liar of all time.
Who we are and how old we are has nothing to do with believing what God has told us in this short verse of Scripture. He DOES have plans for every one of us no matter who, what, where, or our when in life. He DOES want to prosper us (let's not misunderstand "prosper" here, ok?). And He WILL protect us from harm in so many, many ways.
Let's close our ears, those of us who have lived long to this point, to the lies that might come from many places about us being "too old" to be useful any more. Let us not listen to those who might tell us to just relax and not try to "do too much" because we're just not that competent any more.
God can and will use every one of us to accomplish His purposes, in His ways, and most importantly, in His time.
(A little P. S. here for the younger ones who might read these words. Don't, please, put "out to pasture" the older ones in your congregations. Learn from them. Let them show you so very much that they've gone through. Be kind and gentle and, who knows, maybe God will show YOU how to help that "senior citizen" see God's plans for him or her and how God will prosper them and keep them from harm. YOU, young people, can truly be God's implements in this. Just look and see. Oh, most importantly? Obey!)
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Much Will Be Asked
Good Morning,
Luke 12:48 (New International Version)
...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Most of us who are able to read the words of this verse of Scripture HAVE been given much. To go a step further, we have also been entrusted with much. Therefore, I guess it probably goes without saying, WE...you, me, and everyone who might read these words...we will have much demanded of us and much will be asked of us.
I guess we can all live with those facts, right? So, well, why bring it up? I suppose that the reason this subject has crossed my desk this morning and the reason I feel I've been asked to send this short message along, is: Have we given what has been demanded of us? Have we done what we have been asked to do?
A deep, long, hard look inside myself will be necessary for me to answer those questions. My friends, the same is needed for you, as well.
Yes, a very short message today that is also extremely difficult. I say that because, if you are at all like me, that deep, long, hard look might not be a comfortable thing to do. Not that it's hard to take that look; but that it's hard when we see the answers within.
Let us all be obedient to what we read in this verse of Scripture and let us all take the time to right whatever wrongs we find within. God, through His Holy Spirit, will, I truly believe, help us to do what needs to be done.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Luke 12:48 (New International Version)
...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Most of us who are able to read the words of this verse of Scripture HAVE been given much. To go a step further, we have also been entrusted with much. Therefore, I guess it probably goes without saying, WE...you, me, and everyone who might read these words...we will have much demanded of us and much will be asked of us.
I guess we can all live with those facts, right? So, well, why bring it up? I suppose that the reason this subject has crossed my desk this morning and the reason I feel I've been asked to send this short message along, is: Have we given what has been demanded of us? Have we done what we have been asked to do?
A deep, long, hard look inside myself will be necessary for me to answer those questions. My friends, the same is needed for you, as well.
Yes, a very short message today that is also extremely difficult. I say that because, if you are at all like me, that deep, long, hard look might not be a comfortable thing to do. Not that it's hard to take that look; but that it's hard when we see the answers within.
Let us all be obedient to what we read in this verse of Scripture and let us all take the time to right whatever wrongs we find within. God, through His Holy Spirit, will, I truly believe, help us to do what needs to be done.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Meeting Together
Good Morning,
Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 (New Living Translation)
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Most of the time...(almost all of the time?)...this short verse of Scripture us used by pastors and others to point out how important it is to attend a local congregation regularly. Now, I agree that this verse definitely DOES point us in that direction and I also agree with the importance of the use of "encourage" as we read it here. Here's the thing, though: This verse ALSO is vital to our "meeting together" not only as congregations of believers, but equally important to our meeting one on one, one with another, you and me, just two people getting together; being together; talking together; helping each other; and, of course, encouraging each other.
So, having said that, let's ask ourselves this question: Have I been meeting together with people I used to? Further, do I call or communicate with people I did not long ago? Some time ago? Even, in times long past?
You see, even though it is vital that we meet as congregations for what those meetings bring to ourselves and to others, I believe that it's even MORE important that we meet together with our brothers and sisters in Christ one on one. (And, we'll not even broach the subject of Small Groups in this short message!)
One on one get togethers for a cup of coffee with a brother or sister can be the MOST important thing that you and I might do in any particular day. THIS, just two people chatting and being together, can bring knowledge and understanding of Scripture, the world, and innumerable other things. This intimate, informal meeting together of two or three people, in my humble opinion, is where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak, as far as opening up and being able to be totally honest with someone about ourselves and our needs and our dreams and our desires and, yes, our problems.
If this message speaks to you, then I urge you to contact that someone with whom you know you can open up to and just be with for a special, maybe wonderful, time of sharing.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 (New Living Translation)
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Most of the time...(almost all of the time?)...this short verse of Scripture us used by pastors and others to point out how important it is to attend a local congregation regularly. Now, I agree that this verse definitely DOES point us in that direction and I also agree with the importance of the use of "encourage" as we read it here. Here's the thing, though: This verse ALSO is vital to our "meeting together" not only as congregations of believers, but equally important to our meeting one on one, one with another, you and me, just two people getting together; being together; talking together; helping each other; and, of course, encouraging each other.
So, having said that, let's ask ourselves this question: Have I been meeting together with people I used to? Further, do I call or communicate with people I did not long ago? Some time ago? Even, in times long past?
You see, even though it is vital that we meet as congregations for what those meetings bring to ourselves and to others, I believe that it's even MORE important that we meet together with our brothers and sisters in Christ one on one. (And, we'll not even broach the subject of Small Groups in this short message!)
One on one get togethers for a cup of coffee with a brother or sister can be the MOST important thing that you and I might do in any particular day. THIS, just two people chatting and being together, can bring knowledge and understanding of Scripture, the world, and innumerable other things. This intimate, informal meeting together of two or three people, in my humble opinion, is where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak, as far as opening up and being able to be totally honest with someone about ourselves and our needs and our dreams and our desires and, yes, our problems.
If this message speaks to you, then I urge you to contact that someone with whom you know you can open up to and just be with for a special, maybe wonderful, time of sharing.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Mattew's Redemption
Good Morning,
I am forwarding the following devotional that I received from Mike Hoskins at CF Devotionals. No, I don't often (maybe a couple times a year?) forward devotionals...or anything else for that matter...but one line toward the end of this message struck home with me. I strongly feel that there are others who need to hear this as well. So, what, exactly, struck me so strongly? I'll put it here and then you can read the rest of the message for yourself:
"Matthew had fallen to the point where no one would have believed God would ever use him again. If you think you have reached that point then reconsider. God is in the business of fixing broken lives and healing broken hearts and relationships so He can use them again."
That, I think, is the message that many of us need to hear, know, and fully understand.
Here's the message I received in its entirety:
Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (NASB)
When we meet Matthew in the gospels he is a tax collector for the Roman government that occupies Israel. He is a Jew working for the enemy. He and those like him were despised by their countrymen as traitors. The tax collectors padded the taxes they collected for themselves. While Matthew would have lived a life of many comforts, he would have not been permitted in the temple.
Then Jesus called him right out of this collection booth, "Follow Me". The disciples that Jesus had already called must have wondered to themselves what was going on. How could Jesus be asking someone of this man's character to follow Him? Matthew turned his back on everything else and followed Jesus.
The first thing Matthew does is throws a party and invites all his friends to meet Jesus. What did Andrew say to his brother Peter? "We have found the Messiah", and he brings Peter to meet Jesus. (John 1:41-42) And here Matthew is doing as Andrew has done. The word must have moved through the town quickly that Matthew had left his job to follow this itinerant Rabbi Jesus. His life had been changed in two words and he wanted his friends and associates to know how and why. What a fascinating evening it must have been.
This man Matthew, also called Levi, who had no place in the temple wrote one of the four gospels. Matthew will be one of the twelve that will judge the tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:30) The first book of the New Testament bears his name written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through the hand of Matthew. It is possible that Matthew will be one of the 24 elders seated around the throne of Christ - twelve from each of the Old and the New Testament. (Rev 4:4) And finally one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem will bear his name. (Rev 21:14)
Matthew had fallen to the point where no one would have believed God would ever use him again. If you think you have reached that point then reconsider. God is in the business of fixing broken lives and healing broken hearts and relationships so that He can use them again. He offers salvation through His Son Jesus that turns death into eternal life.
He can use you again.
Grace & Peace, Mike
mhoskins@cfdevotionals.org
One last thought about God using people for His purposes and reasons. Remember that He used David. Remember also that David was a murderer and an adulterer. God CAN and WILL use any one of us as HE sees fit! Let's not forget that.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
I am forwarding the following devotional that I received from Mike Hoskins at CF Devotionals. No, I don't often (maybe a couple times a year?) forward devotionals...or anything else for that matter...but one line toward the end of this message struck home with me. I strongly feel that there are others who need to hear this as well. So, what, exactly, struck me so strongly? I'll put it here and then you can read the rest of the message for yourself:
"Matthew had fallen to the point where no one would have believed God would ever use him again. If you think you have reached that point then reconsider. God is in the business of fixing broken lives and healing broken hearts and relationships so He can use them again."
That, I think, is the message that many of us need to hear, know, and fully understand.
Here's the message I received in its entirety:
Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (NASB)
When we meet Matthew in the gospels he is a tax collector for the Roman government that occupies Israel. He is a Jew working for the enemy. He and those like him were despised by their countrymen as traitors. The tax collectors padded the taxes they collected for themselves. While Matthew would have lived a life of many comforts, he would have not been permitted in the temple.
Then Jesus called him right out of this collection booth, "Follow Me". The disciples that Jesus had already called must have wondered to themselves what was going on. How could Jesus be asking someone of this man's character to follow Him? Matthew turned his back on everything else and followed Jesus.
The first thing Matthew does is throws a party and invites all his friends to meet Jesus. What did Andrew say to his brother Peter? "We have found the Messiah", and he brings Peter to meet Jesus. (John 1:41-42) And here Matthew is doing as Andrew has done. The word must have moved through the town quickly that Matthew had left his job to follow this itinerant Rabbi Jesus. His life had been changed in two words and he wanted his friends and associates to know how and why. What a fascinating evening it must have been.
This man Matthew, also called Levi, who had no place in the temple wrote one of the four gospels. Matthew will be one of the twelve that will judge the tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:30) The first book of the New Testament bears his name written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through the hand of Matthew. It is possible that Matthew will be one of the 24 elders seated around the throne of Christ - twelve from each of the Old and the New Testament. (Rev 4:4) And finally one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem will bear his name. (Rev 21:14)
Matthew had fallen to the point where no one would have believed God would ever use him again. If you think you have reached that point then reconsider. God is in the business of fixing broken lives and healing broken hearts and relationships so that He can use them again. He offers salvation through His Son Jesus that turns death into eternal life.
He can use you again.
Grace & Peace, Mike
mhoskins@cfdevotionals.org
One last thought about God using people for His purposes and reasons. Remember that He used David. Remember also that David was a murderer and an adulterer. God CAN and WILL use any one of us as HE sees fit! Let's not forget that.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
No Needy Persons
Good Morning,
Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
What a difference of thought and belief from the early church to the church that we have in this, the 21st century.
These words that we read today are words that we should all take to heart and believe in completely and totally. At least that's MY take on it and how I feel about it.
How do YOU feel? What do YOU think?
Even at this moment, and even among our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, there are hungry people. Worse yet, there are children, Christian children, who do not have enough to eat...not to mention not having decent clothing, shoes, or other necessities. Right this second there is someone who is weeping because he or she does not have adequate housing for thier family. In the time it takes to read these words today someone will lose a home or have their power shut off for lack of money to pay a bill or mortgage or rent.
I guess we can say that 2,000 plus years ago things were "simpler" or "easier" or just not as complicated as things are today in the area of the sharing we read about in these verses from Acts. It's easier to say that and just not take the difficult steps that would be needed to be more like those early Christians and share all we have with "anyone as he had need."
Sort of thought provoking, isn't it? Well, I sure thought so.
One last thought on these verses. "All the believers were one in heart and mind." I think that anyone, and probably everyone, who has read the words sent out from my desk know and understand how I feel about unity in the Church. These words are, yet again, another reminder of the unity that we ought to have...even today in this much more complicated world in which we live.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
What a difference of thought and belief from the early church to the church that we have in this, the 21st century.
These words that we read today are words that we should all take to heart and believe in completely and totally. At least that's MY take on it and how I feel about it.
How do YOU feel? What do YOU think?
Even at this moment, and even among our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, there are hungry people. Worse yet, there are children, Christian children, who do not have enough to eat...not to mention not having decent clothing, shoes, or other necessities. Right this second there is someone who is weeping because he or she does not have adequate housing for thier family. In the time it takes to read these words today someone will lose a home or have their power shut off for lack of money to pay a bill or mortgage or rent.
I guess we can say that 2,000 plus years ago things were "simpler" or "easier" or just not as complicated as things are today in the area of the sharing we read about in these verses from Acts. It's easier to say that and just not take the difficult steps that would be needed to be more like those early Christians and share all we have with "anyone as he had need."
Sort of thought provoking, isn't it? Well, I sure thought so.
One last thought on these verses. "All the believers were one in heart and mind." I think that anyone, and probably everyone, who has read the words sent out from my desk know and understand how I feel about unity in the Church. These words are, yet again, another reminder of the unity that we ought to have...even today in this much more complicated world in which we live.
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
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