While Still Sinners

Good Morning,

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

You've heard it before, I'm sure. You know, "When I get my life in order I'll come with you to your church," or, "Well, I need to get rid of this drinking (or whatever other 'vice' one might have) before I can feel right about visiting a church." Yes, we've all heard the "reasons" that people won't come to visit us at our places of worship. Today's verses are ones that we should have on the tips of our tongues when anyone uses the "I need to get better" excuse for not coming to a local church.

"While we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us."

God didn't say, "OK, when ya'll get your act together down there, well, then I'll go ahead and send a Savior to the world so you can join Me in heaven." Nope. He didn't go that route, did he? Because, if He did, then we'd still be waiting for a Savior to come to us. We'd still be waiting because we human beings here on this planet will NEVER be rid of the sin that we have in our lives...except by the grace of God and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"Christ died for the ungodly."

Jesus said, "But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (MAT 9:13) Jesus came because we needed a Savior. God knew that we would never, not in our own power, be able to live up to the Law and, therefore, gain entrance to heaven. Human beings are built of flesh and that flesh is weak; that flesh is of a sinful nature. We need Jesus. Simple as that, isn't it?

So, when we get that "I'm not good enough" reason from people to turn down the opportunity to meet with God at one of our worship services, then remember these verses. Remember especially, "While we were still sinners, Christ dies for us." Remember to point that out to our unsaved friends and family who think that they've got to get their lives in order...as if they ever could...before they can join us to worship God.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Romans 8:28-39

Good Morning,

Romans 8:28-39 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I don't know why God sends along certain verses or sections of Scripture at particular times for us to see and read and ponder. I DO know that He sends them along for a reason...for His reason. It's not our place to question that, I suppose, but just to do as we've been asked and think about what He has to say to us through these verses.

I have no idea to whom these verses of Scripture are aimed today. I believe that there is someone who needs the assurances that we read here, someone who really has to gain an understanding of what is contained in these words. So, I would suggest that we ALL read these verses very carefully and let them sink into our hearts and minds. Each of us will understand what is there for us...individually, for certain, and possibly for someone close around us, as well.

God's words are true. Let's think about what He's saying to us.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Good Samaritan?

Good Morning,

Luke 9:23 (NIV)
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

I think we can all agree that we are to be obedient to what Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." I don't believe that anyone of us would argue this point that we are to "take up" whatever cross we feel is necessary in order to follow Jesus. In addition to the marvelous reward that we have received in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior in our lives, we have also accepted certain responsibilities that come along with the rewards. It is my opinion and conclusion that taking up one's "cross" is, indeed, one of those responsibilities.

OK, so what does taking up one's cross have to do with the Good Samaritan? In reading both of these sections of Scripture, one shortly after the other, it came to me that BEING that Samaritan is, truly, at least one of the crosses that we are to take up in this world. But, how many of us do as the priest and the Levite did on that day? How many of us simply look for the easiest way to cross the street so we can be on the other side when we come upon someone who has an obvious need? Someone who, perhaps, hasn't been literally robbed, stripped, beaten and left for dead, but who an evident and undeniable needs in his or her life?

Tough questions, aren't they? They were for me, anyway, when they popped into my mind. I wish I could tell you honestly that every time I have seen someone in need that I've NOT crossed the road to get away from him...her. I wish that I could tell you that I have been like the Good Samaritan and have stopped, picked up that particular cross, and followed Jesus in such a way that would have made Him proud of me. I can't say that. I can't tell you that I've always done the right thing, that thing I know I was supposed to have done, that thing that would have made me just a tiny bit more like Jesus...whom I wish to follow.

How do you answer these questions? I hope your answers make you feel better than mine have done to me.

If we are to believe literally what Jesus told us about following Him...taking up the cross we find before us in any particular situation...then when we find this cross to take up, well, we need to not hesitate for even a moment and simply do as we know Jesus would have us to do in that circumstance. At least that's what it seems is right for me, what has been put into my heart and mind.

It sure gives us something to think about, doesn't it? Makes me think, for sure.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

A Joyful Noise

Psalm 95:1-3 (NIV)
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:1-3 (KJV)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Is there a more beautiful sound anywhere on this earth than hearing the faithful joining together in song which praises and worships God? Not to my ears, there certainly isn't.

I don't guess there's much of a point to this message, other than for us to remember the fact that at least ONE of the reasons we come together for corporate worship on a Sunday morning or a Saturday evening is to join our voices together singing "for joy to the LORD," for making a "joyful noise to the rock of our salvation."

I am reminded in these verses, at least in the King James Version, that the "singing" doesn't necessarily have to be pretty or even melodic when we raise our voices together to worship God. All there needs to be is "joyful noise" that we are in concert with one another in praising Him.

Please, friends...one and all..., don't let something like your own doubts about your "voice" in church keep you from joining all in praise and worship to the King. Do NOT allow yourself to be silent when it is time for joyful voices to come together, with thanksgiving, to lift up the God of the universe, the Lord of all. Let us always "come before Him" and sing...make a joyful noise...to God.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

The Beauty of God's Word

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Sometimes I'm amazed, overjoyed, and even a bit shocked at the marvelous beauty and wonder of Scripture. These feelings come over me even when I reread Scripture that is very familiar and have read any number of times. It is one of the mysteries of God that He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit with what He wants us to see and know...at some particular point in time.

I know that we are all very familiar with these verses that we read today. We've all read them before and we've heard any number of messages that refer to them. That doesn't make them any less extraordinary or awe inspiring. Maybe, because we are so familiar with these words, they can become so very special if we will take some time to allow them to truly enter our hearts and minds and fill us with the understanding that God wants us to have through them.

"Rejoice in the Lord!...Rejoice!" "Let your gentleness be evident." "Do not be anxious." "By prayer and petition, present your requests to God." "The peace of God...beyond understanding...will guard your hearts and minds." "Whatever is true ... noble ...right ... pure ... lovely ... admirable ... excellent ... praiseworthy ... think about those things." "Whatever you have learned...put into practice." "The God of peace will be with you."

Each of these short statements is worth a message all on its own. I know that. However, when we see and read them all together and allow God to speak to us through them, I think they are even more meaningful and they can have an even more wonderful effect on us. It would be good for us to write these words down and have them with us throughout this day. Look at them. Read them. Bask in their beauty. Allow them to fill you. Listen for God to speak through them.

I'm thrilled today to have been led to these verses...once again. Thank you Lord.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Psalm 15

Good Morning,

Psalm 15 (New International Version)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

I read these verses today and thought to myself, "Uh, oh! How in the world could I EVER dwell in the sanctuary of God? How could I possibly expect to live oh His holy hill?" Now, of course, in my own right and in my own "righteousness" (quotes there because I have NONE of my own!) I would never qualify to "dwell in" God's sanctuary. No way in the world! But then, as I thought deeper, it came to me that not one person on the planet would qualify to "live on" God's holy hill. I mean, look at this list the Psalmist gives us to qualify: walk is blameless, does what is righteous, speaks the truth, no slander, does no wrong to a neighbor, no slurs on anyone, despises vile people (well, at least that one's pretty easy!), honors those who fear God, keeps his oath in ALL circumstances, lends money with no "usury", accepts no bribes against the innocent. I don't know about you, but I surely fail in at least a few of these, even today when I feel I'm walking with the Lord. It boils down to the absolute fact that none of us is righteous in and of ourselves.

Now, of course, we know that all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives as Lord and Savior do not have to depend on our own righteousness in anything at all. We have the right to call on the very righteousness of Jesus; as He makes us righteous in spite of ourselves. Only in His, Jesus', righteousness...(goodness)...can we expect to be qualified in the sense that we read in these verses today.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty happy about that. Because, of course, I WANT to be able to dwell in God's sanctuary and to live on His holy hill!

It's a good time, I think, to stop and to realize that Jesus has given us even more than simply our salvation, as if that weren't enough! He has given us HIS righteousness to have before God the Father. So, we can be confident that we do, indeed, have that dwelling place with God, that we do not have to actually BE that perfectly righteous person, of which there was only one...Jesus.

Hallelujah!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

The Small Group

Good Morning,


Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

"...spur one another on toward love and good deeds,"..."...encourage one another and build each other up..."

These seem like such simple and obvious ideas, don't they? It sure appears that these concepts are something that should go without saying. I mean, don't we all agree that each of us needs a boost from time to time? I think we all know that when we are personally encouraged then we go on to do even more than we've been doing, don't we? If these simple facts are true, and we know they are, then why do we need to be reminded of them from time to time?

Simple fact is that much too often we forget to "spur one another on" and we simply don't remember that we need to "encourage one another" even though we know fully well that WE, each of us as individuals, really needs this kind of thing to go on with our lives and to be more effective and productive in doing God's work.

These two verse...along with many others, I'm sure...are one of the main reasons for folks to get involved and firmly grounded in a Small Group, Home Group, or whatever other "name" we might give it. This, the small gathering of like minded Christians, is where true, long lasting, and meaningful relationships are discovered and lived out. The gathering in people's homes are where real and significant encouragement can, and will, take place. These are the places where small groups of people can lift one another up and spur one another on...to do what's necessary in God's Kingdom.

Yes, it is possible...just possible, mind you...that we can be encouraged and spurred on and built up in the larger gathering that we attend over the weekend. And, yes, I agree that the gathering together for worship is marvelous...and necessary. But, we don't really connect in our worship services, especially when they involve a large number of people. We really can't get close associations with others when there are hundreds of people all around and with all the hustle and bustle that is involved in congregational worship. Although, for me, it's wonderful to be together with that large number of like minded people to praise and worship God, I must admit. But, again this is for me here, I find it very hard to truly get a connection with people at these services. And, I don't think I'm alone in this...am I?

This is the reason that I feel so deeply about people getting not just involved with, but truly committed to, the Small Groups that are available in most of our congregations. And, HEY!!, if your local church doesn't have a Small Group program, go ahead and start one! It's as simple as inviting a few people over to your house for coffee to share what you and they are feeling about Spiritual matters. Then offer prayer. Maybe worship? And become close to people; have a true loving relationship with people.

If we aren't closely tied together in small groups of friends, how in the world can we be obedient...REALLY obedient...to living out what God has set down for us to do in these two Scripture verses?

Point this morning is that if you aren't attending a small group, you need to be. If your local church doesn't have a small group program, start one. However we need to do it, we do truly need to obey what we read today.


Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Doing Good

Good Morning,

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (AMP)
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

One would think that it might be just about impossible to grow weary and tire of "doing good." First, I suppose, we should know what "doing good" is, don't you think? I guess that doing good can be, and often is, different for different people. For some there is the passion to feed the hungry. For others homeless people are on their hearts. Some of us have a great compassion to reach out and evangelize to the lost. Many have a burden for the elderly. Well, the list is just about endless when it comes to service to others and "doing good." Mostly, I feel, this "doing good" are those things which have been placed into our hearts and minds by God.

Now, why in the world would one get weary of doing good things? Again, I would suppose that there might be many reasons. But the one that seems to stand out in my mind...at least today and at this moment...is that we don't see the results of our "doing good." That doesn't mean, of course, that there ARE no results, but we've been taught and brought up in this world to expect to SEE the results of our efforts in no matter what the realm. So, when we aren't made aware of what happens because of the good things we do, well, we tend to tire of doing those things. It is sort of the "human-ness" of us and has a great deal to do with how we've been raised.

However, the Bible tells us in todays short verse of Scripture that we are not only to do good, but...let's not miss this...that there WILL, indeed, BE a harvest of good results BECAUSE of our doing good. That can be difficult for some of us to fully comprehend. The reason for that is the fact that we may not be around to see that harvest here on this earth, that is...the actual and positive results of our labors as it applies to those to whom we are serving directly. But, "at the proper time" we will definitely see and know of that marvelous harvest that God has planned for us, for those who do not "become weary" or "lose heart" in those endeavors of service that God places on our hearts and into our minds.

Yes, there will be a marvelous harvest for you and for me when God deems it the right time. Of that, we are assured. Let's not lose track of that fact as we sometimes tire a bit of doing good. We will be blessed.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Living Water

Good Morning,

Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV)
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.

I received the following short devotional this morning. I needed it. I don't think that I'm the only one in need of this today. I hope this blesses you as much as it did me. Following this message is familiar Scripture which I believe we can all benefit by reading once again.

"MY favorite childhood memories include going to Grandma's country home to play with my cousins. The hand pump in the front-yard well fascinated us. We considered the pump fun to use, and we competed for the chance to fill the water buckets. The adults were only too happy to let us complete this chore, since they viewed it as work! We were not allowed to play in the water, but we filled the buckets to overflowing so we could "accidentally" get splashed. That was especially wonderful on hot, humid days.
"Recently as I meditated on the lesson of Proverbs 11:25, I revisited these childhood memories. I began to understand that others can receive gifts of God's love and grace from the 'splashing' that occurs during our relationship with them. Just as we children filled the water buckets to overflowing, when we allow Christ, the Living Water, to fill us, we can refresh others. In turn, we can find encouragement when we extend hope, a deepening prayer life as we intercede for others, and God's blessings when we share.
"When we pay attention and look around us, we will see those who need the living water that Christ offers."

Rachel Rhodes (Missouri, USA)

Prayer
Fill us with your living water, O Christ, so that we bless others in your name. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Whom can I splash with Living Water today?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

http://davidsdailydevotional.blogspot.com/

John 4:1-15 (NKJV)
Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria.
So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”
Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

Love Jesus?

Good Morning,

John 14:15 (NASB)
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
John 21:15-17 (NKJV)
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

This is going to be a short message today. The Scripture verses we read today tell us something very, very clear. I don't think that a whole lot of discussion or really any further elucidation is necessary about them.

The question that is posed to me...and, I guess therefor to you?...is: Do I (you) love the Lord Jesus?

Jesus told Peter and then all of the disciples, what we should do in order to show that we love Him. Extremely clear. Very straightforward.

If we love Him we will keep His commandments. If we love Him we will tend and feed His sheep.

Do you and I keep His commandments as we should? Do you and I tend and feed His sheep as He would have us to do? I don't think that God wants any fancy or long winded "sermon" about these verses. They say what they say and they mean what they mean. Far be it from me to try to put anything into them that is just so easy to see and understand.

Do you and I truly love the Lord?

Only each one of us can answer that for ourselves in our own hearts and minds and souls. Only each one of us can show that love by doing what Jesus has told us. Keep His commandments. Feed and tend His sheep.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

An Equal Sacrifice

Good Morning,

Luke 21:1-4 (NIV)
As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

I read this verse today and suddenly remembered that I've actually seen this scenario in a few of the congregations where I've attended. I mean, I've notices that there are some who seem to dig deep at offering time and come up with only little to put into the that day's offering. My heart goes out to those people, I must say. I feel compassion for those who simply do not have much to give to their local church because I know how badly they feel when the see those who seem to be putting much into the offering. I can say I know badly they feel because, unfortunately, I've been in that situation in my life...where there was really very little to give and I felt terrible about it. I guess that's the human being in me. I know for certain that it isn't God making any kind of judgement about what I gave at any particular service. He was pleased with me, just as He is with everyone, who gives as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

Now, conversely to how I've felt about those who do not have the ability to give large amounts, I've noticed that there are people who shake their heads, roll their eyes, and otherwise seem callus toward people who give little. It's those folks who will have a difficult time when they face the King on that day, don't you think? I mean, how would you like to have to answer the questions, "Why were you so derisive toward my child on that day he gave all he had? Why were you so unkind?" I know I certainly wouldn't want to have to answer that.

Jesus certainly made a marvelous point when He pointed out that the poor widow had really put into the offering much more than any of the rich folks did. It's certainly something that all of us need to think about.

When I attended Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Nevada, there was something that happened there which has stayed with me all these years. They had a fund raising to build a new building. Something that was stressed during that time, and printed up on many items, was: "Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice." You see what I mean here? There are those of us who perhaps don't have much of an income...perhaps working at below standard wage jobs or on Social Security...but we do all we can to support our local churches as we well should. Then, there are those of us who have large and even very large incomes...maybe they've been blessed with a successful business or have landed that great 6 figure plus job...and they seem, sometimes, to be rather reticent to giving their "equal sacrifice" to their local churches.

Like the widow that Jesus saw give her "very small copper coins" some of us give out of our daily bread; out of what we might want to spend on groceries. Think for a moment if you aren't in that group. Think about YOUR "equal sacrifice".

Hmmmm?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Work As To The Lord

Good Morning,

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Too often we think that being in the ministry means that we've got to go to Bible College or Seminary, obtain our degree, be ordained by a local church or denomination, and then go to work in a local church. That really isn't what ministry work is all about at all. Ministry work, that is the work of Christians every day they live, takes place in everything we do, everywhere we go, everything we say, in whatever people observe as we go about our normal, everyday activities. We are ALL called to be ministers when we accept Jesus as Savior and give our lives over to Him.

Paul wrote, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." This is EXACTLY how we should go about our jobs, no matter where we work and no matter what it is we do. Unfortunately, there are many of us who sometimes forget that EVERYTHING we do can be considered "ministry" work. We get so used to going to a job every day that we have a hard time remembering that the very work we are doing can, and IS, really an extension of the ministry work that we have all been called to do. When we remember...and it sometimes takes an effort to remember...that we are the Lord's ambassadors on this planet and represent Him in all that we do, it becomes so much easier to do a really good job in our work places. Think about it for a moment. If Jesus was present there in your place of work, don't you think that you'd maybe do just a bit better job? I know it would certainly affect me! Well, here's the thing...He IS there with us as we work each day. He's there with us as we go out to the grocery store. He's there with us in everything we do. And, everything we do is a reflection of who we are in Him. You see?

When we forget that we should be doing all we do "as working for the Lord," we fall into that trap of believing we only work for other men. That's when we fall down on our jobs of ministry to the world, and everyone in it. When people see that we are somewhat different in the ways we go about our jobs and our everyday activities, they will notice those differences. Some, maybe even many, will wonder about the "why" of those differences. Some then will ask us why we do our work as we do and why we give the extra effort and why we are at peace in our work. That is when we definitely become active ministers of the Gospel and when we have the opportunity to explain what serving the Lord is like.

I guess what we need to do is to remind ourselves every day as we go out to face the world that we are really doing all we do as though we are doing it for God...and not for the world. If we can get that fact firmly planted into our minds, then it will be much, much easier to actually DO what we do in ways that make a difference.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Time For a Turning Away

Good Morning,

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I was reading some messages and notes that I have and came across the following:
"While this is a passage often emphasized when talking about the problems with nations and governments, let's remember that the truest application of this must find its home in us and in our churches. We can begin revival in our land if we will commit to daily prayer, weekly fasting, and hearts yearning for God to enter our world and transform it." (Author Unknown)

I stopped a moment and realized how right these words are. It seems that we want to ascribe all of what God told Solomon to "the world" but, how much do we, Christian believers, take these words to heart? Aren't we the ones who should start this prayer and seeking of the Lord throughout this land?

I don't know why, but what mostly struck me were the words God spoke, "...and turn from their wicked ways..." (I've stopped asking the why of what is pointed out to me. It's just important that I recognize it and think about it and allow God to make me understand what He wants me to understand. Hey, better late than never, huh?) I think that too many of us who say that we believe these words, drop to our knees in prayer and truly seek God's face for that moment, well, I think that we sort of forget about the turning away from the wicked ways that we have in our lives...even still. Yes, good Christians believers can still have some evil ways about them, as we all know. You see, that's the hard part...the turning away from those wicked ways...that is so hard for us to do. It's hard for us to do because, if we're honest with ourselves and one another, we kind of like some of those wicked ways. I'm not going to go into just what those wicked ways are here, to tell the truth, it would take way too much space.

We know what we do. We know what we allow in our lives. We know exactly what it is that we should turn away from and not let back into our lives. We're not stupid in this. I guess the question is whether or not we're willing to put aside those things, turn from them, and, thus, be the start of having this verse of Scripture come to fruition...God, hearing from heaven and forgiving our sins and healing our land. Remember, He said..."If..........." I suppose He wasn't more positive about how He put it because He knows His people and He knows just how difficult we find it to turn away from those things we know we should.

My friends, it starts with me. It starts with you. It starts with each believer reading these words and taking them to heart. It starts with all of us, Christian believers, that is, "...my people, who are called by my name...", humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God's face, and...the hard part...turning away from our "wicked ways," whatever they may be in each of our lives. We are the people God is talking to, even today. Yes, He spoke to Solomon, the king of God's people at the time, but, don't you believe that God was also speaking to ALL believers for all time? I certainly do.

I guess it's up to me then, huh? And, up to you?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

God's Light and Truth

Good Morning,

Psalm 43:3 (NIV)
Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

I pray today for these words to penetrate our hearts and minds and even our very beings...completely. I pray that God will, truly, "send forth" His light and His truth into each of us...completely. I pray that we will read these words and allow them to guide us every step we take today...and ever day we live on this earth. I pray that We will be brought to God's holy mountain, to that place He dwells, not just physically, but truly down to every fiber of who we are and what we do.

I pray that we all fully know, truly know, that Jesus Christ IS, indeed, God's light and truth...and that God has sent Him forth to us.

Yes, I pray for these things for myself and for you and for ever person who might see these words.

I also pray that God will send forth His very light and truth to guide us and lead us AWAY from the things of this world. I pray that we will use God's gently pressures and nudges to have us turn away from all that the world seems to offer to us that is against His will and what He would have for us. I pray that we will all see clearly that God's ways are the right ways and the only ways that we are to travel.

I pray that His holy mountain, His dwelling place, is where our hearts wish to travel. I pray that we will allow nothing in this world to hinder us from our path to Him.

I thank God for allowing us to see this beautiful and powerful verse of Scripture today and I thank the Holy Spirit for coming to us and opening up what He would have us learn and understand from it.

Oh, how marvelous is the Lord God, how loving he is toward us all.

Thank You Lord, thank You for everything. THANK YOU!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Thanks

Good Morning,

Philippians 1:3-11 (NIV)
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

When I looked at these verses today it was the simple first sentence that seemed to strike me. "I thank God every time I remember you." Doesn't seem to be all that important or insightful at first blush, does it? But then, as I reread it and as it kind of worked around in my brain, I realized just how important these words are to me...and, I hope, to every one.

It's not simply that I'm thankful for you, and for all my friends and the people we attend services with. It's more than that really. Of course I AM very thankful for the friends and partners in Christ that I've been blessed with. The thing that struck me, though, is the fact that Paul took the time to send along a letter to some of these folks so they would know that he was thinking about them and praying for them. That's what God wanted me to see...and what I think He wants all of us to see and understand. We need to be thankful to Him, certainly, when He brings people into our lives and into our sphere of influence. Equally important is that we should also let people know, without a doubt, that we are truly thankful for being in our lives.

So, my thoughts mirror what Paul wrote. I am so very thankful to know the people I know and to be friends with those God has blessed me with.

Thank you so very, very much.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Your Wealth

Good Morning,

2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Most of us are, really, rich in some way or other. God has blessed each of us in one way or another with riches. The unfortunate thing is that too often we don't see how truly blessed and wealthy we are in ways that don't seem like wealth to us. Now, the reason we don't see this wealth is normally because we're the ones living in it and have had it for so long that we simply don't recognize it. Then, by not realizing and recognizing in what way or ways we've been made wealthy, we aren't generous with that wealth and don't share as we really should with those in need of what we have.

People will say that they don't have financial wealth so they really can't be as generous as they would like. Now, belive me, I can truly understand that! But, do we really take that long, hard look at ourselves to see exactly where we HAVE been given much? Most of us don't. And, most of us DO have some way in which we can become generous with the wealth we have been given.

Let's for a moment just assume that you and I don't have an abundance of financial wealth. OK. We're good with that right? I mean, we can't afford to support certain things we might like to, that is to be generous in ways we'd love to be generous with money. But, do we have time? Do we have some talent or other? Do we have an ability to do this or that? The answer to those questions is normally "Yes" but we don't see that as wealth with which we can be generous and share.

Let's take time, just for an example. Most of us, no matter how busy we are, can make a bit of time to be generous with and give it to someone, or even many people, who would love to have a bit of our time. It could be as simple as spending time reading to someone who has a difficult time because of illness or eyesight problems. Maybe an elderly person in your congregation who lives alone and doesn't have all the "callers" that he or she would like to have. The children's ministry might need someone to help out...and all it costs is time. Oh, there are many examples of the giving of that marvelous resource...time.

Maybe you or I have been blessed by God with some talent or gift. So, what do we do with it? Are we generous with this valuable wealth that we've been given? Or, do we sit on it at home and just enjoy it for ourselves? Do you see what I mean? Most of us have some kind of talent that we can be generous with. I can't tell you how many people I've met in my life who are good with the arts and crafts things that, well, I'm not too good at, but they sit at home and do what they do and aren't generous with that wealth they've been blessed with. Again, you see the point here.

We all have "wealth" that we can be "generous" with. At least in some way. It may not be money. It might not be some great talent. But it IS something. It's our place to find that something, to recognize it, and then to share it.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Send Me

Good Morning,

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

How many of us are assured enough about ourselves...and of the Lord...that we would be so bold as to say, "Sent me!" when God asks us to do this or that for Him. Unfortunately, I think, not enough of us. Many of us have human fears and doubts that keep us from being as useful and obedient to God's callings as we could otherwise be. Isaiah seemed not to have any of those fears or doubts. Or, more likely, he simply put aside everything that might keep him from giving his all to God.

We are told, way too often, that we cannot do this thing or that because we're too young, too old, too...well, fill in the blanks here with whatever you've been told about NOT being able to do something. The unfortunate thing is that we come to believe what we've been told about our abilities and talents not being good enough for some task or other. It starts when we're young and it continues over time, and it never seems to stop happening. Yes, there are those few who simply ignore what people say to them and go ahead to do whatever it is they feel they ought to do. These are the few who we look up to and think that they are "special" in some way...more talented...more able...braver...better. I think, though, that more often than not these people are just ordinary people who have been able to put aside whatever fear or doubt that might have been planted into them and just did what they thought they should.

This kind of attitude is exactly what each of us should have. Especially when it comes to serving in God's Church here on this planet. Every one of us ought to say, "Here am I. Send me!" when we hear God leading us to do some service for Him. This, "Yes, I will," attitude is what gets things done for God's kingdom and for His Church. It is what allows our local congregations to grow and be effective in service as we may have been asked to serve.

Of course it's a marvelous thing when we have those talented and capable people who come to our congregations and let it be known that they are there to help and serve. But it's not always the case, and often it is rarely the case, when we are blessed with just the right person for just the right job at just the right time. So, when our leaders look about to see what needs to be done, they have only those at hand to choose from to ask for assistance and help. That would be you and me. Just normal, everyday people who love the Lord. We are the ones who must put aside our doubts and fears and simply say, "Yes. Here am I. Send me!"

It is when we have this attitude about service that our congregations will prosper as the Lord would have them to prosper. It's up to each of us as individuals to do what it is we are called to do.

Remember, Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This applied to him and it applies to us, as well.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Salt and Light

Good Morning,

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

There have been probably millions of sermons preached and messages written about these verses of Scripture. Today, however, something was pointed out to me that I hadn't thought of before. Maybe I might have heard a message in a like vein, but I've forgotten if I have.

What was shown to me were the words, "You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world," and the fact that those traits are what God thinks about each of us. Yes, we ARE His salt of the earth and we ARE His light in this world. When God looks down upon us, this is what He sees and what He feels toward us. Kind of makes you feel pretty good, doesn't it?

We, do, however, have some responsibilities that go along with being God's salt and light here on this earth. We are to "salt" our conversations...that is to flavor them and spice them up...with our Christian beliefs and with our true knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. When we fail to do that, well, then we have, as Jesus said, lost our "saltiness" and are of little good to the God's Kingdom. We are also to be the "light" that reflects the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. We are to show that light brightly to every person we meet, indeed, we are to show it to the whole world. It is by this "light" that we can "shine before men, that they (the world; all people) may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." But there are still some of us who hide our "light" and don't allow it to be seen brightly and show who we have become in Jesus Christ.

But, I think the main thing that's being pointed out to us today is that God looks upon us and sees "salt" and "light." We are to keep that in mind, I believe. We are to keep that in mind so that we can go out and BE what God would have us to be, and to do what God would have us to do.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Be Diligent

Good Morning,

Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.

Many people use this verse of Scripture as a way to teach about financial success and monetary wealth. Now, while it is very, very true that these words DO, indeed, lend themselves to reaping success in this world, let's not overlook the fact that these very same words also apply to the spiritual things, as well.

Those who are too lazy to read the Bible on a regular basis; too lazy to actively seek out time to pray and spend with the Lord; too lazy to do the work of the Lord in any of the many ways that are available to us in the local church; too lazy to attend corporate worship services on a Saturday or Sunday; too lazy to take part in small groups that many congregations have; and just too lazy to put much effort into spiritual activities of any kind, well, those people will surely be very poor in spiritual things. Conversely, those who are diligent in doing all that we've discussed here will surely have wealth when it comes to the spiritual matters.

So, which is more important to us? Do we take this verse...so short, but so poignant...and use it only for worldly wealth? Do we apply these wise words only to those matters which will bring us monetary gain? Do we make sure we aren't lazy, and are diligent, only when it comes to matters of financial gain? Or, are we truly wise and put this wisdom into our everyday lives as it applies to matters of God, of Jesus Christ, in Spiritual things?

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mat. 6:21) This surely tells us that we are to be MORE diligent in matters of the Spirit than we are in the physical creature comforts of this world. Well, at least it seems pretty clear that's where Jesus would have us put our greatest efforts.

Just a short, easy verse of Scripture today. But filled with so very much wisdom. Yes, it certainly should apply to our efforts to earn a living here on this earth. But, it also needs to apply to the truly important matters, those of the Lord.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Colossians 3:12-17

Good Morning,

Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

You know, there are times when I think we're simply meant to bask in the beauty of Scripture and allow it to flow into our minds and hearts and souls...and into our very being.

Today we've been blessed to read a beautiful section of Scripture. Today is one of those days when I think we are to open ourselves up to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to speak into us all of the wonder, meaning, and understanding that is written. And allow God to flow His love into us...then that same love into one another.

Chosen people...compassion...kindness...humility...gentleness...patience...forgive...love...unity...peace...teach...admonish...wisdom..sing...gratitude...
Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Our Struggle

Good Morning,

Romans 7:15-25 (NIV)
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Most of us think of the Apostle Paul as one of the most holy of human beings...well, at least after his experience face to face with the Lord. We think of Paul as a man who probably walked the earth and simply did not sin. Well, these verses that he wrote surely tell us differently. Paul, just like most people, struggled with sin and a sinful nature. I pray that these verses give everyone a positive hope about themselves, as they have done for me many times. You see, we all struggle with sin. We all have this ongoing battle where we, like Paul, want to do "good" but find ourselves doing exactly the opposite. As Paul put it, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

Twice Paul mentions this fact of doing things he didn't want to do and, conversely, not doing the things he knew he should do. Much like us. No, that's EXACTLY like us.

Struggling with sin is our human condition. Sometimes we will be successful in our endeavors to escape the clutches of the enemy when we are tempted to do this or that sinful thing. Sometimes we will fail when those temptations come our way. Sometimes we will do what we know we are supposed to do at God's calling. Sometimes we will simply ignore whatever it is that we know we should be doing and go our own way, ignoring God's call. Just like the Apostle Paul.

I think that it must have been extremely difficult for Paul to write these words and admit that he failed in living a "holy" life sometimes. But, I also think that he knew that he had to write these things so that people would understand that this life is, and will always be, an ongoing fight against sin and our sinful nature in this world. I am so very pleased that he obeyed God and was truthful about himself. Aren't you?

But, lest we just shake our heads and go on thinking that we will simply be imperfect sinners with no real hope, let's look closely at what Paul tells us in the last words of this section of Scripture. He admits that he is a "wretched man" and he begs for a rescue from himself and his sinning. So, he calls out to God; he calls out to Jesus. And, as we read, God provided just that rescue to him...just as He will to all of us...through Jesus Christ.

This is where we have our true hope. We have our hope in the fact that God is a loving, caring, and forgiving God who provides us hope and salvation from our sin through Jesus. Yes, God is a just God, of course. But, more than anything, He is a loving God and because of His great love, he came as a man...Jesus...and lived among us, suffered and died for us, and was raised from the dead so that we would have the hope that Paul writes about in these verses we read today.

So, as we struggle...and we MUST continue the struggle all the time and do all we can to not give in to our sin nature...we must remember to call on Jesus to provide for us the rescue we so badly need. He is always there for us, in every and any situation. All we need to do is to call on Him.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

How Beautiful...

Good Morning,

Romans 10:8-15 (NIV)
But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

I'd like to concentrate on the final words of these marvelous verses of Scripture. I'd like to lift up ALL who "preach" and proclaim the good news of the Gospel message, that is...God's plan of salvation for all of mankind.

So, just who, exactly are we to lift up? Of course these would include our wonderful pastors who answered the call to preach the Gospel and, thus, allow people to hear just how to call on the Lord and be saved. It would include the missionaries who travel near and far...those who answer the call to be sent...and speak boldly about Jesus Christ to those who may have never heard about God nor Jesus. We must include all of the Sunday School teachers who study and come to teach and proclaim Jesus as Lord to millions of people every week. Let's not forget about those who lead Small Groups who open their homes in order to form special relationships with people...which, we hope and pray...who will form a relationship with God. Finally, let us lift up one another...yes YOU!...who are the first seed planters in this process of being "those who bring good news."

You and I are every bit as important in getting this message, God's plan for everyone who will call on Him, to the world. It isn't ONLY the pastors, preachers, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, and leaders in our congregations who have this marvelous task to take on. Not at all! You see, we all have the responsibility to preach the "good news" that we know in our hearts. Yes, it's wonderful that we have all of these others, those in leadership positions in our congregations, to speak out about Jesus Christ. But, I contend, that it is EVERY believer who opens his/her mouth about Jesus who are the original seed planters; the first ones to tell others about our Lord. We, all of us as a whole and each of us as individuals, are just as responsible, and have every bit as much authority, to be the "preachers" we read about in these verses.

We read, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." We also read, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

You and I are to bring that "good news" to this world. You and I should be ready when one of those people to whom we've spoken is ready to "call on the name of the Lord" and be born again in Him. You and I ARE the "preachers" that we read about in today's verses.

Let us be prepared in every way we can.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

In Need or Plenty

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

This short section of Scripture is mostly known for the words in verse 13, "I can do everything through Him who strengthens me." Some translations read, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." These are, I agree, extremely powerful and meaningful words. The thought, the concept, in these words is more than wonderful. We can, truly, do so very much when we call on Jesus to be with us and help us.

But, you know what? For whatever reason, we tend not to notice the verses which precede this more famous verse. Let's take a look at them..."I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed of hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." These words, thoughts, and concepts are so very, very powerful...if we will understand them and learn from them.

Paul, you see, knew the concept and fully understood the idea of ENOUGH. Unfortunately, too many of us have not, or at least we sure don't live that way. Paul had "enough" when he was living in plenty and was well fed. Of course, that's pretty easy, isn't it? He also knew he had "enough" when he was in need and even hungry. He learned to be "content whatever the circumstances" that he found himself in.

We, living in this 21st century, for the most part don't have even the vaguest concept of "enough." No matter what our circumstances or what state our finances are in, we still tend to strive for and seek more. To what end? Simply to have it? To get more things? The reasons (excuses?) we use for sometimes extraordinary efforts to obtain more are not the issue really, because we can think of hundreds of "reasons"...maybe even thousands, it seems.

No, the issue at hand is the fact that we are so unlike what Paul is talking about. The issue is being satisfied and content with what the Lord has provided for us. Now, this doesn't mean that ALL of us don't have this basic understanding of being truly at peace in where we find ourselves. There are some of us who truly are fully gratified and happy with wherever we might be at any given point in time. There are, however, many of us who have never really been able to say that. And, it's to those who struggle and fight and toil for more, more, more, that I think Paul's words are directed. God is telling us through these words that we need to step back and really look at what we have, what He has provided, and be truly content.

That does NOT mean that we shouldn't work to better our situation. That's NOT what this is about. This ISN'T a "poverty ministry" that's being preached. Not at all! All we're saying here is that we need not to let the want of more and more to overtake our lives and that we need to learn to be happy and content no matter where we might be at any particular time. There is a fine line sometimes between just putting in a bit more effort to be able to better our situations and being consumed with the desire and need for more...simply to have it.

Simply put we need to be a bit more like Paul. "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." If we can learn this lesson and truly put this idea firmly into our hearts and minds, I believe that we will be much, much happier people.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

We Reap What We Sow

Good Morning,

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

There are those of us, yes Christians...believers in Jesus Christ who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior...who still think that we can deceive God and continue a sinful nature while yet proclaiming the righteousness of Jesus.

My friends, God cannot be deceived in this. He is omniscient, that is, He has 100% complete knowledge and understanding of EVERYTHING that occurs on this earth. He KNOWS not only what we do, but even what we think about. And yet we still sin and sow into our sinful nature. We do this even though we read Scripture which tells us clearly what the end results will be, what we will reap. Now, that doesn't mean we lose our salvation. That's a thought and subject for minds much greater and more learned than mine. What it DOES mean is that, even though saved, we can STILL reap the destruction that Paul writes in these verses. Pretty sobering, isn't it? It is truly something that we need to think about.

Something that has always fascinated me is the "why" of Christians continuing in a sinful lifestyle. What comes to me is that it is as simple as physical pleasure and pride. Well, I would guess that greed would probably rank pretty high, as well, but it also seems that greed is pretty much interlaced with both pleasure and pride. We sin, simply put, because that sin feels good to us. We sin because our pride wishes for us to be recognized and help up before other people. We sin because we are weak and give in to the enemy's temptations which tell us that "this sin" really isn't so bad and, after all, it won't really hurt anyone. So, we convince ourselves of this and then lie to ourselves when we question our own behaviors. Well, I guess we all really do know and understand the "why" of sin, don't we?

We still have the consequences to think about, however. "A man reaps what he sows." Very simply put and so very clear.

Is it worth it? The sin? The pleasure?

I would say that it isn't. I would conclude from what I read in today's verses that the result, the harvest, of the sin we sow just isn't worth the short term pleasure we obtain. It's my opinion that, even though I'm as guilty as anyone in this, it's still my opinion that the results aren't worth the little we gain from our sin.

On the other hand, what we gain when we "sow to please the Spirit" well, THAT harvest, those results, are much, much more than worth the effort.

It's our choice, as life is, after all, a series of choices, which we can make. We can sow to the sinful nature or we can so to please the Holy Spirit.

Which choice will we make today?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

"The least of these"

Good Morning,

Matthew 25:34-46 (NIV)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Evidently, it's time we revisit this section of Scripture. I know that the Lord has led me to these verses many times in the past, and I think He'll probably lead me back to them many times in the future. I would suppose that His reason is that we haven't learned fully the lesson that is so apparent in these verses. Yes, I'm getting better at accepting and trying to do more for "the least of these brothers" but, am I doing enough? Do I care enough?

Those two questions are what, I believe, tantamount in what is being taught by Jesus as He spoke these words. How much to we care for "the least of these"? How much do we actually DO for "the least of these"? Unfortunately, as a whole, it seems that we don't really care very much, nor are we doing enough for those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and in prison. Quite a group of people there, isn't it?

Yes, we all have our own challenges that we must work through in our individual lives, I'll admit that. Of course, we have problems which seem to arise in our daily lives that have to be addressed and solved, that goes without saying. But, think for a moment about people who are in TRUE need. By that I mean those people who are genuinely thirst and/or hungry; those people who are "strangers in a strange land" (to quote a Robert Heinlein line); people who are in need of warm and decent clothing and without funds to get it; the sick; those in prison.

I guess the next thing here in this message would be for me to give you an answer as to exactly how you and I can be more effective in serving those people who are in need of some of the basics of life. Uh, oh! I don't have those answers...at least not for you. All I can do is to read these verses again, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me as to what I'M supposed to do, and then go out and actually DO what He has told me. Now, as to what YOU are supposed to do? I have no idea. You see, that is between you and God. It has to do with you being obedient to the guidance and direction that the Holy Spirit will undoubtedly give to you. It will be different for each of us, of course, because each of us have dissimilar and distinct means with which to be obedient to the Lord in these matters. (Don't you just hate it when someone raises an issue and then doesn't give out some definitive answer to the problem???)

I do wish that there were some truly cut and dry answers and ways that every one of us could obey God's command in these areas of concerns. That would be so much easier, don't you think? Unfortunately, it isn't that simple.

The only thing that I can say which would be the same for every one of us is that we have to CARE more for "the least of these." We have to soften our hearts toward them. Then, when we do truly care, we will know more of what we are to do.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

New Every Morning...

Good Morning,

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASV)
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Hallelujah! Great IS your faithfulness, oh God! Thank You for Your loving kindness which never ends. Thank you my Lord, my God, for your presence and goodness in my life, new every morning.

Now, that's how I should start EVERY day that God gives me. Good idea, don't you think? Recently the Lord reminded me that I should begin each day in prayer and thanksgiving to Him. I even sent out just such a suggestion to everyone that we ALL begin our days, every day, asking for God to be with us and fill us up for that day. Today I think God is taking a slightly different tack in trying to get His message across to me...and, in turn, to you.

Today we are reminded that God begins each day we live with His loving kindness and compassion for us. He reminds us through these short verses that His love for us and His compassion toward us is new every single morning we awaken. What an awesome and amazing thought that is. Sometimes...even often for many...we have a difficult time understanding that God thinks about us, each of us individually. It's hard to comprehend that, because He is God, He is able to have you and I and every one of His children in His mind and heart. It's even more difficult to get into our heads that He can do this every morning; that His love and mercy is NEW every morning. And, what's almost impossible to get our human minds around is the fact that yesterday, our failures and sins and shortcomings, don't matter to Him. Because, you see, all of His love and all of His faithfulness and all of His compassion are new every day.

Doesn't it seem a pretty good trade off with God that we should have HIM in our hearts and minds every morning as well? I know that this message might be a bit redundant so closely following a similar message so recently sent. But, you know what? I find that God is kind of like that sometime, don't you? I mean, don't we all sort of get the same word from Him about various things again and again...until we finally get it? Until we finally understand what He's telling us? Until we are finally obedient to His command in our life? Well, I kind of think that's what He's doing today...at least with me. Maybe with you, as well.

I'm going to do better. I almost said, "I'm going to TRY to do better." You know what I've learned about "trying" almost anything? That's exactly what I'll do. Try. I won't actually DO whatever it is that I've said I'll try. I'll just try. So, I think it's a good thing for me to get that "try" thing put away and just get to the "do" part. Yes, that would be a very good thing!

Maybe that's a good thought for us all? You think?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Our Place...Forever

Good Morning,

John 14:1-3 (NIV)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Today's verse is, at least to me, probably the greatest promise that we have from the lips of our Lord while He walked this earth with us. He promised a room for each of us. Some translations say mansion instead of room, but either way, He promised that we would be with Him...for eternity. How much more could one wish for or desire?

Think about this for a while at some point today, please. Stop your busy activities and give serious thought about what God has promised us in this section of Scripture. Meditate on the fact that those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior have the assurance that we will have eternity with Him in heaven...whether it be a room or mansion, it IS for eternity.

I must tell you that there are times that I simply cannot get my mind around the idea and concept of eternity. I'm sure that there are many who are much like me in this. Our finite minds have a difficult time understanding the infinite. But, even with not fully understanding eternity, Jesus' words still ring loud and true in my ears and in my mind and in my heart...just as they should for you. Even though there are times when the real idea of eternity escapes us, we should all still be overjoyed that we have a place with Jesus after we leave this earth.

Today is probably one of those days when we should just spend some time just allowing God to help us more full understand what Jesus promised for us.

Eternity in heaven with Him.

Hallelujah! Praise be to God! Glory to Him!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Hope

Good Morning,

Romans 5:1-4 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

All of us, from time to time, wonder why God allows us to go through the difficult times and situations that every one of us has endured in our lives. We certainly don't ask Him to give us these hardships and we definitely don't enjoy them when they come. But, today's verses give us some insight as to the reasons that God has which make our trying times, if not easy, at least understandable. Paul even suggests that we "rejoice in our sufferings." Now, I don't know about you, but at the time I'm going through my "sufferings" it's really anything but easy to rejoice and be truly joyful about them. Just being honest here.

OK, we agree that we don't like our rough and trying times, at least while we are living through them, but do we understand, as Paul has tried to explain in what we read today, that they are really worth it? We are told that our suffering through difficulties has benefits that we surely don't see at the time we are going through them. God tells us that our "suffering" brings about "perseverance"...we have to admit that we need that we need to be resolute and have that plugging along attitude in order to be successful in our lives. Then we read that perseverance will cause us to have a better character. So, what, exactly does that mean? Character? That, my friends, is who we are when nobody is looking and the world isn't watching our every step. That character that Paul writes about is what only God sees...but it is that which we know we are, deep inside. That very same character that we gain because we've suffered and persevered through the suffering, is what give us true hope. Hope not that we might wish something, but hope which is the secure knowledge of our salvation and that we will spend an eternity with God.

I suggest that the things which bring about our hope, no matter how difficult, are worth going through. So, why does God allow us to go through all that He does? Simply put, it's because he wishes for us, with His help, to persevere through all difficulties and hardships. Then, just as day follows the darkest night, that same perseverance will build character within us. And it is that character which gives us true hope.

Yes, it's hard for us to see the end results through the fog of difficulties and suffering. But, we have the knowledge that there is so much better on the other side.

God says so. I believe it.
Love, peace, and blessings,

David