Clothe Yourself...

Good Morning,

Colossians 3 (NIV)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
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.
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 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. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

The verses that came across my desk this morning were:
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.

The first word in these verses..."Therefore"...made me go to the whole chapter to see what that "therefore" was about. You know, therefore, but, although, so, words like that mean that there's something that came before them which ought to be looked at and then the word and what follows makes a lot more sense. So, I read this chapter. It isn't long. However, even in its brevity it contains more wisdom than many whole books that have been written and even more wisdom than some people garner in a whole lifetime.

The NIV also has, just before the verse 1, "Rules for Holy Living." Then, just before verse 18, "Rules for Christian Households." Yes, we do have some rules. But they are meant for us to follow so that we could be the examples of Christian living that God wants us to be.

As the year closes, this chapter of Scripture seems very appropriate to read and contemplate. I ask you to read them as I did and let what God has given us speak into your mind and heart and spirit. Should we make "resolutions" of what we read here today for the coming year? No, I don't believe in the resolution thing very much as what I've seen and experienced about resolutions is that they last about a week or maybe even a month, but really, they don't last. What we read in these verses today are traits and principles that we all ought to have in our life and be following on a daily basis.

Let's not make promises and resolutions that we probably can't keep. Let's just give serious thought as to what we read in this section of Scripture and ask God to help us be better followers of Jesus Christ.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Transformed and Renewed

Good Morning,

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Yesterday we discussed the fact that we, you and I the children of God, can...and will!...overcome the world and the evil in it. (I added the "and will" because I believe it is more than possible to live out the verses we read yesterday and we must always keep our attitude like that of Jesus Christ, be positive about the things of God!) Today, we read a verse that helps us to begin the overcoming and defeat of evil we face each day in this world. What we do today can and will alter our lives. What we do every day can and does alter our lives.

Paul wrote to the Romans that they should not conform to, copy the behavior of, "this world," that is...the world that existed at that point in history. Things were pretty sticky back then, to say the least! However, what God had to say then to those ancient peoples rings just as true today, over 2,000 years later, in "this world," that is...the world in which we live today. Things are still pretty sticky and perhaps even worse than what folks faced back then with the advent of the Internet, computers, television, and on, and on, and on. I say that because it's evident that the evil which persists in the world today can be almost instantaneously transmitted all over the planet. That, my friends, makes it even more difficult for us to do as we read and to resist conforming to and copying the behaviors we see all around us.

God, however, gives us the method in which we can be more successful than we may have been in resisting the world and keeping ourselves from conforming to it. That method is to "transform" our minds out of and away from what we see and hear and experience in our every day interactions with the world. The New Living Translation says, "But let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." I kind of like the way that explains the process better than other translations because it describes and makes clear that this transforming is of God and that it must be with God's help that we can be successful. On our own, I'm afraid, we will probably fail. It is surely most difficult to fight against the evil in this world which comes at us from every angle and almost every minute of every day. The trick here, though, is that we must LET God help us in the transformation of our minds that is needed in most of us. We must pray and give Him permission to do His work in us and allow the Holy Spirit to be in us to bring about this transformation. You see, God is a polite and gentle God. He won't force Himself on any of us and He won't fill us with His Holy Spirit against our wills. We, each of us as individuals and all of us as His Church, must ask Him to make this transformation, this changing, of our minds take place.

Will it be an easy, one step process? No. Plainly and simply, the answer is no, it will not be a simple or easy process for the transformation and renewing of our minds. However, there is a huge upside when we make the concerted effort on our own part and ask God to come to us and do His part: "Then you will be able to test and approve (you will learn to know) what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Isn't that what all of us want? To really know and understand what God's will is for each of us? Don't we want to be active in bringing about God's will in our time on this earth?

Transformed and renewed. I will confess to you that's exactly what I want in my mind and life. Without it, I simply won't know...nor will I accomplish...God's will.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Overcome The World

Good Morning,

1 John 5:1-5 (NIV)
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:1-5 (NLT)
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

"...overcomes the world..." What a huge thought. It sort of boggles the mind to believe that I could "overcome the world" in some way. But, I shouldn't feel that way and I shouldn't doubt for even a moment that I can, truly, overcome the world and "can win this battle against the world" as we read in the NLT translation.

Here's the deal then: SO CAN YOU! So can every child of God. How do I know that? Simply put, I know that because these verses of Scripture tell me so. If God is telling me, through Holy Scripture, that I can do a thing, then, well, I surely CAN do that thing! You see my logic here?

Scripture is from God. I think we all believe that and I think that we all know that in our hearts and minds and in our spirits. God's words as written in Scripture are the truth. So, if we know that and believe that, then we ought to have no problem understanding that we can, truly, do all that God says we can do.

Whether we read "overcomes the world" or "defeats the evil world" it comes to the same thing. Because of our faith and belief in Jesus Christ, we have power inside us to overcome and defeat the world and the evil in it. That power comes from God and is given to everyone who comes to Him by believing Jesus Christ is Lord and accepts Him as Savior. "...we achieve this victory (over the world and the evil in the world) through our faith."

It's just that simple. Our faith overcomes. Our faith gives us power. Our faith causes us to defeat the evil we face each day. It is our faith that is our power.

What we've got to, however, is to rid ourselves of our doubts and excuses about this or that which cause us to think that we CAN'T overcome that we CAN'T defeat the evil. That's just not true. My Bible says I can. So does yours. Here's a place where "can't" simply should not be in our vocabulary nor should it be understood in our minds.

Now, will my faith rid the world of evil? Will my faith cause the world to "change its stripes", so to speak? No, probably not. (I won't say that it's impossible for my faith...or your faith...to do these things, because with God ANYTHING is possible.) However, my faith can rid MY world, the world in my influence and the small part of the world that I can control, I can rid that world of evil. My faith can cause the world that is around me, at least a lot of it, truly to "change its stripes" and become much less evil...especially in the way or ways it affect me.

You see the difference? Our faith, truly, CAN and WILL overcome and defeat the world and the evil in it...at least as far as it affects us. We can stand firm against the evil that is out there and allow our faith to protect us from it and to defeat it in our lives and our spheres of influence.

What a marvelous section of Scripture to come to us here at the end of this year and the beginning...a new beginning...of another year. A message that we have the power, the power of our faith to overcome a world that seems to be filled more and more with evil and enmity towards God.

Believe what God tells us, my friends. It's true. Have no doubts. You and I have the power of our faith in Jesus Christ to overcome!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

The Truth

Good Morning,

John 1:1-14 (NIV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Many minds, and probably all of them much more intelligent, smarter, and well read than I, have commented on these verses of Scripture. So, I'm certainly not going to try to explain or expound upon the truth that we read today. My only reason for sending this along is to bring to everyone's attention...especially those who might have doubts from time to time...that these words ARE the truth. That would be, the truth that Jesus Christ was, is, God. Then, He was also man, was born of a woman, was made flesh, and lived on this earth.

I read these words and I think I understand the amazing revelation that must have exploded inside John's mind as they were given to him. I can't, of course, fully comprehend what he must have felt nor how he dealt with the realization of what God was telling him, but I DO understand what these words say and what they mean and what God wanted us to know through them.

These words, for me at least, are the basis of my belief that Jesus Christ was 100% a human being while also being 100% God. How do I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt? I guess the best answer I can give is that I just do. I mean, I can't go into some long, detailed explanation about it. All I know is that when I read these words I know that they are the truth and I know it beyond any shadow of doubt.

So, these must be the words that I return to when, as most human beings do, I have some kind of doubt that crops up in my mind. These verses are the words that sustain me when the enemy comes to sow the seeds of doubt in my mind and tries to sway me away from what I know is the truth.

That brings us back to why this is being sent today. Well, I don't know, really. Except to repeat what I heard when I put my hands on the keyboard this morning. That would be, for someone...or maybe someones...who may be having a bit of doubt today or could be struggling with his or her belief. It happens to everyone occasionally, I know. So, I guess God gives to one of us something that is meant for all of us. Sometime He gives something to all of us which is meant for one of us, as well.

Today I implore you, you who may have questions or doubts, to read and contemplate these words from John. Read what God gave him for us to know His truth. I pray they will bring peace and understanding to you as they have done for me and many others.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Rest

Good Morning,

Exodus 34:21 (NIV)
"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest."
Mark 6:30-32 (NIV)
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 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."
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

In these two sections of Scripture we hear about rest from both God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ. For that reason, the hearing from both on the same subject, I would say that it's a very good idea to follow the direction that we hear from them. Unfortunately, too often, we don't.

I have wondered in my own life why Sunday afternoons, after attending services and eating a nice lunch/dinner, that I often heartily enjoy going into my living room, getting comfortable in my recliner, turning on the television, and promptly falling sound asleep for a nap. I mean, I know that there are other things, much more productive things, that I could be doing during that time (sometimes just a short few minutes and other times as much as a couple of hours), but it's just feels so very good to simply rest like that. I believe that it very well could be God sort of forcing me to be obedient in what He has told me about rest.

What are your "Sundays" like? With the 24 hour, seven day work weeks we are now faced with, I know that it could very well be your day of rest might not be Sunday. Could be Tuesday or Friday or any other day. Point being, I think, we need to have a day where we spend time in worship and then in rest. It's important to our bodies, of course, to rest from our work, but it's also equally important for us to rest our minds and to simply, well, rest.

Here's what God is telling me, and therefore you I guess: Get some rest! Don't spend your day off from your work doing more work. God is telling us that in addition to worship services, we also need to simply rest and relax.

If you're not doing it, my friend, you need to. For many reasons, but first and foremost, because God says so!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Mind of Christ

Good Morning,

Philippians 2:5-8 (KJV)
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

The season for celebrations, "good cheer," bright lights, presents...giving and receiving, singing caroling songs, and the such has come to an end this day after Christmas. I wondered what kind of message the Lord would send my way this morning, to tell you the truth. One of continuation, perhaps? That would be continuation of the love that many of us feel and give because of what God did for us. Of continuing to give? To give more and more carefully to those in need? Many things crossed my mind this morning as I had my coffee and wondered what would come.

Then, these verses were here awaiting me as I opened my computer and read what had been sent to me. I smiled and shook my head as I realized that no better message could possibly come from God than this: Today, and the days that will follow, let us strive and do all possible to have the mind and attitude of Jesus Christ as we live out our lives in obedience to what God asks of us.

Yes, the celebration and "good tidings" of Christmas and the Christmas season are wonderful and, I think, are truly meant for us to enjoy and share with one another...and with the world, as well. I would heartily agree with that. However, as we know and have been told by many, Jesus being born...and thus our celebrations...is just the beginning of His story and the story of salvation for all mankind. We must never lose sight of the fact that this most joyous beginning of God's life on earth, does, indeed, come to a most horrible and painful end for Him. But is also the beginning of another kind, the beginning of forgiveness for man's sinning and the way of salvation.

What better way could we begin another season of our lives than with the mind and attitude of Jesus Christ? What better way could we go from this day on than in obedience to what God wants of us?

Yes, we certainly could take almost every word, or at least every statement, of these verses and expound upon them and try to explain them and go on, and on, and on. Many have done so in the past, so I will certainly not add my meager understanding to more brilliant people than myself.

All that I hear this morning is...the mind of Jesus...His attitude...His obedience.

If we will come upon the days ahead and face them with these thoughts in our minds and hearts then I feel we will be doing exactly what God wants.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Merry Christmas!

Good Morning,

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a most wonderful year to come. My prayers go out to all who might read these words that the Lord gives me each day. Specifically, my prayer is that in reading what has been written that lives will be touched in a most wonderful way, that questions might be answered, that the fullness of the Lord God would come, that refreshing of spirits would occur, and that the peace of God would felt. My gift to you and to all is my prayer. I would ask in return your prayers for me and for this ministry, that God would continue to bless me and enable me to go on for as long as He would have me to do His bidding.

Acts 13:38-39 (NIV)
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses."

Righteousness. Holiness. Peace. Justification. These are gifts from a loving and caring God. These are gifts that can only come when we proclaim our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. These are gifts that have come to us only because Jesus came to this earth, lived His life teaching us, and then dying on the cross. These are gifts that began over 2,000 years ago because of the birth of a baby in most humble surroundings and has touched the world ever since. These are gifts that can never be earned or bought, but can only come by the grace of God.

Sometime tomorrow as we go about our various giving, receiving, and celebrations of Christmas, let's try to, first, remember all that God has given us. Then, let's do more to show we have gratefully received His gifts. And let us teach our children and our young people and those around us that Christmas is so much more than what the world would have us to believe it is. Let us allow God to work through us and use us for His good works especially among those who may not believe or are struggling with their faith.

Once again, I wish you a most wonderful and blessed Christmas. As we read in the Bible, let's all sing out the praises of God. Let us use the words we read in Luke 2:14 proclaimed by angels...

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

P. S. I'll be taking tomorrow off. DRB

Born Where?

Good Morning,

Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The other night I was surfing a bit to find something that wasn't totally ridiculous to watch on the television (it's SO difficult to find programs that have any redeeming values whatever!) when I came upon a Discovery channel program about Jesus, His life, and His death. First thing I'd like to mention here is that it certainly wasn't a religious kind of program, more of a history thing that they did. I mean, God forbid! that they might possibly mention the true reason for Jesus to be born. But then, that's another message.

What I learned from this program was that there are different interpretations of what the Bible says, even in something so simple as placing the Christ Child in a manger, because the inn had no room available to Joseph and Mary. These Discovery Channel folks went into some details about how the "inn" probably wasn't really what we would call an inn and could have another meaning. They spoke about the "fact" that the stable we think of as Jesus' birth place maybe wasn't a stable at all, but perhaps just a basement room in a house, or maybe a cave, or something else entirely. I didn't really find what they were talking about offensive as they never made any claims that Jesus wasn't the Messiah. I just was sort of fascinated by all of the different interpretations of this word or that word, this sentence being placed here or there, how something could have another meaning other than what is widely accepted.

The thing that struck me most, however, was that no matter how we interpret the where and how of the place Jesus was born, or if there were animals there or not, or any other minutiae that is mentioned in the Gospels, the reason WHY Jesus was born, lived, and died does not change. That, my friends, is the absolute bottom line.

Jesus came to this earth for you, for me, and for all mankind to have the opportunity to accept Him into our lives as Lord and Savior. Thus, by the grace of God, to be forgiven of our sin...as Jesus became the propitiation for our sin...and to be able to spend eternity with Him in heaven. This is the all important fact that we need to know. Not whether Jesus was born in a stable, or a cave, or a cellar, or someplace else.

Then, after thinking about this, it also came to me how much even various denominations and sects of Christianity can't seem to agree on some points of the Bible. You believe that this detail is of all important value and I believe that the detail you speak of says something entirely different. Some feel that worship needs to be on this day and then others think that the Bible is clear that it should be on another day. Oh, the details and their meaning; their interpretation. Even to whether or not one is right or wrong to clasp hands together in prayer or if it's better to raise one's hands to God in prayer. Sometimes it's almost as silly as the old song about "You say tomato, and I say tomahto" you know? And, you know what? All of the differences and disagreements we might have with this or that mean nothing. At least they mean nothing when compared to the common thing that we ALL believe: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND SAVIOR! HE IS THE MESSIAH!

In a couple of days we will celebrate the most important event that has ever occurred in the history of our planet, perhaps other than the creation of the world itself. Some of us will sing "Happy Birthday Jesus" and others of us will be much more solemn in the way we observe the birth of Jesus. But how we commemorate His birth means nothing compared to the fact that we do remember why we do it.

It is normal to give a person a gift at the celebration of their birthday. Why don't we try to give Jesus what could be the greatest gift of all...unity. A totally undivided and completely united Church which strives only to fulfill all of what Jesus taught while He walked the earth among us. Yes, a long term goal and one that will be difficult to reach, I agree. But it is a goal we ought to give ourselves over to. I think God would like that.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Light and Momentary Troubles

Good Morning,

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

"...light and momentary troubles..." I thought about this and wondered what, exactly, those troubles could be for those of us living a couple of thousand years after Paul wrote these words. Now, his troubles, those he faced, were greatly different than what we face...at least specifically they were. After all, his times were greatly different than those we live in today. But then, what about the CAUSE of those "light and momentary troubles" that he face and those that we face?

That, my friends, the cause of many of our "troubles" is exactly the same. It is because we "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" as we try to live a Christian life and a Christian life style. Following Christ is causing us troubles? Well, sort of if we look at what occurs when we accept the fact that Jesus Christ was born, lived, and died for the ultimate salvation of all mankind.

When we choose to follow Jesus we are choosing to life differently from the rest of the world. That seems pretty evident, I think...doesn't it? So, how can doing that possibly cause trouble in our lives? I guess that the first thing that might cause us some challenges would be that we are considered sort of stupid by much of the world because we believe in God and in Jesus Christ. The world says that, believing in what we cannot see or hear or feel, is just not very smart, therefore, we have some trouble in our lives because of those feelings. This might even be the worst of our "light and momentary troubles" as we walk a Christian walk.

But, there are other things as well. When we choose to live, or at least TRY to live, a decent Christian life we know that we must give up certain ways of living; certain pleasures and comforts, because of their nature and what they do in our lives mentally, spiritually, and even physically. Those things that we do...and don't do...make our lives a bit more difficult sometimes than it was before we chose to follow the Savior. We don't go to this movie. We don't read that book. We go to services on Sunday, or Saturday, or Wednesday, or whatever day we choose, instead of doing something more "pleasurable" during those hours. We read the Bible and spend time in prayer, not watching some meaningless, although enjoyable, television program. Well, we could list any number of things that become different when we live as we know we should and do those things we know we ought to be doing...and DON'T do other things we know aren't as God would have us to do.

This is what I feel and hear when I read the words "our light and momentary troubles" in these verses. Because, many of the troubles and challenges and problems that we face because of our faith in God and in Jesus Christ, ARE, truly, light and momentary. The small sacrifices that we might make really amount to very little if we think about it. And the inconveniences we face are truly nothing major, for the most part.

If that is true, and I believe it is, then why in the world do we have such a difficult time actually living out the life we want to live and have chosen to live...a Christian life? I guess it boils down to our individual selfishness and desire for pleasure and physical comforts and enjoyments that the world offers. It is so easy to give in to those things that seem to make our lives easier or more pleasurable. I mean, everything that we ought NOT to do or have or give in to is right there in front of us and offered up to us to simply grab and enjoy. Then, those things we should be doing take time and effort...time and effort AWAY from the things and ways of the world.

Yes, when we choose Christ, it appears, we also choose to have some "light and momentary troubles" in our lives. For some, choosing the Lord can mean much more than what we've discussed today...even to death. But, that's not what we're talking about here. It's simply those small inconveniences that seem troublesome in our lives that seem to be troublesome.

I think that's what God is speaking to us about, at least here in this great land in which we live. Let's keep our eyes focused, as Paul reminds us, on that which is NOT seen...the Glory of God...and away from the easily noticeable ways and things of this world. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus. He is eternal!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

"We should love one another."

Good Morning,

1 John 3:11-24 (New International Version)
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

In a few short days we shall celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful time of the year, but sometime we sort of get caught up in all of the various glitz and trees and lights and such...instead of celebrating the real and true reason for this Christmas season.

We must remember, as we sing the carols and give our presents, the end of the story, as John writes in these verses. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." Too often we kind of don't want to remember that Jesus came to this earth to pay the price for our sinning and to provide Himself to be our salvation. We must never forget these facts for even one moment.

Today we read of love...TRUE and real love...and that we are to be like Jesus, like God, in our love for one another. "And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers," John writes. Thankfully, that isn't necessary on a regular basis. Not many of us are called to die for our brothers and sisters in this present day and age. That is a good thing. However, never forget, we ARE called to love one another. The verses we read today are specific, clear, and unequivocal about the love we ought to have and that God wants of us.

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

If we do nothing else this Christmas season, let's love each other. Truly. Let us obey God and carry out His command:

"And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us."
Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Just Say No

Good Morning,

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Titus 2:11-12 (NRSV)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly.

If only.........

A term we use sometimes to wish for better times or a better life had we "only" done this or that at some point. As I read these short verses of Scripture my mind almost instantly said, "If only. If only these words could ring with an absolute truth."

That truth? It would be that we, all humanity, would fully understand the gift of "...grace of God that brings salvation..." and that people WOULD, truly, "...say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions..." and, that people would "live lives that are self controlled, upright, and Godly." Yes, if only.

Then, the thought came, "If only these truths were lived out by even just Christians...ALL Christians, who know that they have salvation by the grace of God." But, well, it's not, is it? Many of us, way too many perhaps, don't live lives that are self controlled or upright or godly...at least not as we should. We don't "just say no," as the old saw goes, to ungodliness or worldly passions. We are, after all, human beings with out frailties and faults.

The grace of God and the instruction of God through the Bible does teach us the things that we ought to be learning in these verses. That, of course, is that we live godly lives and put away the worldly passions that drive so many; that we be self controlled in how we live each day and, truly, to be the upright and Godly people that the Father would have us to be.

This Christmas season seems to be a most difficult time to realize these attributes, however, especially the "worldly passions" part, not to mention the "self controlled" part, as well. The world is filled with bigger, brighter, newer, better, more, more, more that we just HAVE to have as presents and gifts. That sort of wipes out the saying no to the worldly passions that inundate us at every turn. And self controlled??? With all of the goodies and such that are being almost forced upon us everywhere we go? Just how in the world does one say "No" to that perfect chocolate chip cookie? You know, the one that some friend or coworker has spent hours making for us? No? That would almost be an insult! Well, of course, one cookie in that situation wouldn't be so much self indulgence, but it's that we face this over and over and over. Thus, we lose what little self control many of us have.

I guess, these verses come our way at a time when we need to contemplate exactly what they say and what God wants us to learn from them. Today, although it's very obvious, we're to learn...especially during this season...that we are to "...say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to life self controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age," no matter what we face or what the world tells us we ought to do.

We need to listen to what God is telling us.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Grace, Mercy, Peace

Good Afternoon!

2 John 1:3 (NIV)
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:3 (NLT)
Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.

I want to tell you, to attest to you, the absolute truth of the verse that we read today. I want to try to convey the feelings and thoughts that fill me at this moment in time. Will I be able to? Probably not. But, well, I think you'll get the idea.

John wrote, "Grace, mercy and peace, (will be with you) which come from God the Gather and from Jesus Christ..." I would ask you to think about how often and how deeply you feel these feelings of grace, mercy and peace. I'll tell you the truth here, and that is the fact that much too often I don't feel that I'm in grace, have mercy, or live in peace. I would guess that would mean, if I'm to believe what is written in this verse, that I'm not truly living in truth and love as I should. That's a sad fact for many of us, I'm afraid. We don't love as we should and aren't in God's truth as we ought to be, and therefore we're lacking in the beautiful feelings and emotions that are readily available from God.

So, what does that have to do with my first statement about trying to tell you how I know the absolute truth of this verse? Well, as it turns out, today is the one day a month that Betty and I volunteer at Angel Food Ministries helping people to get the food they have ordered. Yes, it's a very good deal for everyone who takes advantage of this ministry, but that's not what I want to write about today...or what God has to tell us today.

Today, for whatever reason (God DOES know!) I went in with a loving and caring attitude, more than what I normally feel and let people know. I went there this morning and felt that I should do all I could to show God's love and His truth, the truth that His children can, and sometimes DO, really love as they should. So, I simply did all I could in my small way to let God's love shine through me and out to those to whom I was ministering. I know, I know...I ought to be doing exactly that in every ministry that I take part in, but as many of you know all too well, it's not that easy for me sometimes. But today it was easy. It was very easy.

Now, I didn't give a lot of thought to the reason that I felt the way I did. But I'll tell you that I read this verse of Scripture yesterday, sent from my friend Alan. I won't tell you that I remembered the verse, though, because, truthfully, I didn't. My mind, however, and my spirit surely did in some way. So, with the help of God and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, I simply did as I just said and as I should always do...I loved in spirit and in truth.

And I feel wonderful...I feel the grace of God, truly. I feel His mercy on me and for me. And I feel His peace, that peace which goes beyond understanding, His real peace. Why? Because, of course, I did as this verse of Scripture says I ought to be doing and that is live in truth and love.

So, now to the real reason that I think God had this come about and why I'm telling you this. That is...When you feel that lack of grace, mercy, and peace in your life, that you would remember this verse of Scripture and take effort to do as it says.

The other reason? That is maybe as or more important, it is to testify to the fact that God's Holy Word, the Bible, is true. What it says is true. I, today, am proof that His promises are true and that when we do as He instructs then He will do His part.

Have no doubt. God is good!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

A Godly Life

Good Morning,

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 (AMP)
For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

(Sometimes I find myself needing to look at various translations of the Bible in order to grasp what it is that God has put there. That's the reason for the three today.)

Once we come to know God, to TRULY know Him and have a relationship with Him, then, as we read today, we have everything we need at our disposal so that we can live a good and godly life. Now, what we actually DO with all that we have available to us, well, that's up to us...you and I...as individuals, and, I believe, also as a Church in our many congregations.

So, what remains for us to think about (to PONDER, as yesterday's message talked about) would be to see exactly how we've used what has been granted to us.

This is going to be a short message. I think that what is being asked of us, of all of us, is that we reflect on what we've done with what we've been granted by the grace of God.

God is good. We know that. God gives, bestows, upon us and to us, "everything we need for living a godly life." What we do with that "everything" is totally up to us.

During this time when we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Lord, let's give God the gift of our time by reflecting on what it is we've done with what we've been given. Let that be at least one small birthday gift that we give to Jesus.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Pondering

Good Morning,

Luke 2:19 (KJV)
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

When I read this familiar verse of Scripture I sort of love the word "pondered" in this context. It's not an everyday kind of word, ponder, that we use on a regular basis in our normal conversations. It's sort of a deep and meaningful word...just as is it's definition.

ponder v., dered, dering. -v.i. 1. to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate. -v.t. 2. to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully.

In addition to not using the word itself very much, it also occurs to me that we don't do it...ponder...very often, as well, in this day and age.

Now, of course, we don't have such weighty things to think about and ponder as did Mary those 2,000 plus years ago. None of us has to consider being the earthly mother to a Savior for all mankind. We don't have to think about what it means to carry a child, this particular child, as a virgin...and not being believed about her virginity. Yes, weighty things to think about for such a young girl. But, we do know the end of the story for her and we are aware that she was able to use her thought process, her pondering, and then understand what was going on.

No, we don't have such occurrences to ponder. But, we DO have much that we ought to be giving serious and deep thought to; things that we ought to be meditating about; things that we need to weigh and consider carefully in our lives. Perhaps nothing like being the mother of Jesus Christ, but important and meaningful none the less.

However, it's been my experience and my observation that we, in our microwave society, have little time to ponder...about anything at all, not to mention the really serious and important things that go on in our lives. Yes, we could go on and on and on and on here about all of the things that need our serious pondering, however, I don't think it's necessary to point out the obvious to any of us. We're all fairly intelligent human beings who hear these words spoken to us.

The thought that I hear in my heart and mind today is that I need to ponder much more often...and about more things. What I feel is that when I take the time to do this, ponder what's going on, I will find answers and ideas that I never had and that don't come from my meager, human mind.

You see, I truly believe that this pondering thing is how we can get closer to God and will enable us to hear Him in a better, clearer way. It's when we take the time to truly give deep thought, to ponder, a situation and to meditate upon what God's word might be saying concerning it, well, that's when the answers we need can come to us, will come to us.

Take time, my friends, to, well, to ponder this idea of pondering. Let's all of us take more time and give more thought to what's happening around us and what we ought to be doing about it.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Who Needs The Doctor?

Good Morning,

Luke 5:27-32 (NIV)
The Calling of Levi (Matthew)
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

In reading these familiar verses this morning the thought that came to me was that I wondered just how many of us...Christians, or those who call themselves such...are really sort of like the Pharisees and the "teachers of the law" who were questioning the disciples about who they chose to eat with. What I mean is, it occurred to me that many of us feel that we're somewhat better than others and seem to have lost that daily need for a Savior in our lives. We might wonder about some people because of who they "hang" with. And, we might question some as to what they do with their time.

But you see the thing of it is, we are ALL sinners in need of God's love and His help with repenting of the sin in our lives. Especially that daily sin we're strapped with but may not even realize we're involved in. (That might take some thought for some of us, but it's worth the time!)

Jesus came to so as to be our "doctor" because we're all ill...in one way or another. There are none of us who are righteous in our own right and that means that we need Jesus every day; every hour; every moment.

Yes, we have been saved by the grace of God and because He loves us...every one of us...even despite our faults and failures. However, we ought never to get so complacent in the fact of our salvation that we lose sight of the fact that we are STILL among the ill who need a doctor. When we do that, well then, we become Pharisees every bit as much as those of 2,000 years ago.

When Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," it seems evident to me that He came for every human being who ever lived.

Let's not lose sight of the fact that we need God...and we need Him all the time.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Stop Passing Judgment

Good Morning,

Romans 14:1-13 (NIV)
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

We are surely a judgmental folk, we Christians. I know, there are those who will argue with that and point out that they are NOT judging, because, of course, we're told in the Bible that we are not to judge. But, I would argue that there are many who, truly, are judgmental and who judge for really inconsequential reasons.

We judge this denomination or that because of the day of the week that they meet. We judge because there are some who raise their hands during worship services and claim that they are just bringing attention to themselves. We judge, also, because people DON'T raise their hands and, therefore, must not really be worshipping as we think they should. We judge the music that is used. We judge the version of the Bible that one congregations prefers over some other version that the congregation next door is using. Those are the "religious" reasons we judge folks.

What about the non religious reasons? We judge people because of the clothes they wear. We judge because of the jewelry some prefer. We judge because some have "ink" and we think that's wrong. We judge because of hair styles...or if someone chooses to have no hair! We judge people, as Paul wrote, because of what they eat...or don't eat. Oh, this list can go on...and on...and on, pretty much to include just about, well, anything at all.

Then, there's the big non religious reason to judge...That would be someone's political bent and the way they choose to vote. There are those who say that if you are of this or that political leaning or party, well, you can't really be followers of Jesus. Then there are those who say the exact opposite, that if you are a follower of Jesus then you can't believe what is said or being done by this group or that group. This, political difference, is one of the things that keeps Christians from being really and completely united at a time when being united is of such huge importance.

You see, if we wish to make a difference and be noticed by the "world" in the right way, then we must make our feelings which divide us simply go away. If we truly desire to show Jesus to the world and to have people want what it is we have, then we must show a united front...no matter our differences otherwise...that people do, truly, wish for.

Paul said, "Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another." Plainly put, I think. Put into practice? Not so much. But it really is what we need to do.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

When He Speaks

Good Morning,

Habakkuk 2:1-2 (NIV)
I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Then the LORD replied:
"Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.

I don't believe that these verses are aimed at ONLY the prophet Habakkuk for him to listen, to write down, and to pass along to all generations. I believe that these words apply to you and I, as well.

Now, we may not have a "rampart" to station ourselves on, I know, but we SHOULD have a place where we can be that will be conducive to hearing from God. We don't write down the revelations we hear from God on "tablets," as did Habakkuk, but we have paper, pens, and if you're reading this, then a computer with a word processor. Again, something we don't have is a "herald" to take the revelations from God that we have written down and take those words to God's people. However, we have a mail system (yes, I mean that one with paper and envelopes and stamps and such), and we have the swiftest "herald" ever in the Internet with e-mail, blogs, and so many other ways to send along what we have heard from God.

God speaks to all of us and that, I think, is the most important point in what we read today. What we have to do is to listen. We have to make ourselves available to Him so His words can penetrate our minds and hearts and souls. That is definitely the most meaningful thing that we can learn from these verses. I know, I know...there are many who will say that they don't hear from God or they don't hear His voice. To those I would suggest that, perhaps...just perhaps...it isn't God who isn't speaking, it may be them who aren't listening...or making themselves available TO listen. Something to think about. Something to ponder. Something to meditate upon. I believe that in those thoughts, ponderings, and meditations that the ear and heart will hear what God has to say.

Another extremely important thing that we are told today in these verses is that in addition to listening and hearing, we have to take the next step and write down what God tells us. Yes, it is marvelous to hear from God in whatever way He speaks to us. It's a wonderful thing to feel the presence of the Lord God of the universe as He imparts something into our hearts and minds. I cannot argue about that! However, there IS that next step that we read in Habakkuk. We have to pick up the pen or sit down at the computer and write down what God has said. Why is that so important? Quite simply because we will forget, and forget very quickly, what it is that God has told us. Something will come along to block that memory of the words and ideas that God has given us. I know. It happens to me. And I get so darned angry...with myself!...for failing in what I know I should do. Don't let it happen to you.

Finally we read something that is also of utmost importance today. Just as Habakkuk gave his writing to a herald to "run with it," we must also not keep many of God's revelations to us private and "close to the vest" so to speak. Remember, we...um, that would be you and I...are God's messengers and workers on this earth. We are how God get's His thoughts and ideas out to His people. You see, what He tells you He may never tell another soul. What God has given you in your quiet, private time with Him, can be...just might be...of utmost importance. So, it is our responsibility to send along to others what God has imparted to us. We all have the means to do this. There's no excuse not to. Now, of course, there are things that God tells us which ARE private and meant only for the individual God has spoken to. I know that and I respect that. But, there is also much that God gives to us which IS meant to be shared. He'll make it clear which is which...what is private and what He wants to be made public. Back to the first premise of this day...just listen.

Just as we are God's workmanship (Eph 2:10), we are also His workers. Let's learn from these verses of Scripture that we read today. We will all be the better for it.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

John 3:17

Good Morning,

John 3:17 (NIV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

I'm sure that every Christian, and even most non Christians, know John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That verse tells us exactly how much God loves people and what He was willing to do in order that human beings have the opportunity for eternal life with Him. That is a very good thing, knowing what John 3:16 says. Of course it's better if all people were to fully understand the meaning and implications of that verse, but, that's a different message.

It is unfortunate, even knowing about John 3:16, how many Christians, and now we can add most non Christians, don't have any idea what John 3:17 has to say about the "why" of Jesus coming for our forgiveness and salvation. And, you know what? It IS sometimes something people don't know that can severely hurt them.

The unfortunate thing about not knowing and understanding John 3:17 is that people, unbelievers, too often think that God is a menacing God and that He condemns everyone and demands too much from people. You see, people who don't realize that God doesn't wish to condemn, but to save, just don't realize what and who God is.

I would suggest to all of my Christian brothers and sisters that when we quote John 3:16, as we should when we are speaking to someone who doesn't know Jesus Christ, we should also go on to include John 3:17. People need to know that Jesus didn't come to this planet to issue a set of rules to be followed so that those who DON'T follow them would be condemned. People need to know that the exact opposite is true. Those with whom we speak really need to comprehend what Jesus was saying in these verses. We need to stress God's love of mankind and His wish that all be saved. We need to be sure that folks don't get the idea of a condemning God, but of a loving God.

So, let's not forget the to include verse 17 when we quote verse 16.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Romans 10

Good Morning,

Romans 10 (NIV)
1Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
5Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them."[a] 6But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'[b]" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7"or 'Who will descend into the deep?'[c]" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,"[d] that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That 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. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."[e] 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."[f]
14How, 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? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"[g]
16But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"[h] 17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. 18But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:
"Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."[i] 19Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
"I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;
I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding."[j] 20And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."[k] 21But concerning Israel he says,
"All day long I have held out my hands
to a disobedient and obstinate people."[l]

There comes a time, every once in a while, when it seems clear that I am to simply send along Scripture that God wants us to read with little or no comment from me...or anyone else, for that matter. Today is such a time.

The verse that led me to look at the entire chapter of Romans 10 was, "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?" (vv 14) And when I did look at the whole chapter it became evident that I was to send it along. So, I'm being obedient.

There's much here to read and contemplate for all of us. I've also done something I rarely do and that's to put in the cross references mentioned in these verses. They are below the signature line.

I strongly believe that the Lord would have us all read this chapter. Is there something for you personally? I have no idea. But, I guess the answer is "Probably," or, "More than likely." So..........

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Footnotes:
Romans 10:5 Lev. 18:5
Romans 10:6 Deut. 30:12
Romans 10:7 Deut. 30:13
Romans 10:8 Deut. 30:14
Romans 10:11 Isaiah 28:16
Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32
Romans 10:15 Isaiah 52:7
Romans 10:16 Isaiah 53:1
Romans 10:18 Psalm 19:4
Romans 10:19 Deut. 32:21
Romans 10:20 Isaiah 65:1
Romans 10:21 Isaiah 65:2

Keeping His Promise

Good Morning,

Psalm 10:17 (NIV)
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry
Psalm 10:17 (NLT)
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

There are times, I must admit, when I wonder about God hearing the cries of the afflicted and the helpless. And, when those thoughts come into my head, I begin to wonder just how God will comfort them in some way.

When I had those thoughts after reading this verse today, I heard plainly at least one way that God helps those who need Him most. You see, what I heard when I asked about how He was going to keep this promise, He spoke to me and His answer was pretty simple and obvious. His answer was, "You." That's all. Just, "You." No explanation as to how I'm to help...now, please, read here how WE'RE supposed to help, not just me as an individual.

We are not only God's workmanship, His creations, but we are also His workers while we live on this earth. God keeps many of His promises by using us as His hands and feet, His eyes and ears.

What I heard this day is that I'm to keep my eyes and ears open to see and hear what is needed. Then, I'm to do what I can, where I am, with what I have, to bring comfort to those who most need it.

I think that's the call for every one of us today...and every day.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Pure and Genuine Religion

Good Morning,

James 1:26-27 (NIV)
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:26-27 (NLT)
If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

I sometimes wonder just how "religious" many of our "religions" really are. From the pen of the apostle James, given from God, we get a pretty short and precise definition of what religion ought to be.

In order to be truly a religious person, James tells us, we need to be in control of what we say and how we say it...at all times! In addition, if our religion is to be real and free of contaminating influences, then we should regularly be taking care of those in need among us and those even in the world. I know, James says that it is "caring for orphans and widows" but when I read these words I hear more than JUST orphans and widows. What I hear clearly in my mind is that we are to care for all who are in need...orphans and widows being first and foremost. The final thing we read is the most difficult by far. If we are to have religion that God will accept we must do all we can to keep the world and its ways from leading us astray or contaminating us.

Yet, many of our "religious" and "religions" seem to be more interested in becoming mega churches instead of concentrating on this short section of Scripture. Way too many of those who claim to be religious can't keep their mouths shut and cause all kinds of strife and problems by what they say and/or how they say it. In large part, those members of our local congregations still want to obtain 52" plasma television sets (just an example of one kind of extravagance) instead of using some of their wealth helping those in need. There are still a lot of us who can't seem to allow ourselves to turn away from, or shut out as best we can, some of the corrupt influences of the world.

Am I religious? I guess that if I use the definitions and explanations in these verses and what I hear in my heart today, I would have to say "No"...at least not as I would want to be.

We need to take these words and think about what they mean to each of us as individuals and then as they pertain to our local congregations. We need to ask ourselves, each of us, if we are really religious as God would accept and honor. We need to examine our churches to see if they are, in the same way as we ought to be individually, acceptable to God.

We all need to do more...individually and collectively...to have "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father."

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Doer? Listener? Both?

Good Morning,

James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

We're all very familiar with verse 22 of this short section of Scripture, I'm sure. I know that I've written on this theme more than a few times and I've read other messages, and heard sermons preached, on many occasions. But today when I went to look at this once again, what I came away with was where James writes, "...(he) goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." For whatever reason these words caused me to pause and really think about what they say. As I thought about it, I remembered so many times when I've sort of done exactly what these words portray. It's probably happened to you, as well, if you'll be honest and think about it.

You see, if...when...I even think about what I might look like, it doesn't matter whether or not I've just looked into a mirror or if it's been hours since that happened. It doesn't make any difference because I don't see myself as I am, as I was when I looked at my image in the mirror, I most often see myself as I once was...young, dark hair, in pretty good shape...not as I am now.

So, how does this relate to the theme of these verses? Because, much too often, we don't see what we're actually doing NOW when we think about ourselves...maybe being listeners instead of doers..., but we DO remember times when we were active DOERS and not merely LISTENERS to what God had written in the Bible and what He gives people to preach and write. It's so easy to be like the one who sees what he or she wants to see, that image that is no longer real, but it's much more difficult to see the truth revealed if it's not so attractive any more.

We go on to read that there is great reward if we will..."look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." The reward, of course, is the blessing(s) promised by doing what it is God wants us to do as is written and preached and taught.

I guess we all need to have this reminder presented to us from time to time. We are all probably guilty, at least a little bit, of failing in this area...the doing and not just listening...of our lives. (I almost just wrote "in our Christian lives" but then realized that every moment we live is our Christian life. There's not difference where or when we are, we're still Christian!)

So, today we are reminded.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

An Example

Good Morning,

Philippians 3:17 (NIV)
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

We, you and I, are the "Paul" of the world in which we live. What I mean by that is the fact that it is our responsibility to be the example that is being set for those around us to see and, hopefully, to follow. We, you and I, are to "live according to the pattern" that has been set down by God in the Bible. We, you and I, have an awesome and huge responsibility in the Christian life that we've chosen to live.

So, what we really must do, you and I, is to examine in detail the life "pattern" we are living and, therefore, the example we are setting. It's a daunting and even fearful task, this self examination. I say that because we will probably be somewhat disappointed (some of us will be greatly disappointed, I'm afraid) in what we find and the example that is being set...at least in some areas of our lives. On the other hand, we will find that there are other areas of our lives where we are quite pleased with how we're living and the example we're setting.

We, you and I, by being Christian believers and having accepted God's grace and salvation by having Jesus as our Lord and Savior, are more than just "sinners saved by grace." We are also God's ambassadors here on this earth. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." (2 Cor. 5:20) And, even more importantly, we are the example to whom people will look in order to see what the Christian life and lifestyle truly is.

Are we, you and I, up to this daunting responsibility? Are we, you and I, ready to be the examples God wants us to be?

I don't know about you, but for me? In order that I be an example that would be pleasing to God, I'll have to make some changes.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

"Tell us plainly..."

Good Morning,

John 10:22-42 (NIV)
The Unbelief of the Jews
Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"
"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'? If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, "Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true." And in that place many believed in Jesus.

So, we've gone out and tried our best to evangelize as we know we ought to do. We try to explain who Jesus is, why He came to this earth, and what it means to all people. We're prepared with Bible verses from the Old Testament that give prophesy as to the coming of the Messiah. We show the other Bible verses in the New Testament that prove, at least to believers, that those prophesies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We give our own personal testimonies and experiences of how the Holy Spirit has touched us and of the things God has done in our lives. We pour out our hearts and minds to explain the importance of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and receiving God's free gift of eternal salvation. We do all of this and even more to try to convince unbelievers that they need the Lord. Yet they still don't believe and they still even scoff at us for what we believe.

When that happens to us we need to remember these words in John chapter 10. I mean, these people that are written of, the people Jesus was talking directly to, failed to believe and accept Him...just as people do today. And, these Jews who could see, hear, and touch Jesus did not believe in Him. They witnessed and experienced the miraculous deed that Jesus performed and they did not believe in Him. I must assume that they even felt God through Him and could sense the power that flowed out of Him. Yet, they did not believe their own eyes and ears and physical experiences.

So, why are we surprised that people today would not believe what we present to them concerning God and His plan of salvation? Why do we wonder that people refuse to accept that Jesus Christ was born, lived, and died in order that all of mankind who would believe on Him would be saved? We really ought not to be so perplexed by the "failure" of our words and actions. What we say and do are NOT a failure in any way. It is what Jesus told us we should do. We are His hands and feet here on this earth who represent Him and repeat His words and promises to the world. It is our job, in the here and now, to be obedient to God's commands and speak His words. It is God's job, by the touch of the Holy Spirit, to do the convincing.

Let us not be saddened nor discouraged when our words seem to fall as silence in the ears of those who refuse to listen. Let us not be saddened or discouraged when our actions appear to be totally unnoticed in the eyes of the world.

Our job is to present the Gospel. It's God's job to do the convincing.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

You Are My Help

Good Morning,

Psalm 40:11-13, 16-17 (NIV)
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"
Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

So, you've sinned and now feel, well, separated from God and maybe totally unworthy. Join the club, as they say. So have I. So have all who have come to know the saving grace of God and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As we read today in these verses from Psalms, even the great king David, a man after God's own heart, even he fell into the ways of sin. All human beings are sinners. It's as simple as that. But, the sin we do, the sins that, as David writes, "have overtaken me" don't mean that we are then separated from God. Nor does our sin and sinning mean that God has given up on us.

Read David's prayer and plea to God in these verses. He first admits and confesses sin in his life. Then he asks God to save him. He praises God and exalts Him. And, finally, he admits his need and says that only God is his help and his deliverer.

This, my friends, should be our prayer as well. Especially at those times when we find ourselves falling into sin that we know we ought not to be involved in. This cry to God, thankfully, is always answered. We might not hear directly from God in our human ears, but, believe me, God hears our prayers and our cries for help. And, let us never forget, God forgives. Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and our sinning ways. He paid the price once and for all...and for always, as well.

A beautiful and meaningful prayer we read today from king David. It needs to be our prayer, as well.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Proverbs...Why?

Good Morning,

Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

This morning I was led to read some verses in chapter three of Proverbs. Then, as sometimes happens, I went back to see what was in chapter two, and, again, I went back to read chapter one. This, I'm sure, is what God wanted me to see and to send along. Why? I often wonder that myself when I read these verses or that section of Scripture. Sometimes my first reaction or thought is, "Hmmm...why...???" Sometimes it's, "Wow! I never knew that!" Sometimes it's, "Thank you! I needed that today."

My thoughts about what we read today? Mostly it's that we're given the reason...no, not one reason, but several reasons...that we ought to be more familiar with the Book of Proverbs than most of us probably are. Let's look again, together, at what Solomon set down as to why we should delve very closely into the words God gave to him and that he obediently wrote.

We need to study Solomon's writing more closely because we need what is contained in it.

Wisdom. Discipline. Insight. Living a prudent life. Doing what is right, just, and fair. Giving prudence (giving wisdom and understanding to practical things) to those who need it. Giving knowledge and understanding to the young.

Then...

So the wise will listen and add to their learning. So those who are discerning will get guidance. So we will be able to understand proverbs and parables and sayings and riddles of those who are wise.

Finally, Solomon reminds us that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." That seems to go without saying, but then, maybe not for some. And then he tells us, "Fools despise wisdom and discipline." There's a lot there in those few words. Think about it.

As I read all of these things and my mind kind of looks into each of the reasons that we're given, I realize that I want what Solomon wrote down. I want each of the things in my life that can be gained by reading and studying the Book of Proverbs. I also DON'T want to be what he says I could be if I don't take the wisdom and discipline he brings us in his writings. I don't want to be a fool!

So much can be written about what all of these ideas can mean and how we ought to put them into practical use in our lives. And, I suppose that much SHOULD be written and discussed and thought about in the Proverbs. But, not today. Today, what we are told, I think, is that we need to spend more of our time and study and meditation on the Book of Proverbs. There are thirty one chapters in the Book of Proverbs. There are thirty one days in 6 of our months. Seems not to be a coincidence to me. I've read before that it's a really good idea to take one of those 31 day months and read a chapter of Proverbs each day. I think it is. So, let me see...

January is the next month we face which has 31 days. I think that God is asking me to take on this task and read the Book of Proverbs in January. I would guess that it would be a good idea for me to obey Him. So, I shall do as I'm being told.

Want to join me? Up to you. Pray about it. Think about it. It really is a very good idea.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Still Sinners

Good Morning,

Romans 5:6-11 (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.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

One of the answers we often get when we invite someone to join us for worship at our various congregations is, "Well, sure. I'll go to church just as soon as I clean up my life a little bit." Oh, what a wrong idea THAT is! The first thing wrong with that thought is that without God in our lives the likelihood of "getting cleaned up" is pretty slim. The second thing wrong with that thought is that we'll NEVER be really clean in the eyes of God. After all, we read in Isaiah, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isa. 64:6)

We've got to remember these verses of Scripture to be able to quote, or at least to paraphrase closely if we have a serious problem with memorization (some of us do, you know!), so we can answer that argument about "getting cleaned up" before folks want to come to church with us. We've got to have these thoughts and ideas we read in God's Holy Bible readily at hand so we can simply tell people, "Look, God isn't looking for the perfect folks to come to worship Him. He's looking for everyone, the good and the bad and everyone in between to come and join together in church services."

When folks use this sort of argument or reason against "going to church" we just have to remind them that, first, everyone is a sinner. And, second, it's sinners that Jesus came to the earth to save...and that would mean everyone.

Let's not forget these words we read today. They might just be what we need to say when rebuffed about coming to our congregations to worship the Lord.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David