Now I See

Good Morning,

Good Morning,

John 9:25 (NIV)
He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

Adam from CF Devotionals sent along a great insight about this short verse of Scripture that has to do with why we are sometimes afraid to witness to a non believer:

We all know we should share our story, or testimony as it is often called in religious circles, about how God transformed our life. But sometimes we don't because we are afraid someone might ask us a question that we don't know the answer to. Not knowing the answer to questions didn't stop the blind man of John 9. The Pharisees came at him with questions about Jesus and the man simply said, "I don't know. The one thing I do know is that he changed me. I was blind and now I see." That is all we need to know. Think back on your own spiritual blindness. Think back on the moment you met Jesus and he opened your eyes. Remember how great it was to see.

Yes, one of the great fears that most people have about witnessing to someone IS that we might be asked a question to which we do not have the answer. As Adam says in his message, we ought not to worry about that, and simply tell the story of how OUR eyes were opened when Jesus came into our lives.

An idea and concept that we need to remember whenever we speak up and tell others about Jesus Christ.

On a personal note today...Please take a moment to pray for my health. Seems that I've gotten hold of some virus or other and it's wreaking havoc with my throat and making me very tired. Not that big of a deal...except for the fact that I'm scheduled to take part in Journey Church's talent show tomorrow night. Please pray that God will take this away and that all will be well by tomorrow evening. Thanks!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Strength In Numbers

Good Morning,

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV)
Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Sometimes when I look around me I see too many people who have chosen to "go it alone" in their walk with God. That troubles me and should trouble you, as well. Do you know someone who has taken that path? Have you seen it, as well? This "lone wolf" kind of attitude can lead to trouble and even destruction.

Then, there are also those who, even though they attend church services each week, don't seem to connect with their brothers and sisters in Christ. This is also very troubling and can lead to a weak belief and an even weaker defense when attacked.

Quite simply put, being alone in our Christianity can be, and often is, very dangerous. We are given examples in today's Scripture of why two are better than one alone and then three are even better than two. This is true in just about every aspect of life and living. It is especially true when it comes to fending off the attacks of our enemy, the devil. Satan will look to attack those who are taking their Christian walk alone. He will do that, of course, simply because that person doesn't have an ally close at hand to help him or her to fight off the temptations and assaults that will surely come our way when we choose to walk with the Lord.

My friends, we all need what is now commonly called an "accountability partner" as we go through our lives and try to fight off the enemy's onslaughts. We've talked about this in the past and I guess that God wants us to talk about it again today. Some might not know exactly what this "accountability partner" really is. Simply put, an accountability partner is a person to whom one can go with anything that is going on in his or her life. A person who is trusted completely so that you or I can open up our hearts and souls and bare our deepest secrets. A person to whom we can openly tell of all that's going on in our lives. Someone who loves us and is there to help us through both the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. Someone who wants to share life and experience. Without such a person in your life, then your life is just harder to live. With such a person in your life, then every step of life is just that much easier.

It's not easy to find such a person. It is worth any and all effort that we might make to seek out such a one, but it is often a difficult task. Every one of us should have...needs...an accountability partner. This type of relationship isn't really a luxury in our lives, it is a necessity. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have found a person to whom we can be 100% open and honest and tell every secret...good and bad...those people are very fortunate and fully understand what God has given us to think about today. For those of us who do not have someone like this, they understand...right now...how difficult life often is when we're trying to walk alone and have nobody to share our hearts and souls with. For others of us who have had a totally trusted friend in our lives and then have lost that relationship for whatever reason, these people feel a loss that is akin to losing a parent, spouse, or child.

I cannot stress strongly enough the absolute need to have a totally trusted person in your life to share with. Yes, it can be a spouse...but often isn't. It MUST be a person of the same sex because there are things that men understand about men's challenges and that women understand about women's. It should be a relationship that continues to grow and is definitely a "two way street" in giving, helping, and being there. There can be NO SECRETS at all from either person. There has to be regular contact between these two people and it should be often...even daily.

So, right now, if you are walking alone and don't have this close, trusted, and loved person in your life. STOP now and pray that God will place someone in your path who seeks the same kind of relationship that you know you need. I pray for all of us to have this person in our lives. We need it.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Just Do It!

Good Morning,

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

This word and promise from the mouth of God through Isaiah often comes to us just at times when we might wonder if what we're saying or doing in service to God is doing any good. You see, it happens to all of us at one time or another. We doubt, some more than others, about whether or not the trouble, effort, and time we spend speaking or writing on behalf of God does any good. Or, we sometimes tend to think, am I just spinning my wheels? Maybe, wasting my time? Putting forth effort that produces nothing? That, my friends, is our human side, which tends to want to SEE results from our actions. It can also come from the enemy who wants to sow doubt into our minds so we might stop whatever it is we're for God's kingdom, in His name.

These verses come to me, personally, at times when I feel like it's time to maybe give up the ministry that God has blessed me with. I'm sure that it's much the same for you, as well. I think that I should, perhaps, tattoo these words on my body so that I can see them every day and be reassured by them in my moments of doubt.

Today's message from God to all of us who toil in some way to use His words in some form is very simple. God is telling us, even if we don't see or feel the results of what we do, that His words will NOT return to Him empty. What He has us say or do in His service WILL do what it is He wishes them to do. His purpose will always be done as He desires. It is our job, you see, just to be obedient and listen to His instruction, to His word, and carry out what it is He would have us to do.

God doesn't use us lightly. He has a purpose and reason for having us do the work that He gives. Every one of us. So, to steal a phrase from Nike.....

JUST DO IT!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Contrite and Lowly In Spirit

Good Morning,

Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)
For this is what the high and lofty One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.

We are reminded in this verse today that the Lord God of the entire universe, the maker and creator of all things, who lives in heaven with His saints and angels, we are reminded that He is ALSO with each one who is contrite and lowly in spirit. This, my friends, is both a statement of fact from God and a promise that He will be, is, with every one of us, as well.

So, what, exactly, IS being contrite? Does that apply to all the saints? As we are all sinners in God's eyes, we certainly should be...even must be...contrite. Contrite means, showing sincere remorse; being filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement. So, it stands that if we wish to company of God, then we, all of us, should be contrite, don't you think? It also stands to reason that if we are NOT contrite, if we don't show some remorse or guilt over out sin, well, we need to take a look deep inside on that one and pray that God will come to show us the error of our ways. But, I think the main point of this thought about contrition is that God tells us He is with us and will be with us to "revive the heart of the contrite." That is, God Himself, Almighty God who is capable of anything and everything, He is right there to comfort us in our confessions of sin to Him and He is there to put His loving arms around each of us to lift us up and help us to live again with joy, happiness, and satisfaction that we are good with Him.

This verse of Scripture also talks about God living with those who are "lowly in spirit." I don't think I need to go into a long, drawn out explanation of what lowly in spirit means. It would be somewhat futile anyway because what being "lowly" to you might be totally different to me. Each of us has our high points and low points when it comes to our spirituality and how we view ourselves in that way. What's wonderful is that God fully understands each of us as we go through these ups and downs in our spirit. He knows. He understands. I think that He feels exactly what we do at those times when we are lowly in spirit. He tells us in these words from the Bible that He is WITH US at these times to lift up our spirit and put aside that which has caused us to be anything less that fully joyful in our spirt...joyful in Him...joyful in the fact that He is who He is and that He does what He does and the very fact that He lives in each of us through His Holy Spirit.

These are really words of comfort today for us to know and understand. God is aware of how we feel. He knows that we are sorrowful and contrite about the sin we've done. He knows when our spirit is down and we need Him to lift us up.

God knows. Oh, He also cares.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Blame and Fault

Good Morning,

Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

I wish that the written word could convey what I hear in my head as I read these verses that came from the mouth of Jesus. I wish that black on white letters making words could put forth the emotion I think that Jesus used when He spoke these words. If I'm to try to write what I hear, I guess it would be something like this:

"WHY to you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and PAY NO ATTENTION to the PLANK in your own eye????? HOW can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when ALL THE TIME THERE IS A PLANK IN YOUR OWN EYE??!!!?? YOU HYPOCRITE!!! FIRST, TAKE THE PLANK OUT OF YOUR OWN EYE, and THEN you will see clearly to remove the speck of your brother's eye."

Okay, that's pretty weak, I know. But, well, whenever I read these words it causes me to see Jesus as pretty angry about this subject and using His power...now, remember, that would be the power of the living God!...and emotion to put forth His point. I don't think that He spoke calmly and softly about this. No, not at all. I hear His voice rising, maybe almost to a shout when He said, "You hypocrite," while speaking these words. Do you think people paid attention when they heard the voice of God? When they could feel God's anger at what He was observing?

So, to the point of His message. Forgive the rant there.

We have become, and perhaps we've always been, a fault finding bunch of human beings. It seems that we always want to put "blame" onto everything that goes even just a tiny bit wrong. Yet, most of us have more "fault" and "blame" in ourselves than what we often see in those we are looking to place blame and fault. This, of course, is what Jesus is speaking to in these verses. Jesus also said at one point, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7), and this also speaks to our point this morning.

As Jesus wasn't a fault finding person and didn't look to see where He could place blame, then we, also, should be like Him in this. (Well, we should be trying to be like Him in ALL ways, but let's concentrate on this one for today.) This, I think is one of the easiest ways that we can, truly, be more like Jesus and attain just a tiny piece of the perfection we seek; the perfection of walking this planet in the same way as Jesus. Here, in order for me to walk in His steps, all I have to do is to remember that I'm at fault and have blame for things, as much or more than any I might want to point my finger at or talk about. I have sinned as much or more than the woman caught in adultery. My sin and my fault may not be the same sin and fault as those I might see, but it is certainly there.

Today, just this one single day, let each of us NOT point a finger, point out a fault, place a blame, or accuse of sin...anyone. Why don't you and I start to take the plank out of our own eyes. Then, when we've confessed, repented, and atoned for our own wrongs, let's begin to help our brothers and sisters with the speck we so easily see in them.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Outward Appearance

Good Morning,

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

So, we see someone for the first time and we almost immediately make some kind of judgement and determination about that person. It's true, isn't it? No matter that we know the verse we read today in our hearts, we still make decisions and even conclusions about people just by looking at them. Even though we know it's wrong to do so.

Now, how would you and I feel if we were made to be put into a situation where, on the worst day we've faced in the way we were dressed, bathed, coifed, and appeared, people were to make a judgement about who and what we are? I don't hesitated to say that every one of us has, at some time or other, not looked the way we do now; that we looked like, well, let's just say not pleasant and let it go at that. If we were to have met someone on that day, would that person have seen any of us as the person we really are? Probably not. Yet, we...you and I...still tend to make assessments and have opinions based on what we see, not what we might come to know about someone.

We all have work to do in this area. We all have to learn to try to see with the eyes of God, to look on the inner, true person, when we meet someone. We all have to do more to put aside outward appearance and, as the Lord, look at the heart.

Yes, it's difficult because we've been raised thinking about that old saw, "You only have one chance to make a first impression," and we believe that means, at least a great deal, on our appearance when we meet someone for the first time. So, our minds are pretty set on seeing what is obvious and not looking for that which lays under the clothes and skin...into the heart. However, that doesn't mean we can't do it. Maybe not as well as God, of course, but at least better than we do now.

See me as I AM, not as I appear to be. That should be our wish and prayer. Then, taken the next step, we should pray that we will see others as they are, and not as they appear to be.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

An Angel?

Good Morning,

Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

I'm sending this along today as a reminder...a reminder as it was to me, as well...that we really do need to be a bit more hospitable to people.

How many of you are like me in just pretty much ignoring some of those "door to door" types when they come knocking? I'll admit it here, sometimes I'm downright rude about it. I guess it's in my genes, but I really don't like folks knocking on my door to try to sell me something. That, my friends...my rudeness and the way I treat some of these folks...is sinful.

The writer of Hebrews relates to us a fact that we probably most often do not remember. There are times when that "door to door" type MIGHT just be sent from God. He or she MIGHT actually be an angel. Or, just as importantly...(maybe more importantly?)...it MIGHT just be a person who needs to see and feel and know the love of Jesus Christ. Even if just for a moment.

Point here today is that we don't know who it really is knocking on our doors or the real reason that person is there. So, should we just take a chance and ignore that person, close the door, and forget about it? Or, probably a better idea, maybe actually speak to the person there, determine who it is and why he or she is there, and then make a determination as to how we should handle the situation? Yes, it will take a few more minutes of time, but it might just be some extremely well spent time.

Something to think about, huh?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

God Works

Good Morning,

Romans 8:28 (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.

The promise contained in this verse of Scripture can be difficult to understand sometimes. That would be especially true when one of us is experiencing troublesome times or things happen around us that cause us grief. We've all struggled with this verse from time to time, I'm sure.

What I have noticed in this verse is what it doesn't say. It doesn't say that all things are good in our lives. It tells us "that IN all things God WORKS for the good of those who LOVE HIM, who HAVE BEEN CALLED according to His purpose."

You see? When difficulties and hardships assail us in this life, we can be sure that God will be working...sometimes right there in front of us and sometimes quietly in the background...to help us through our troubles and assist us in garnering good from them in some way.

I know, there are those who will ask questions about why God allows this or that to happen, and sometimes what transpires in our lives makes little or no sense. But, be assured, God can and does use our situations for the good of His children. For instance...

A loved one passes away. Too soon. Too young. You are devastated by the loss. But, family, friends, and those in your congregation gather around you to lift you up and help you get through this tough time. In this most difficult of times we see God working to show us His love through His children...those who come to help. That is one way that we see God working for good. As you recover from your loss, maybe eve years later, someone you know goes through a loss very similar to what you experienced in the past. God places you in this person's path to help bring him or her to the place and peace that you have been able to come. Another way that we see God works for the good of those who love Him.

There are, truly, many ways that God works through trials and troubles in our lives for good. Sometimes our shortsightedness doesn't allow us to see it or feel it, but it's there. God is always there to help us and to work for our good in some way, no matter what the situation.

This is a Bible promise we need to remember. We'll all need to count on it sooner or later.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

A Worthy Live

Good Morning,

Matthew 24:45-47 (NIV)
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions."
Ephesians 4:1 (NRSV)
Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

Jesus asks a question in the verses we read today. Who, indeed, is the faithful servant who has done as God has asked him or her to do? I think we have the answer, as often happens, in the second Scripture we read this day. You see, if we are to be faithful servants to the Master, we will lead our lives worthy of the calling to which God has called us.

Scripture so very often gives us the answers to questions that we may have when reading other Scripture. Sometimes it's not easy to find, but more than likely, it's there.

Jesus also tells us, "It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so (what he has been called to do) when he returns." So, it stands to reason that if we, His called, live our lives worthy of our calling, that is...that we do as we know we should in whatever area God has asked us to serve..., then "It will be good" for us.

Seems simply and straight forward, doesn't it?

I guess the only question would be: Am I (are we) living that worthy life?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

The Tonge

Good Morning,

Proverbs 15:1-2 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

You've got to love the Book of Proverbs! So often such simple words and phrases that express deep and complicated concepts.

Truer words than what we read today have never been spoken or written. Our mouths and what comes out of them so often get us into much trouble. Then, conversely, our mouths can assuage troubles just as easily.

Think about it. I'm sure we all remember a time when there was some challenge or problem with another and a "gentle answer" came and turned us away from that problem and the anger that was associated with it. But then, I'm sure we can also all remember a time when things seemed to be going well and some word or other got our blood to boiling. Even, and maybe often, these "words" from the same individual...but at different times and in different situations.

We also read today that it is when we accept and approve wisdom we are using our tongues wisely and, the converse is also true.

My mind put these two verses together. Maybe I'm a bit simple, but what I read today, what speaks to me is that the wise will use gentle words, and thus turn away hostility and it is the fool who will use harsh words to produce animosity and antagonism.

So, I would guess the message to me this morning is that if I'm to think of myself as a "wise" person, then I should use my words...my tongue...in a gentle manner. And, if I want people to think of me as a fool, then all I've got to do is to speak harshly when it just not necessary.

Pretty easy concept today. For that I say, "Thank you Lord! Hallelujah!"

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Do? Or, just listen?

Good Morning,

James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

I received two messages this morning with sections, verses, of Scripture. The first that I read was this very familiar verse from James that tells us, clearly I think, that we are to actually DO what is set forth for us in the Bible. That would be, we are to obey those things that God has given to the writers of Scripture and not just read or listen to the words. Key word: DO.

Now, close on the heals of this clear and concise admonition to obedience to God's word, I received the following...

Romans 12:4-18 (NRSV)
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Now, if we believe what James wrote to us about the "doing" and not just the "hearing" of what the Bible tells us, then this second section of Scripture gives us some actions that God wants us to take. I don't think that Paul came up with these words on His own, just as I don't believe that any of the authors of Scripture simply wrote their own ideas in any of the books of the Bible. No, I firmly believe that these verses today give us words directly from God about some of the ways we are to live our lives; some of the things we should DO...and not merely be cognizant of. So, what should we do?

Use our gifts: prophesy, ministry, teaching, exhorting, generosity, leading, compassion...all in proportion to the faith given each of us in any or all of these things.

We are to: love genuinely, hate evil, hold to what is good, love one another, give each other honor, be zealous in our actions, passionate in showing our spirit, serve the Lord.

We need to: rejoice in our hope, be patient in our sufferings and those around us, be persistent in our prayer life.

We should: contribute as best we can to those who are in need, be hospitable to all, bless those who persecute us.

We ought to: rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who weep...be understanding of those around us and share with them their happiness or grief, as the moment demands.

We should: live in harmony with each other, not be contemptuous or condescending, be considerate and empathize with those of lower social or economic standing.

We need to: never claim wisdom we do not have, never seek revenge (seek evil to repay evil).

Finally we are to always: do what is right and keep in mind what is considered noble and, do everything in our power to live peaceable with everyone.

Quite a list, isn't it? Now, if each of us will go over these attributes, ideas, abilities, and emotions that we read of in Romans, with the thought that we read from James in our minds, we will see what it is we DO and, conversely, those things that we have heard, but don't put into action.

Amazing how God sends along one thing that directly leads to, and explains, another, isn't it?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Good? Wicked?

Good Morning,

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

(First, today, let me suggest that everyone read all of chapter 25 in Matthew some time today....Just because.)

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" I don't know about everyone who might read these words, but for me? Oh, yes! These are words that I want to hear. This is what I desire for the Lord, my Master, to say to me about what He has given me to do while on this earth. Don't you? I know that NONE of us want to hear the alternative of this, "You wicked, lazy servant!...Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." (vv 26,29)

So, what do you think God is asking you to be faithful in at this point in your life? Where is God asking you to put your "talents" (and we can interpret this in MANY ways!) on this planet?

Some of us, like the servants we read about in this chapter of Scripture, have been blessed with monetary "talents" that God has given them. Of course, those "talents" are to be invested in God's kingdom and work, and not kept for our own selfish desires and comforts. There are others of us who have a "talent" to teach, or perhaps to play music, or maybe visit in a nursing home or prison, or...well, there are innumerable "talents" that God has given and provided for us to work with and invest in some way. Here's the deal, though: Are we doing it? Will we hear, "Well done, Good and faithful servant!" or, conversely, will we hear those dreaded words, "You wicked and lazy servant!"...???

Now, the thing of it is, YOU can decide...right now...which you will hear at the end of your journey. And, maybe even before the end of your journey comes; maybe in the here and now, right on this earth. I can make that same decision, as well, and so can every person who has been blessed (that would be EVERY person alive!) by God with a particular "talent" to invest and put to work.

Good and faithful servant? Wicked, lazy servant?

Which would you rather hear? Which would you rather be?

Your choice.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

The Fullness of God

Good Morning,

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I looked at these short verses this morning any my heart was filled. Then, I went back and read all of chapter 3 in Ephesians, and then back to chapter 2, as well. I would ask you to do the same, and I pray that God would touch your heart as He has touched mine with the words that Paul wrote to the Ephesians...and, consequently, to all of us. There are no words this morning to really do justice for the feelings and emotions I have felt in reading these chapters. I wish that I could, right now, this moment, share with you my heart one on one and touch you and let you more fully understand how these words have touched me. Please, just know my heart today...I love you and want, more and more, to be able to love with the same kind of love that God has for all of us.

My prayer today is to simply use Paul's prayer...for you and for myself. Stop a moment, please, and just take a short time to read carefully the words God gave to Paul so he could pray for those to whom he was given responsibility. These are, as I've said, my prayers for all who would read these words and it is my hope that we will ALL be able to "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you (we, all of us) may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

To God be all the glory! To Jesus let us give thanks! Forever...and forever...and forever.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

BEWARE!

Good Morning,

Matthew 7:13-23 (NIV)
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

As I read these verses this morning, I could picture a broad, smooth, easy road going down to a wide gate that seemed to be the right and easy way to go. Then, I saw a rather thin path that led to a very narrow gate going off to one side and it seemed to be a somewhat difficult way to go. Then, I heard people preaching and asking folks to follow them down the wide, easy road and to go with them trough that wide gate beyond.

When I've seen these verses before, I always just sort of separated the first section...the narrow gate and wide gate part...from the second, which warns us of those who are false prophets preaching things not of the Lord. But, today, I saw the relationship between these two short sections. Today I saw so many "feel good" preachers telling people that they don't really have to do this or that in order to be "good" Christians. Today I heard those voices that are so smooth and reassuring, but not entirely telling the truth that God would have us to hear. Today I saw the wolves in seep's clothing luring people into the easy way and the wide gate...that leads to destruction.

There certainly IS a correlation of the wide/narrow gates and the false prophets. Today, it became clear to me. But then, it's been there all the time, hasn't it? Sometimes my lack of wisdom and my being unable to see what's right before me, well, I'm simply amazed.

The message today, at least what I've heard clearly, is: BEWARE! Don't listen to the "feel good" preachers who show only the nice, pretty, easy things they want you to see...while they lead you down the road to destruction and away from God.

BEWARE!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Love Your Enemies

Good Afternoon,

Accept my apologies for this being so late. Just life happening.

Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Here we have what is, in my opinion, one of the most difficult things...if not THE most difficult things...that Jesus told us we should do. I know what He said here and I fully understand the concept. I'm aware that Jesus would have me to love those who persecute me and those who are my enemies. I DO know all of that. But, well, I have to admit that, like most other people, I fall far short of loving my enemies and those who persecute me.

How about you?

To carry this out as Jesus has told us, we need a great deal of help. I think that on our own, in our own human strengths (weaknesses, really) we simply can't get this done. So, the only way that we can even begin to obey what we read today is with the help of the Holy Spirit in our lives showing us, guiding us, and helping us to be obedient.

I'm not sure why this particular verse is being sent along today or for whom it might be meant. That's not my job. My job is to obey what I hear and send along what I'm told.

One thing that I do know and was reminded of as I thought about these words today. That would be the fact that when we hold onto hate, or even strong dislike, we only empower those to whom those feelings are aimed. When we DON'T obey what Jesus said, then we hurt ourselves. Believe me, our enemies, those who persecute us, are not affected at all by the emotions we harbor inside...unless the emotion is of love. THAT can, and often does, affect the people that we would call enemies.

I guess this is one of those things that we all have to think about and pray about. I can't do it without God helping me to do it. So, let's all pray for ourselves and one another in this. Through our petitions to God for the help of the Holy Spirit...and no other way that I can think of...we can overcome the feelings of hate and replace them with love and prayers.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Who Do I Serve?

Good Morning,

Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Luke 4:8 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

Today is a day for reflection, thought, and self examination. These verses of Scripture remind us, although we really shouldn't need a reminder, that we are to worship and serve God and no other idols or gods. After reading these words, my mind stopped and I started to think about where my time is spent and on what I've been doing on a regular basis that might, in some way, contradict what God wants of me and wants me to be doing.

Who or what is there in my life that is more important to me than God? Now, the "correct" answer would be: NOTHING! But, if I'm to be honest, well, maybe that wouldn't be totally and 100% truthful.

So, the next logical progression of this question would be: On what, or where, do I spend most of my time and energy? Again, the "correct" answer would be: On the things of the Lord, my God. But, again, if I am honest about it, that too wouldn't be a completely truthful answer.

Well, taking this to the next step, I guess I should ask: Am I happy with my answers this morning? Okay, I'll tell you the truth. No, I'm not.

Joshua said, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." And Jesus reminded us, that we are told in Deuteronomy, "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."

That's what we are to be thinking about today. That's what God has placed into my mind and into my heart to share.

We all have other "gods" and "idols" in our lives that we need to put aside. The list is to long to even consider in these remarks today. You know yours...and I know mine. What we are to do now...now that we've been reminded once again and now that we know we aren't happy with the answers we've come up with...what we're to do now is to take our little "gods" and those "idols" we have in our lives, take them and put them aside or remove them completely from our lives. Then, take the time, energy, and finances we've put into those gods and idols and put them into service and worship of the Lord our God.

Something to think about and ponder on this Thursday morning. Something important.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Righteous? Rich?

Good Morning,

Psalm 37:16-17 (NIV)
A little that a righteous man has
Is better than the riches of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
But the LORD upholds the righteous.
Luke 16:19-20 (NIV)
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate."

Today I received both of these verses of Scripture and didn't immediately see what one might have to do with the other. But, something I've learned is that Scripture is really the best commentary on Scripture, if you know what I mean. After a bit of thought, I think I understand why these have come today.

In the first verses from Psalms that we read today, it's clear that God is telling us that righteousness is far better than riches and wealth. I don't think we really need much comment about that, really, as this is certainly one of those times when God is being extremely clear and straight forward in what He has to tell us and educate us about.

The second section of verses that Jesus spoke about in Luke are a little less clear though. Yes, we're all familiar with the parable of the "certain rich man" and "a certain beggar named Lazarus." We know that Lazarus was blessed with heavenly rewards for being a good, righteous man while the "certain rich man" was sent into the depths of hell to suffer for what he had done and allowed in his life. A simple parable of good being much, much better than evil.

However, that's not what struck me this morning about this parable. What struck me, what I was made aware of, doesn't seem like much, but in the grand scheme of things I feel it speaks volumes. You see, we don't know the name of "a certain rich man" but we certainly know the name of Lazarus. So, what did all the riches bring this rich, uncaring person? Damnation, hell, and the fact that his name isn't even remembered...no matter his wealth. But, Lazarus? Yes, HIS name IS remembered, because he was a righteous man.

So, what we read in Psalms about "the arms of the wicked" being broken while "the Lord upholds the righteous" is even more telling when we read what Jesus told us in the parable He related.

Riches or righteousness. Often...more often than we might like to think about...these two aren't compatible. One almost always gets in the way of the other. Yes, I know that there are exceptions to this, I'm not naive. However, for the most part, it appears that these two concepts are diametrically opposed to one another. Can a rich man be righteous? Sure. Does is happen often? No. Can a righteous man be rich? Again, sure. Does it happen often? Again, no.

Why is this? I would think that we see enough examples all around us in the world in which we live, that I don't have to go into the details here. But, we'll know the definitive answer when we meet the Lord and all things become clear.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Glory to God

Good Morning,

John 17:4 (NIV)
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

When I read this verse of Scripture I wondered how what it says could pertain to my life, today...in today's world.

What came to me was that voice asking if, at the end of my life, I could say these words, or similar words, to my God. Have I brought glory to God by doing the work that He has provided for me to do? I wish I could confidently say, "Yes," to that without any doubt at all. I would love to say that I've done all of the work that God placed before me, and done it to His glory. Now, I would love to say that, but, if I'm to be truthful with God, myself, and to those to whom I speak regularly, I can't say that. Now that's not to say that I haven't done some of the work He's asked for me to do, but ALL of it? No, I can't say that. And, I would guess, none of us really can, can we?

Then I heard, pretty clearly, "How about the work I've given you to do today?" You see, if I...or any of us...could say, "I have brought glory to God today by doing the work He gave me to do this day," then we would be well on our way to truly bringing glory to God by the accumulation of what we've done as His servants. It is so much easier to simply put one day out there, keep our eyes and energies on just today, and do what it is we know we are supposed to do to bring glory to our God.

One day. That's all. Not an accumulation of all the days of our lives, and especially those days when we didn't walk with the Lord. No, just today. This very day. Even, perhaps, this one moment in time. If we can truly say that this moment or this day I have done the work that God wanted me to do, then we have, truly, brought Him glory. If we can focus on doing God's work today and in the days that follow, then...when we are ready to go home to Jesus...we will be able to say, confidently.......

Lord, I have brought you glory in my life by doing the work that you provided for me to do.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Persistent...Bold

Good Morning,


Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

We are all very familiar with these verses of Scripture, I'm sure. They are used to teach us that we ought to pray and go to God with our petitions; our needs, wants, and desires...for ourselves and others. Something that we tend to overlook, though, are those verses which come directly before these two verses...

"I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence (NIV reads: boldness) he will rise and give him as many as he needs." (vv 8)

So, immediately before Jesus tells people that we are to ask, seek, and knock, He tells us that we need to be persistent and bold when we ask, seek, and knock.

Yes, God does answer prayers. Yes, God does often give what is asked for. Yes, God shows the way to those who seek. Yes, God opens the doors that are knocked on. However, sometimes the ways in which He answers prayers aren't exactly what we were thinking about when we went to Him.

Sometimes what we ask for isn't what we need in our lives, so God answers by providing that which is truly what we need...maybe different from what we ask. Sometimes what we seek, or the ways in which we go, aren't what God would have for us in our lives, so He answers by nudging and prodding us to find those things that He knows are best for us in our lives. Sometimes the doors we knock on aren't truly the ones that we ought to be standing in front of, so God answers by placing us in front of a different door, or even opening a door that we never thought was there.

In our human understanding this can be difficult, I know. We want what we want. And...we want it right now. We are human, after all, and have those frailties and foibles of being human. So, often, we just don't know what's best in our lives. God does.

And, back to our original point this morning. Jesus tells us that we are to be persistent and bold in our prayers. We are to continue to pray...to ask, seek, and knock...as long as it takes. In His example he says, "yet because of his persistence...," which tells us that our persistence and boldness will be to our gain, as well. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

Yes, my friends, when we pray we are to be persistent and bold. And...we should also expect the unexpected sometimes in the answers to our prayers.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Worthy of the gospel

Good Morning,

Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.

Quick question for everyone this morning. If someone were to observe my life and lifestyle, or even hear about how I'm living, would who I am and what I do be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Okay, and just a bit of a follow up. Would anyone see that I stand firm in one spirit in faith in the gospel?

Next question (really the same as the first, but maybe a bit more immediate). DOES anyone see, or DOES anyone hear about me in a way that would be considered worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ? DOES anyone see that I am standing firm in one spirit in faith in the gospel?

No need to go into a long dissertation about what it means to be "worthy of the gospel" I don't think. Deep inside I think that each of us knows whether or not we're living the life that would Paul spoke about and a life that he would be proud of when he saw or heard of it.

To take it to the next obvious and more meaningful step...

Is Jesus seeing me now, this very day, living a life that He would be pleased with? "In a manner worthy of the gospel?"

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Content...Satisfied

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11 (CEV)
I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have.

Two words leap out from the page as I read these translations of this verse. One is the word content. The other is the word satisfied. You see, the thing is, I believe that the world, society as a whole, has lost the concept of both these words. And, if we were to add in "enough," well, it goes without saying that only very few people alive today, at least in the fairly well to do world in which we live understand THAT word.

Paul, I think, is telling those around him...and all generations to every live after him...that the concept of being "content" or "satisfied" with what they have been given by God should be, even needs to be, enough in their lives.

However, that's not where we now find ourselves, is it? And, being unable to understand what enough and satisfied and content mean, well, I firmly believe that is the reason we find ourselves...the whole world now, it seems...in such a huge financial mess that seems to have no end. But, I guess that's a whole different discussion...the world financial disaster.

What God is impressing in my mind and therefore what I feel led to send along, is the simply fact that we need to not just read and politely nod our heads in assent at this verse of Scripture. No, we need to do much more than that. What we need to do, and it starts with each person individually, is to wrap our minds and hearts (even our very souls) around those three words: content; satisfied; enough, for if we do not and if we can not, then there is very little hope that the mistakes we've made in our lives financially will every be rectified.

Then, even if we WERE to be fortunate enough to be blessed with the financial means to get out of our present fiscal crisis, we'll never be truly happy or pleased with wherever we find ourselves because, you see, we shall never have enough.

Let me tell you a personal story. One day about 15 or more years ago, I found myself in a very difficult place financially. I had lost my excellent, good paying job (that "downsizing" thing that had begun about then) and I was collecting unemployment. My prospects were not good. It was tough. So, as I was in my little office at home I was "crying the blues" to God about where I found myself and how in the world I would get out of that situation. As I poured out my heart for God to provide a better job with more money, I heard that still, small voice which said, "Look around you. See all that I have provided." When I took a moment to realize that I had two automobiles which were paid for, a home with a fairly reasonable mortgage payment, plenty of food in the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator, well, things didn't look so bleak. And I then heard, "David, how much is enough for you?" At that moment, I realized that I truly did NOT, until then, understand what "enough" meant. However, since that time, I have come to fully understand the concept of "enough" and I've learned to be content and satisfied with what the Lord provides.

You see? In our striving for more and in not being content or satisfied with what we have (not understanding "enough"), we can simply not be happy or at peace. If we look about and begin to desire more or this, a better that, a new something else...when all the time what we have is surely sufficient to for our needs...then, our lives become just another page in the rat race book of uncontrolled greed.

Paul said, "I have learned to be content (satisfied) whatever the circumstances (with whatever I have)."

I think it would be a good idea for us to follow his lead on this. Don't you?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

I was hungry...

Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)
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.

I received the following and believe that it is something we ought to read and think about...

One morning before bible study, we noticed a woman waiting outside the church where we met. One of them, Perry, greeted her and asked how she was doing. She said she was waiting for the church to open to see if it had any clothing to give away since she needed a jacket.
When the custodian opened the door, they went in to check the clothing box, but nothing seemed to work. Another brother, Tom, went to his car to retrieve a windbreaker and gave it to her. A third brother, John, gave her some money.
Three bible study partners and three gifts: one with a greeting and caring inquiry, another with a jacket and a third with money.

This little story, indeed, shows in a practical way how people can live out what Jesus spoke.

This short message ended with a question: What are some little ways that you can reach out and be Christ to those around you?

I would guess that nothing more need be said.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Rest

Good Morning,

Mark 6:31 (NIV)
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

This verse struck me today because I know that there are many who read these words and can relate to the "busy-ness" that was happening around Jesus and the disciples at that time. Way too often we get caught up in doing too many things and being involved in too many works and trying to be all things to everyone around us all the time.

I don't know who needs to think about this or how many of us are just too busy and not getting enough rest. But I do know that there are some who really have to take a step back and see what's going on in their lives. Then, decisions need to be made about what is really necessary and what is just too much.

You see, we don't but enough emphasis on the need for rest. But Jesus did have that basic understanding that a person can really only be effective when that person doesn't take on too much and gets enough rest and relaxation in his or her life. People can be truly efficient and successful in what they are attempting to do only when they are getting enough rest and taking time away from their "busy, busy, busy...doing it, doing it doing it" lives. It may not seem important and I know that there are those of us who feel they don't need to get decent rest from their pursuits, but I assure you these good hearted people are wrong in that.

Jesus knew and then told the disciples (and us, as well!) the value of rest and getting away from all of the activity going on. We ought to know and understand that concept, as well.

If we want to be truly effective in getting the work of God's kingdom done, then we need to be sure we're getting enough rest while doing that work. Recharging the batteries, so to speak, is well worth the time. For when we are well rested and full charged, that's when we will bear much fruit and be successful in those kingdom works we do.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

A Good Name

Good Morning,

Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Somewhere along the way, in time that is now gone and past us by, it seems we've lost the wisdom of the words we read in today's Scripture verse. Something appears to have changed in human beings and what was once deemed valuable above almost everything else has now been replaced by "profit at all costs" and "uncontrolled greed" in almost every society on the planet.

So, I would ask: What is more desirable or valuable than one's good name; one's reputation? How on earth could anyone value money more than to be esteemed by people in our communities?

Now, I know that there will be people who will argue that this phenomenon doesn't affect Christians. Some will say that if we have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives as Lord and Savior that His teachings and our Christian doctrinal beliefs will take precedent over this greed and profit mind set of the world. Really? Think about it for a bit and then take a long, hard look around. Because, my friends, it is unfortunate that this kind of thinking is becoming more or less permanently entrenched into the minds of too many "good" Christians.

Short message today.

Think about this verse. What is important in your life? What drives you each day? What is it that gets you excited?

Just something to think about; pray about; and ask God's guidance and direction about.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

No other gods...

Good Morning,

Exodus 20:1-6 (NIV)
And God spoke all these words:
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
"You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments."

These words, from the mouth of God, are as true today as they were those many thousands of years ago.

All that has changed are the "gods" that people choose to worship, although there are still those who will bow down and worship stone, wood, gold, or other physical idols and gods.

Today, the world has replaced many of those man made idol type gods with other man made idols. Maybe they don't call them gods, but they are worshipped nonetheless.

So, a short list, perhaps? Television, maybe? Think of the time spent in mindless and often ridiculous watching of the "tube"...much of it totally stupid. Sports and sports teams? If given a chance, millions of people will spend inordinate amounts of time, energy, and money to worship their sports teams and idols. (Gators anyone?) The computer? Oh, my! How many hours are totally wasted spent typing and reading and searching on the computer? Now, of course, that's not directed to those who use the computer as a tool for good and to reach people for the Lord. But, think now...think of the time on all the social networks and other mindless things. (Let's not even mention those places that people go where they KNOW they shouldn't go!) Musicians and music? Oh, yes! Elvis! Michael! So many, many, many others...alive and dead...that folks idolize and can't get enough of.

We get the idea, I'm sure. God told us, words directly from His mouth spoken so that all generations would hear and know them, that we are to worship HIM! Only Him. "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of ANYTHING in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." Well, how often do we see people actually, physically give that "bow" when some sports idol or music god does something amazing? "Oh, we don't mean anything by it," you will hear, I'm sure. But, well, isn't it bowing to an idol?

Okay. Enough said, huh? I think that we all need to examine on what we spend our time and where we tend to spend our money. Have we made idols and gods in the here and now that are pushing God aside, even just a little bit? If we find that the answer is "Yes," then we need to rethink what we're about.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

God's love, grace, and forgiveness

Good Morning,

Psalm 103:8-12 (NIV)
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Today we have verses of Scripture that need no commentary from me. Today we have words that simply deserve our contemplation. Today we have words that should cause us to go to the Lord with grateful hearts to thank Him for His love, grace, and forgiveness.

Take some time alone, with these verses in your mind and heart, to be with God. Let Him touch you today.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Hollow and Deceptive Philosophy

Good Morning,

Colossians 2:6-15 (NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
(Emphasis mine, DRB)

We're sent a warning in these verses...especially verse 8...that too many of us either don't really understand, don't take seriously, or feel we're too smart to get caught up in these "hollow and deceptive philosophies."

Here's the thing that is so damaging, and maybe even damning, about this. That would be that there are those who take the Bible and turn it and twist it and define what it says in ways that are simply NOT what God has to say to us.

So, today's "message" is going to be pretty short and to the point. What I feel God is saying to me...and to all of us...is to be very, very careful about what we believe when people use the Bible as their "source" but twist the meaning and put their own "spin" on what it says. We have to be extremely cautious when we read or hear or see things that seem so easy to take to heart, but that are being touted by people with their own agenda...not God's agenda...for what they say.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy..." Unfortunately, we...many of us...are easily persuaded by some things we hear, see, and read because, well, because it just sounds good to our ears and it fits into what we think is good. Remember, many of these various "philosophers" and even some "preachers" have their own programs, for whatever reason, that are designed to move us away from where we ought to be.

Beware. Be careful. Just because it sounds good, doesn't make it good. Just because the person saying it might be held up by some people, doesn't make them right. If there are some who are leading you down this path or that which is filled with hate and/or fear, well, think a moment and see if, perhaps, that might NOT be from God. Last time I checked, God doesn't work that way.

God works with love and caring, hope and faith.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Pray...Seek His Face

Good Morning,

Today we celebrate "Independence Day" here in the United States of America. We celebrate that day over 200 years ago when there was a gathering of the leaders who put forth the Declaration of Independence from England's King George, whom they felt was a despotic ruler. These smart and brave people began an experiment in a Democratic form of government that we still enjoy to this day. Today's verse of Scripture may not directly describe those "truths which we hold to be self evident," but it DOES, I think, give us direction about what we ought to do and where we should go.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

There is a key word in this verse. That word is "if." "IF my people who are called by my name...I will hear from heaven...forgive their sins...restore their land."

I think we can all agree that we, and this country in which we live, need forgiveness. And, I don't think that there can be any doubt that our nation is in desperate need of restoration.

The sins that need forgiveness are too numberable to mention, but we know what they are. And the restoration? Would only that God would restore us to a truly "free" and noble land that once we were.

Here's what we CAN do, my friends, even today...and then every day...to get God's attention and hopefully the attention of a needy nation. We can do as God asks us. We can humble ourselves and not seem to be so "high and mighty" to those who look at us. We can pray, every day, for God to come and be with us and heal our land, our great nation. We can seek His face, continually, every moment of every day, to have Him be with us and help us.

You see, if WE, Christian believers, won't DO what we SAY we ought to be doing, then...Why would the non believers and those of the world want to do these things? However, if we WILL do what we say ought to be done, and people will observe that we ARE different and ARE making a difference, then, maybe...just maybe...we might show what this nation truly needs: To be humble; to pray; to seek God's face.

I wish one and all a wonderful...and blessed...Independence Day holiday.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Your Gift and Giftedness

Good Morning,

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV)
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NLT)
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
(Emphasis mine, DRB)

Many verses and sections of Scripture come my way each day. They come from various mails and many people (thank you Alan). Today's verse(s) seemed to cry out to me and begged the question, "How are YOU, David, using the gifts I've given you to help My children."

I pose this question to you, today, as well. You DO have a gift. Even if you don't see it or can't understand it, God HAS given you a gift to use, as we read today, "...for the common good," or, as the NLT puts it so very clearly, "...so we can help each other." I don't think a long, drawn out and lengthy message is needed on this, do you? All we have to do is to ask ourselves, each of us, the question that God asked me today.

How ARE you using your gift, gifts, and giftedness for the common good and to help others?

Okay. Now, GO TO WORK!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Seek First...

Good Morning,

Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Usually when we look at these verses from this section of Scripture we examine and talk about worry...and the uselessness of our worry. However, today we're looking at the verse in which Jesus tells us exactly where our first priorities should lie.

"But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides." (vv 33. AMP)

Before we go about looking to improve our lives and our living conditions in the world, FIRST, Jesus tells us, that we need to get our spiritual lives in order. FIRST we're to seek God; His kingdom; His righteousness. Now doing that would happen BEFORE we go and seek a new car or new house or new clothes or...well, before anything else.

Now what I hear this morning in my mind is, "David, what are you seeking after today? What is first on your list of priorities this day? Where have you been putting your efforts lately? Are you, truly, seeking Me, My kingdom, and My righteousness?"

I'm not going to give you my answers to these questions. After all, MY answers don't really mean anything to you, nor do they really affect the way you choose to live our life. How I answer these questions is something that I have to deal with between God and me. You see, you have to be the one to answer these questions to God...and to yourself. You have to be the one who takes the initiative to examine yourself, your mind, your heart, and your desires to see what might be FIRST in your life.

Here's the good news...If you don't much like the answers or don't think that God would like the answers, well, you can simply change those answers by making the changes necessary to be able to truly say, and truly live out, "God, His kingdom, and His righteousness IS first in all I do, all I want, all I really desire."

So, let's all do the right thing this morning and take some time to look deep inside and be honest with ourselves first and then, of course, God.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Politics

Good Morning,

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

I received a question from someone who asked about political discussions while attending a Bible Study. I answered it...a lengthy answer so I'll not put it here...but still thought about how discordant and divisive political subjects and ideas can be, especially among Christians. Actually, I couldn't get the subject out of my head. So, when these verses of Scripture came to me today, well, it sure seems that God is speaking to us through them. No, it doesn't "seem" that He's telling us something, He IS telling us something. There is a difference, don't you think?

Let me ask you something. How can a group of folks "live in peace" when someone broaches some controversial subject that he or she has to know will cause some degree of disagreement or contention within the group? And, when that group has gathered to discuss God's Holy Bible, it seems that bringing up something of that nature is even more of a problem than in other circumstances. The writer of Hebrews tells us, clearly, "Make every effort to live in peace with ALL men..." Now, that seems to be pretty clear. Okay, it's clear to me, anyway. That's why I do all I can to steer people away from various topics and subjects when I feel we are gathered for a Bible Study, fellowship time, or other religious activity. Now, I have to admit that I am pretty clear and forthright in my political ideas, stance, and leanings. But...I do try to "make every effort to live in peace" with people I'm around by not brining up things that might cause a challenge or a lack of peace.

The word that came to me clearly this morning while reading these verses and then thinking about them was the word "dissension." So, I took a look at what the Bible says in verses that mention dissension. I'll not list all of the verses, but I'll give a quick synopsis of what the gist of it all is. Here are the things that the Bible says "stirs up" or "causes" dissension: plotting evil with deceit; false witness and lies; hatred; hot tempered people; perversity; gossip; greed; anger; discord; jealousy; selfish ambition; factions. Quite a list, isn't it? Oh, there's probably even more, but, well, I would think that's enough for today. Point here being that we simply do not want, nor can we really afford, to have dissension in and among ourselves, Christians who are trying to spread the Good News and teach people the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

You see, political discussions can...and so very often do...cause so many of the things we read about what causes dissension. Politics and political leanings, ideas, and so forth, too often bring out the worst in us. Now that's because of the second verse we read in today's Scripture, I think. "See to it that...no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." When we bring our political beliefs into our Christian gatherings and they differ, well, what happens...almost without fail...is that "bitter roots" DO grow up inside that fellowship group and that will "cause trouble and defile many." The trouble and defilement come when someone's political leanings don't agree with someone else's and that person who disagrees then begins to berate, complain, argue, gossip, and be angry with another who isn't of their political belief system.

Okay. I'm NOT going to discuss ANY political point of view in this message. That's not the point. I don't really care or want to know YOUR political views and I don't think that MY political leanings are any of your business. Pretty strong statement, I know. But how we feel about some things in our lives need not be discussed in any way that can cause dissension. We need to be obedient to what God has given us as direction in the Bible...even, I dare say, commands.

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

We need to do all possible to NEVER stir up any dissension among ourselves because that only causes bitterness, separation, and grief in our Christian community. We need to be united in sharing the Gospel. We need to be together and in total agreement in bringing God's message to the world. If we argue and fight among ourselves, we cannot be effective or as successful as we could be.

THAT'S the point.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David