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Monday, February 22, 2010
To think five years ago I was painting houses in Midland TX begging God to let me be a part of a church plant where He would pour out His Spirit and absolutely transform lives. Needless to say Mississippi was nowhere on my radar, but it was on Gods. To look back I am so thankful to have been a part of something far bigger than myself, a great staff or wonderful members. It was an answered prayer on so many fronts. For many of you it was an answered prayer to have a church where the word of God was preached with fervor and passion. Where people worship God in Spirit and in Truth, and for your staff, a place to walk out what we had been called to do. But not only do we reflect on what God has done, we with great expectation are looking forward to seeing what He will do in the next five. I believe we are standing on the verge of God absolutely pouring out his spirit upon our congregation, our city, and to the utter-most, like we have yet to see, but this movement will only be ushered in by people who humble themselves and beg God to do something that we can’t fathom. Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 I have compiled a few things and this was an email that I sent out to our prayer ministry team and wanted to share with you to. -First our prayers must be fervent. Our Lord warns us against feeble praying. “Men ought always to pray,” He declares, “and not to faint.” That means, that we are to possess sufficient fervency to carry us through the severe and long periods of pleading prayer. Fire makes one alert and vigilant, and brings him off, more than conqueror. The atmosphere about us is too heavily charged with resisting forces for limp or languid prayers to make headway. It takes heat, and fervency and meteoric fire, to push through, to the upper heavens, where God dwells with His saints, in light. Fervency has to do with God, just as prayer has to do with Him. Desire has always an objective. If we desire at all, we desire something. The degree of fervency with which we fashion our spiritual desires, will always serve to determine the earnestness of our praying. -Second is that our prayer must be importunate or persistent. Importunate prayer is a mighty movement of the soul toward God. It is a stirring of the deepest forces of the soul, toward the throne of heavenly grace. It is the ability to hold on, press on, and wait. Restless desire, restful patience, and strength of grasp are all embraced in it. It is not an incident, or a performance, but a passion of soul. It is not a want, half-needed, but a sheer necessity. The wrestling quality in importunate prayers does not spring from physical vehemence or fleshly energy. It is not an impulse of energy, not a mere earnestness of soul; it is an inwrought force, a faculty implanted and aroused by the Holy Spirit. Virtually, it is the intercession of the Spirit of God, in us; it is, moreover, “the effectual, fervent prayer, which availeth much.” The Divine Spirit informing every element within us, with the energy of His own striving, is the essence of the importunity which urges our praying at the mercy-seat, to continue until the fire falls and the blessing descends. This wrestling in prayer may not be boisterous nor vehement, but quiet, tenacious and urgent. Silent, it may be, when there are no visible outlets for its mighty forces. Bounds, E. M. (1999). The necessity of prayer. Oak Harbor, WA:
-Third our prayers must be specific. Two weeks ago George gave us the five things that hinders the movement of the Holy Spirit and I want to challenge you to use them as an outline for prayer. That you would begin to ask the Holy Spirit if any of these five things hinder you from walking fully in the Spirit and hinder the movement of the Spirit among His people.
-Pray that the lost souls that enter our doors every Sunday would confess, repent, and walk in faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Pray against the grip of worldliness and possessions that has a grip on our culture and our church
-Pray against bitterness and unforgiveness that lay harbored deep within.
-Pray for a confession and repentance of moral failure
-Pray for the hypocrisy in leadership
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
There are times in my life that I hear sermons or read articles that match up totally, first with the word of God and then second to what God has called me to and this past week I had one of those experiences. I was reading a blog from Bob Kauflin who is a worship pastor at Sovereign Grace in Maryland and He made some profound statements and really got me to thinking as I train young worship pastors and leaders. If there are a few things that I want to leave them with here they are.
First thing that I am very concerned about is the “rock star” aura that surrounds many of our prominent worship leaders. I am so very thankful for the Chris Tomlins, and Matt Redmans who are today’s modern day hymn writers. They are gifted and anointed song writers who are turning out songs that all of us have used in our churches. These songs have encouraged many of our hurting and broken. Many have given the church new anthems to raise their praise to the King of Kings. The danger I see is that young men and women are willing to punt the local body for the road, and all of this is in Jesus name. We see the CD’s and the recording labels and we begin to believe as worship leaders that we are not successful until we get those things. Six years ago I woke up to this realization. Big events and concerts have their place. They serve as encouragements and “fire starters, ” but they last one night, or one weekend and they are over. Where is the Acts 2:44 in this. (and all who believed were together and had all things in common.) One of the most profound statements that Bob makes is this…. “On Sundays, I’m doing more than leading people into individual “worship experiences” as powerful as those might be. God wants to knit the fabric of our lives together as a worshiping community. He wants our singing on Sundays to be an expression of our shared lives throughout the week.”
Second is be the best at where you are at. Proverbs 22:9 says that “do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Solomon is not guaranteeing that if you continue to practice that God will make you famous, but it is a clear that we shouldn’t wait until we have a massive audience to develop our gifts. “As we seek to please the Audience of One, we can trust that the platform we lead from will be just the right size for giving Jesus the praise he desires and that he alone deserves”- Bob Kauflin
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Last night after getting all kids in bed, I sat down and began to catch up a little on my chronological journey through the Word of God, and I came across a crucial passage for our doctrine that I thought I would share with you. In Genesis 15:6 it reads ...and he (Abraham) believed the Lord and he (God) counted it to him as righteousness. This stirred something within my soul because I want you and I to have an accurate picture of how Abraham, and how you and I today are justified. In many of our songs and in our "christian vocabulary" we use the phrase "I am righteous." I want us to shift our thinking just a little to what the scriptures teaches us about how we are justified. There are two verbs that you and I need to look at in this discussion and that is impartation and imputation. Here is how these verbs are defined.
Impartation: the word "impart" means to "give." Also called "infused" righteousness, imparted righteousness thus declares that Christ's righteousness is given to, or infused within, the believer such that he or she actually becomes righteous.
Imputation: The word "impute" means to "ascribe" or "credit". Imputed righteousness thus carries the theological weight of being "counted" or "considered" righteous.
We can get a clear understanding of this teaching in Paul's dissertation of how Abraham was justified, and it is the same way you and I are justified. It is found in chapter four of Romans. Eight different times in the first twelve verses Paul uses the Greek word logizomai which English translates as "counted" (ESV) or "credited" (NIV, NASB). This carries huge weight and here is why. If you and I take the view that we have be Imparted righteous, or "we are righteous", then any sin after our justification affects our righteousness. It can be tainted, and makes us less just and opens us up to the wrath and judgement of God. If we declare Romans 8:1 we realize that our righteousness has to imputed, which it is not ours but it is He that is righteous, and He credits it to our account. Paul is not writing that we are transformed into people who possess righteousness, but rather that we have been united to Christ and because of our union with Him, we have that which He possesses, that is righteousness. -Matt Chandler (emphasis mine) Again, in my pursuit of Jesus Christ I want to make sure that I have a correct picture of doctrine and I hope that this today has challenged you in your pursuit to dig, and study.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
But he knows the way that I take; when he has test me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. But he stands alone and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this I fear him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not silenced y the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face. Job 23:10-17
“There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of divine sovereignty,” said Charles Haddon Spurgeon. “On the other hand, there is no doctrine more hated by worldlings.” Here we find that Job again recoils his attempt to argue his case with God and to trust in His sovereignty. For me it is a good story to read and easy to say "way to go Job" but something totally different when placed in the middle of tragedy or conflict to apply. I think back on my short life and think of the times that I foolishly brought my weak case before an All Powerful God and shake my head, because at the end of the day I had to come to the conclusion that His ways are not mine. I can question but I may not always get the answers, and I have to be ok with that. At the end of the day may my life echo that of Job to say I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
S.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.
John 13:34, 35
O.
In the context of this scripture, Jesus has just told the disciples that he was leaving and where he was going they could not come. The other gospel accounts elaborate on the fact that he is going to prepare a place and that he will come back for them, but John emphasizes Jesus’ teaching of Love. Loving one another is one of those fundamental phrases that we were taught in Sunday School and a phrase that rolls easily off of the tongue but we are not taught how to flesh that out. We don’t spend enough time in the word to see true love demonstrated so we go through life thinking that we love but are life does not give testimony to a life of love.
Why Love? Why did Jesus use love to serve as the distinguishing characteristic of those who were Christ followers? Back in Leviticus 19:18 we are commanded to bear no grudge but to love others as we love ourselves. Here in John the teaching is different because we are to love as Jesus has loved and we all know what that love looks like, sacrificial even to the point of offering ones life for another. Where is that kind of love today? We “love” as long as the other person is filling some need in our life and when that doesn’t happen or runs out, we no longer love that person. If they offer us nothing we show no sacrifice to love them. May be we have a low self worth and it is easier to tear others down to build ourselves up. What is the world told about our love then.? That it is shallow and immature. As I read 1 Corinthians 13, which we know as the love chapter, verse 11 says When I was a child I used to speak like a child think like a child reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. Why in the world is this scripture in the chapter on love. Paul understood that gossip, slander, course joking about one another was something that those who were immature in their walk (children) do. This kind of talk was to leave as we matured in our walk and became adults, yet many of us still live as children in our spiritual life and many of our diapers are stinking to the world around us. Just this week I was talking to a woman who had been married for 44 years and I was encouraging her in her testimony of the commitment to marriage for being married that long and she looked me in the face and said, “He was a hard man to love.” She went on to tell me how she loved to be held but he never held her. She never knew what he was thinking because he never talked. And the list went on and on, but in the end she said “but I asked Jesus to give me the capacity to love him, and he did.” Now my friends this t is the love that tells the world that we are disciples.
A.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
P
O God forgive me of not loving like you have loved. I have only loved when it has been convenient and has been no sacrifice. May I spend more time in your Word seeing firsthand true love demonstrated.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
S.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.
John 13:34, 35
O.
In the context of this scripture, Jesus has just told the disciples that he was leaving and where he was going they could not come. The other gospel accounts elaborate on the fact that he is going to prepare a place and that he will come back for them, but John emphasizes Jesus’ teaching of Love. Loving one another is one of those fundamental phrases that we were taught in Sunday School and a phrase that rolls easily off of the tongue but we are not taught how to flesh that out. We don’t spend enough time in the word to see true love demonstrated so we go through life thinking that we love but are life does not give testimony to a life of love.
Why Love? Why did Jesus use love to serve as the distinguishing characteristic of those who were Christ followers? Back in Leviticus 19:18 we are commanded to bear no grudge but to love others as we love ourselves. Here in John the teaching is different because we are to love as Jesus has loved and we all know what that love looks like, sacrificial even to the point of offering ones life for another. Where is that kind of love today? We “love” as long as the other person is filling some need in our life and when that doesn’t happen or runs out, we no longer love that person. If they offer us nothing we show no sacrifice to love them. May be we have a low self worth and it is easier to tear others down to build ourselves up. What is the world told about our love then.? That it is shallow and immature. As I read 1 Corinthians 13, which we know as the love chapter, verse 11 says When I was a child I used to speak like a child think like a child reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. Why in the world is this scripture in the chapter on love. Paul understood that gossip, slander, course joking about one another was something that those who were immature in their walk (children) do. This kind of talk was to leave as we matured in our walk and became adults, yet many of us still live as children in our spiritual life and many of our diapers are stinking to the world around us. Just this week I was talking to a woman who had been married for 44 years and I was encouraging her in her testimony of the commitment to marriage for being married that long and she looked me in the face and said, “He was a hard man to love.” She went on to tell me how she loved to be held but he never held her. She never knew what he was thinking because he never talked. And the list went on and on, but in the end she said “but I asked Jesus to give me the capacity to love him, and he did.” Now my friends this t is the love that tells the world that we are disciples.
A.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
P
O God forgive me of not loving like you have loved. I have only loved when it has been convenient and has been no sacrifice. May I spend more time in your Word seeing firsthand true love demonstrated.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
S
Jesus entered the temple courts and while he was teaching the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” v27b Then He said “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
O
There is an immense debate in Christian circles about the elect and predestination. I am not that well versed in either side and really have no dog in the fight. I think debates like this only cause division and are of no use to the kingdom. There are some doctrines and truths that we need to be dogmatic about, ie. suffiency of scripture, faith in Christ alone, the diety of Jesus Christ etc, but there are just some that bring no honor to the Lord. Today as I was reading my daily reading the Holy Spirit illuminated this truth. In this account of the priest and elders asking Jesus by which authority was He performing these miracles. At the end of the accounts in Matthew 21 and Luke 20, Jesus withholds the truth from them. Many would say yet another proof that there are some who are predestined for heaven, and those that are predestined to hell, but what I read and understand is that these men had already hardend their heart to Jesus. They were scared that him talking about “his kingdom” would get the attention of the Romans and the Romans would destroy all that they had “built”. Even as I think back to the account of the pharaoh, and it tells of God hardening his heart, was not his heart already hardened to God and what God was asking of him. We leave the account in Matthew and Luke with Jesus not telling them by which authority he acted by. Why would he continue to waste his time tossing seed on rocky soil. There were the sick and blind and hurting that couldn’t wait to see Jesus, and the blind who had faith in who Jesus was to heal not only their infirmities but bring healing to their spiritual life.
A
This should be very sobering for you and I. May we never be in the position of skipping through life continuing to tell God no and think that one day when we settle down that God will reveal himself to us. May our hearts remain pliable to the Holy Spirit and bent towards Gods will. May this truth also break our hearts for those we know who continually shake their fist at God and or continue to put God off. God does not promise us that he will beg us to obey him or follow him. Hebrews 3:15 tells us …As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."
P
Break my heart Oh God to the movement of your Holy Spirit. May my heart not ever become hardened to you in my life and in the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives around me.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
There is something refreshing to the soul about hearing from the greatest teacher of all time Jesus Christ. How with great authority and confronted the rich and religious and encouraged the poor and needy.
S
And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid little flock for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where you treasure is there your heart will be also. De dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. Luke 12:22-36.
O
Jesus is speaking to those closest to him, the disciples, and not the huge crowds or the religious leaders at this time. These are the men who had risk it all to follow this Jesus. Some had left the security of careers for someone they had never met. They had left their very families and loved ones to follow this one that calls himself the Messiah. In the timeline of Jesus’ life we are getting closer to the end and he is encouraging them to not be distracted by worry. We get an intimate feel that Jesus is saying, please my children don’t worry. Maybe the disciples were ready to see this kingdom that Jesus kept talking about. They were ready to set up a program or be a part of a program to get that done, not really knowing what that meant. Are we worried about even the good stuff. Programs and events that are in the name of Jesus. I have been reading a book in seminary about the church in China and here is a quote that I think goes well with this passage about not worrying and just seeking and serving. “We soon found that rather than being weakened by the removal of all external props, we are actually much stronger because our faith in God is purer. We didn’t have an opportunity to love the “things” of God so we learned to love God. We had no plans or programs to keep running so we just sought the face of Jesus! We had no way to make money, so we spent all our time making disciples”-Bro Yun
We as believers are comforted in verse 30 saying that your father know all of your needs. He will provide. He has given his very kingdom, would he withhold then our very needs. What kind of God would this be. He ends this passage with a command. Not only is he telling us to shed the distraction of worry but to clothe ourselves with service. As Bro. Yun said, just make disciples. Don’t worry about making money or pursuing after stuff, pursue Christ himself.
A.
How many times a day do we get distracted by worry. What do we worry about? How we are going to make the next payment on our new car? How we are going to eat because we have to make the payment on our 3000 sq foot home. How we can’t give to the church or go on short term mission or even leave it all for the mission field because enslaved by materialism. There has been many times in Addy and I’s life that we have come to a point that we could either really worry about a financial crisis, or major life decision, or we could do all we could but not to the forfeit of serving. Every time…..every time…..did I say every time God has provided. He has remained faithful to the word given here in this passage. Now I need to do a better job of minimizing these situations, by the stewardship of time and money.
P.
Lord God I want to thank you for your unfailing faithfulness. As I look back on the situation of my life that brought the most worry, it is almost comical in the light of who you are and what my greatest purpose here on earth is.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is the Christ) and he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41,42
O. As of late I have been super convicted on how I have not shared my faith. We are in the midst of Gods pouring out His wrath in the book of Revelation to the unbelieving. One of my seminary classes is challenging me to share my faith while raising up a Timothy, and then today's verse. Ok God I get it. We read that the very first thing that Andrew did was bring his brother. Andrew loved his brother and loved him enough to share this gift. Andrew could have just gone on and followed Jesus and like us prayed that his brother would come on his own. Is that not what we do today. We set up shop in our churches and say we have found the Messiah, hopefully many will come and find it to. That is not Andrews attitude. He went and found his brother and brought him to Jesus. Now I am not saying that we go and bring everyone to church. I am saying that we promote Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers over promoting a church. Do they need to be in a local body, yes but we must be sharing the gospel. the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Listen to Luke 4:18-19. the Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners to release the oppressedm to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Our classmates, cowarkers, friends are prisoners and we hold the keys.
A. How can I actively preach, and encourage others to share their faith when I am not practicing it in my life. It is so easy to get caught up in this safe environment of christianity, and christian frinds that I am not actively going and bringing brothers and sisters to the Messiah. This week I will go and share my faith with someone in this community.
P. God may you give me the opportunity today to brag on who you are. May I get the opportunity to share what you have done on the cross and what you offer for the prisoner.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
S.
Sovereign Lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:29-32
O.
Just reading this passage of scripture my heart and soul became excited once again. I can’t imagine the scene, hundreds and thousands of years there has been prophecy about the Messiah, the one that would redeem his people and give hope to the Gentiles. For thousands of years there has been an eager anticipation to behold this person who would save them from the tyranny of sin and death. Not only an eager anticipation but a groaning of the souls that longed to be saved. There were many old testament saints that held to the faith without ever seeing it come to fruition. Let me say that again for my sake. There were many who held to the faith of a Messiah that never came while they were alive. Let that sit for a while as you are impatient about just getting to the end of this blog. See you and I just take for granted as good church going folks that Jesus Christ was a real person, history tells us and eyewitness accounts tell us that He truly was who He said He was. We have proof for our faith today but the saints of the Old Testament held to the faith of something that was yet to come. Fast forward 400 years from the last thing we heard from the Old Testament prophets and we find this scene. The God child Jesus is brought to the temple and two people immediately know who He is. Simeion and Anna. Simeon had been promised that he would not taste death until he had looked upon the Messiah with his own eyes. Anna has been in the temple for 84 years fasting and praying. Notice it was those who were worshiping and walking with God that recognized who Jesus was. Thousands of years of groaning and longing were over. He was here in the flesh. Amen Amen
A.
Why do we celebrate Christmas? This scene should be at the heart of our Christmas celebration. Forget the presents, and even forget a moment about spending time with family and friends. We celebrate the birth of salvation for all who would believe. We celebrate the birth of the one that thousands have given their life for. We celebrate the birth of the one that thousands of years of saints only hoped to see. May my celebration of Christmas look different this year and years to come.
P.
Here are some lyrics from a Christmas song that I came across about 6 months ago and you may want to go get it. “Amen, Amen” by Sojourn
And in this Child we’ll find our rest?
and all the meek and lowly blessed?
An infant tongue could sing the hymn?of
Hallelujah and Amen
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday night we observed baptism at lifepoint for those that have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I walked away a little frustrated with the number of those I knew needing to observe, but didn't, but God did so much more that night. I had the privilage of holding one daughter while the other sat down the same row from me and witnessed all that happened on Sunday night. Monday night during our time of family devotion Kennedy wanted to become a christian. Nothing would have brought me more joy than to go ahead and seal the deal right then and there and then come to my church family and brag about how my oldest daughter had prayed to recieve Christ. But God would not let me do that. We spent a few minutes talking about what it means to be saved and thats when the wresteling match began in my spirit. Should we have prayed? How long is to long? How young is to young? When will I know she is ready as a father? Am I just a stumbling block to her asking Jesus to be her Lord and savior? I prayed that God would give me the wisdom and discernment as a father and priest of my home to guide this preciouse life to Christ and to be a wise stewdard of this little soul. That is when I was given this by a wise woman of faith in our church and was written by Iva May. Keep this for future referance.....
As I disciple women who have strong "church" backgrounds I am amazed at the large percentage of those who've "prayed that prayer and been baptized" more than once throughout their childhood and teen years. As a young adult they then "re-dedicate" their lives to Jesus Christ after living in rebellion. Looking back over their lives they aren't sure when they were actually converted. THIS IS NOT THE BIBLICAL PATTERN!
I believe Samuel's experience clarifies this issue. Let's take a look at his various childhood encounters with the Lord.
Samuel was a "church boy." "The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli" (1 Samuel 3:1).Samuel hears God's initial call and although he responds he doesn't really understand what is going on. "Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me" (3:4-5a).
Samuel hears the LORD call him a second time and he again responds. This time the LORD calls him by name. "Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me" (3:6).
After Samuel hears the LORD twice and responds twice he still does not "know the Lord." "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him" (3:7)
Samuel hears the Lord call him a third time and responds but has yet to enter into a relationship with the LORD. "The LORD called to Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me" (3:8).
Samuel hears the LORD again, for the fourth time. He again responds to what he hears. But, this time is different. "The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (3:10).
So, what does Samuel's encounter teach about God's drawing children to Himself?
Children are sensitive to the voice of God. Adults should recognize God's work in small children as just that--God's work. They should verbalize to those children "God is speaking to you. Keep listening!" Unfortunately, adults in their excitement sometimes run ahead and "seal the deal" by leading the child in a sinner's prayer instead of leading them in a seeker's prayer to optimize their spiritual sensitivity. They are then immediately baptized and become church members. Though many are still in the seeking stage they think that they are now saved. (Children are often saved in at early age. I am simply addressing the growing trend among church kids who've made multiple decisions throughout their childhood and teen years.)
When the child again hears God speaking to him what do the well-meaning adults in their lives do? They reinforce the child's seeking as a salvation experience and issue them yet another "spiritual birth certificate" and they pass through baptism waters again. How confusing is all of this!Then, as young adults, God continues His call. They once again respond, but this time with a "dedicatory prayer." It is after this time that many experience a change in their lives and become genuinely interested in spiritual things. Could it be that they are only now experiencing spiritual birth? We must become better "soul" managers of children in the church house. And the story of Samuel's conversion process shows us how to do just that.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
At the time of Zechariah’s prophecy, the Israelites had an up close and personal reminder of their forefathers disobedience. The temple in the middle of the holy city lay in ruins which is a constant reminder of both their forefathers, disobedience and the severe cost of their disobedience. Just a look back in history would have told them the severe cost of their rebellion not to the prophets words, but to God himself. It cost them physical death and spiritual seperation. Do we not live here today, but yet are we truly being repentant. We see the ruins of families and men, a country with a moral compass way off and the word of the Lord is asking us to turn from our wicked ways, to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand Mt 3:2. Would we not be the wiser to look back upon the lives of the Isralites and heed the warning and repent. What will we do with that today. There is a promise in verse 3 that should bring us great comfort….return to me declares the Lord and I will return to you. We have never gone to far from the arms of the Lord. Not that is not a liscense to sin, but a comfort to us who have think that we have totally blown it. It is a promise. If my people would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14Would
Application
Why is repentance so hard? Is it having to admit that we are in the wrong? Or are we apathetic? Apathy is defined as the lack of feeling or emotion or concern for the things of God. We just don’t see the weight of our sin and depravity or we just don’t care to. We are numb to the fact that our sin is repulsive to our God and that it cost Jesus Christ his life. We have been fooled to think that we are ok and that we are pretty good. Now I am not going on a self bashing streak, but we need a healthy view of who we are in sight of God almighty. We tend to elevate ourselves as good church going folk that are doing ok. What is it today that God is asking me to turn from and turn to him.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
S.
When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate’ and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered by each is to go out the opposite gate. The prince is to be among them going in when they go in and going out when they go out. Ezekiel 46:9-10
O.
As Ezekiel is prophesying Gods word about the worship at the temple He tells him to essentially give the people directions. Now why on earth would they need direction? The temple was a large area, but during the festivals, the entire nation of Israel would be there offering sacrifices. Can you imagine the chaos if there was not an orderly motion to the masses of people. God is the God of order and not of confusion. Have you ever noticed that there is an order to worship services. Each church may do it differently, but there is an order. George and I do not get to church on Sunday morning and just do what we feel. There is weeks of preparation to make sure the worship services are orderly and not chaos and confusion. Even from the beginning of corporate worship God wanted it to have flow and order.
There is a second thing I find here in this scripture. Ezekiel tells the people that they could come in the north or south gate but that they were to leave through another gate, and not just any other gate, but the opposing gate. Get this picture they are leaving a totally different way than what they came in. I have been leading worship for nearly 15 years and have stood in front of many congregations and it breaks my heart to see people come into worship, where the same Spirit that raised Christ from death is alive and well, and they leave back through the very same gate they came in. They come burdened by sin and guilt lay down their sacrifice of praise, and turn right back and exit the same way they came in. In this day the Israelites would have come in through the gate that was the closest to their home. It was comfortable. But they were to leave through the opposing gate which gave them time to meditate on God and His worship. One commentator writes that in our attendance upon ordinances, may we not to go back as we came, but more holy, and heavenly, and spiritual. I am reminded of Moses’ meeting with God on Mt. Sinai after giving of the second tablets, after meeting with God His face was radiant. He had been changed by the meeting of God. He walked away different.
A.
Every time I enter the place of corporate worship may I examine my life and may I be changed by the person of Jesus Christ. Now everytime we enter we will not have a total opposite change, but when confronted with the Spirit of God through worship and the very opening of His word, there should be changes. May we quit coming in and out of His courts apathetic and unchanged and defeated!! May we make it a habit to be formable and ever changing until we are glorified with Him.
P.
Thank you for the opportunity to come into you presence and worship you.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
But as for me, I will always have hope. Psalm 71:14
If there has been one word that has been on my heart this year is this word hope. One thing that I think that many of us have given up on. A word that has gotten choked out by the thorns and thistles of life. We have no hope, and we have no joy. It was always heartbreaking that those who claimed to be saved and rescued from sin seem to have no hope in life’s circumstances and never exude any joy. O brother and sister this shouldn’t be so. Webster defines hope as…to want or wish for something with a feeling of confident expectation. For us as believers it should be far more than just a wish. For us as believers hope is trust in the person of Jesus Chirst, and Paul says in Romans 5:5 and hope does not disappoint. You see the very person that we hope in by His very nature cannot fail us. Even though we may think in life’s darkest hour that he has abandoned us, His Word stands and His promises remain. Though outwardly we are wasting away yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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 what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18. You and I have hoped in things before that have not turned out like we wanted or the way that we had envisioned. Someone close died. We lost a job. A spouse left us. The list goes on and on of things that we have “hoped” or wished for, but Paul reassures us that because of the seal of the Holy Spirit we will not be disappointed in the end. Brother and sister I implore you today to hold on and may your hope be renewed today. As I have been looking for new songs to go along with our Revelation series starting back September 6, I found this song. May your hope be renewed today knowing that one day………
Soon and very soon my King is coming
Robed in righteousness and crowned with love
When I see him I shall be made like him
soon and very soon
Soon and very soon I'll be going
To the place he has prepared for me there my sin erased
My shame forgotten soon and very soon
I will be with the one I love with unveiled face I'll see him
There my soul will be satisfied soon and very soon
Soon and very soon see the procession
The angels and the elders round the throne
At his feet I lay my cry's my worship
Soon and very soon
I will be with the one I love with unveiled face I'll see him
There my soul will be satisfied soon and very soon
Though I have not seen him my heart knows him well
Jesus Christ the lamb the lord of heaven
I will be with one i love with unveiled face i'll see him
There my soul will be satisfied soon and very soon
soon and very soon
soon and very soon
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
S.
Call to me and I wil answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
O.
Why do we pray that God would act in a certain way or intervene in certain situations? Isn’t He powerful enough to do it on his own without me asking? Prayer is the very lifeline that we have been given to communicate our heart to the heart of God. If you are hurting you tell the Father that you are hurting. If you are lonely, you tell that Father that you are lonely. In this passage God is promising Israel that He is going to restore them from the nothing that they have become. He is giving them a brand new start, and new hope and a new future. All they have to do is to call. “Call to me”. This prayer is not saying that Gods acting on behalf of the Israelites hinges on them calling, God is more powerful than that and his plan is predetermined, but what is God looking for Israels call. You see when Israel call they are acknowledging that He alone is God and that they cannot accomplish His plan in their own strength. He is looking for the art of humbling themselves and recognizing that it is only God who can.
One of the greatest promises in the bible is here in this scripture….”and I will answer you.” Here is a scripture that Israel could take to heart, if they were to only call He would answer, and not only answer but he goes on to say that He will tell them great and mighty things. This is the promise that He is giving them to tell them He is going to restore them to what they were intended to be. May I cling to that promise today, that if I am to only call, truly call He will answer.
Here are some other helpful scriptures on prayer. Psalm 145:18, Isaiah 58:9 and Matthew 7:7
A.
This for me is a hard application. What is so hard about praying Craig? Tonight in our men’s accountability, the question was posed, do you have joy in your prayer life? There is a joy for me when I pray, the trouble is staying consistent to pray. I want to be a man of prayer that stands in the gap for my family and friends and for the lost world.
P.
Dear God I take you up on your promise and I call upon You and You alone. You are great and mighty and I trust in You in all things.
Monday, August 10, 2009
S.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
O.
God begins a series of promises to the people of Israel who have been exiled from their homes in Jerusalem. They are longing to be back to their homes when God encourages them through His mouthpiece Jeremiah. The first promise we have heard many times and it has been misquoted and taken out of context many times. This is the promise that God has a plan. Not that God will give you all of your selfish desires, but when put in context this passage speaks of Gods omniscience and that he truly loves his chosen people. The Israelites were in exile, they were out of their comfort zone, they were reaping the consequences of their disobedience, but God tells them to hold on. He sees the big picture. He has plans for a hope and a future for his people. He is going to give them a brand new start with him in the center. This passage is a great comfort to me in the times of discipline, or times of trial. God has promised us that he sees the big picture, and even though I may not, I can trust Him.
The second promise is found in verse 12 which says then you will call upon me and come and pray to Me and I will listen. This passage doesn’t say if you pray, it says then you will call. This is the promise that He will send his Holy Spirit to empower us to pray. In the Old Testament we find His holy spirit coming upon individuals to do certain tasks for his Glory. Here we find that the Israelites will be empowered to call upon Him and he will listen. Another great promise for us as New Testament believers that we have been given the Holy Spirit to empower us to pray and call upon God Himself.
The third promise is in verse 13. You will seek Me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. The promise is here is that we will find Him but there is a conditional clause here, only if you seek him with all your heart. This is where I start every quiet time is taking God up on his promise here in verse thirteen. “God you have promised if I seek you with all of my heart, you will be found. All the time I am asking my kids what this word heart means, because it is not speaking of the organ in your body, it is speaking of all that you are. To the very core of us, we have to seek him. That is why it is so important to have a place to study the word that is distraction free and away from things that can steal your minds attention and your hearts affection. What a great comfort, but an extremely hard challenge. Every time that I sit down to seek him out it can’t be half-hearted or just something that I have to check off my list for that day. It has to be a focused, wide awake, distraction free time of seeking the very heart of God. The encouragement here is that God wants to be found. He does not want to remain hidden, he want to reveal himself, but to only those who truly love Him and want to see him and not just his hands.
A.
I must become more diligent in seeking after God. I am very guilty of half-hearted times of seeking after God, or even just skipping the time in his word and then asking him to bless my efforts. May my heart soul, and mind be in one accord in seeking after God.
P.
Thank you so much for your encouraging promises that you do have a plan for my life even though I can’t always see it. Thank you that you are trust worthy and that you want to be found.
Monday, August 03, 2009
S
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
O
This passage of scripture jumped out at me this morning because of the word resolved. Resolved seemed to be such a strong word for this passage and it made me stop for a moment and meditate of what God had to say. The word resolved means to decide firmly on one course of action. Daniel was resolved in this decision because it could have ended with his death and the death of the others. He was not making the popular decision or using many of the contemporary philosophies of how to win friends and influence people. Daniel was a part of a group that represented in their day that Jewish remnant which God has had in all ages. Nebuchadnezzar was attempting to get this remnant to be Babylonians. They were being educated as Babylonians they were to dress like Babylonians and to eat like them. Daniel was never on the fence about this decision. He was following the law that was given in Leviticus 11:44-47. For I am the Lord your God ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves and ye shall be holy for I am holy neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth for I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God you shall therefore be holy for I am holy. Daniel had resolved this situation before he was put in it. Daniel never had it in his heart to defile himself with the kings food. This decision was made long before Daniel was to be put in the situation. If we continue to read on we find that Daniel finds favor with the official that was over him and after interpreting a dream the favor of King Nebuchadnezzar and ultimately the favor of God almighty.
A
One of my weaknesses as a human is that I am a people pleaser. I am a peacemaker and I always want people happy, but sometimes that is to my detriment. Sometimes I can be a little soft in some areas. May I this week begin to resolve that there are areas that I will be completely obedient and not “defile” in my life.
P
Thank you for the example that you gave us with Daniel. May I be challenged with the resolve in his life to be obedient to God above all else.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Funny story about Psalm 81:2. Four years ago I had ordered me a brand new ipod and at the time they were doing free engraving on the back of the ipods. So I was going to be all spiritual and I found this verse. Psalm 81:2 says Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre. Somehow though, in my scrambled brain I got the scripture reference mixed up and I had them engrave Psaml 82:2 which says “how long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Not what I was looking for in a scripture reference.
S
Sing for you to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music strike the tambourine play the melodious harp and lyre. Psalm 81:2,3
O
I have blogged about this before, but I was encouraged of it again this morning as I read the first part of todays reading and that is the part that music plays in our faith. Of all the arts there are only a few that are recorded in scripture that go hand in hand with our faith. You have heard me quote him many times but Martin Luther said that “next to the word of God the greatest gift given to men next to the word of God is music.” Martin Luther recognized that the human soul has to have a way to express its gratitude and joy. What better way than a beautiful melody.
I have been reading some Jewish commentary on these verses in Psalm and they give such a great insight that you and I can apply today. First thing they point out is that it should only be natural that the Israelites raise a song, because of what God had done in delivering them from the bondage of the Egyptians. Out of a grateful heart a song should rise to thank God Almighty of his mighty power and deliverance. Today you and I, if we are a believer, have experienced that same delivering power over the tyranny of sin and death and it should only be natural for our soul to want to raise a song of gratitude and praise.
The second thing that was given great insight to these verses through the Jewish commentary is to sing loud and sing together!!! This is a song that should be raised with others that have been redeemed and saved. What better place than at church on Sunday’s or Wednesday’s when we are with our brothers and sisters in Christ to raise a grateful song loudly!! The Jewish commentators say that this is a call to sing over the sound of the timbrel. Now a timbrel is a drum and we are to sing over that is to sing loudly. That is why the translators use the word shout. We are so grateful and excited about what God has done and who He is that there is nothing else for our soul to do but to sing loudly!!!
A
What keeps us from singing though? What external factors distract us from freely raising our voices to God almighty?.......Is it sin? Is it what others think? Is it our own insecurities? Now say those answers out loud and see how they measure against what Christ has done in your life. Maybe it is that we truly don’t recognize what Christ has done in the process of redemption. I need to slow down enough to meditate on the great work that God has done in redeeming me.
P
God thank you for the gift of music, and may I always use it to thank and praise you for who you are, and what you have done in my life.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
How many times this year have you flipped on the news and things seem to be spinning out of control. What we deemed as solid as a culture has before our eyes become like shifting sand. What we have put our hope in has become hopeless. Listen to these comforting words that Isaiah delivers to the people of Israel in a time of experiencing Gods wrath for their disobedience… S:For my thoughts are not your thoughts, as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 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 yield 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. O:Believer we must take hope that the God we serve is not taken by surprise all that we see. He is not in heaven scrambling to fix things. Things are exactly as he ordained them. Now this does not give us the right to sit back and wait on eternity, but we are called to contend for the faith. As long as there is sin in the world, believers will have to contend for the faith. I am very thankful that I serve a God whose ways are higher than my ways. If it was up to me I would royally mess things up. I can also take hope as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that if I am faithful to preach the text that it will not be in vain. Gods word will, not might, but will accomplish what it was set out to do. May we be like the thirsty plants of the field that long for the refreshing drink of His very word. How many times have you sat in his word and been absolutely refreshed. A: I don't know about you but I struggle with anxieties about what I see and especially with raising children in this culture. I have to learn how trust fully in God and know that His plan is in place. Maybe it is just me.
P:
God this morning I recognize that you are in complete control. I check my anxieties at the cross of Jesus Christ knowing that your plans are being carried out. May I be a faithful minister of the refreshing word of God.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Scripture: Isaiah 29:13
These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.
Observation:
As a worship pastor I was immediately was drawn to this verse and how this impacts us today. It is easy for us to look at the Israelites and talk about their vain worship and speak of their disobedience yet if we were to evaluate our worship and practices we would see that much of our worship is empty and in vain. If we fast forward to Matthew 15, we find the Pharisees asking Jesus why the disciples were “breaking the tradition of the elders,” and Jesus answers with quoting this old testament scripture. The Pharisees were really good at looking spiritual and having things on the outside together, but their heart was cold, and far from God.
Wednesday I preached out of 1 John 2 about being separated from the world, and I commented about the observations that I had made about two generations. The generation that was before me was perceived as being very religious and legalistic, so my generation rebelled against that because we asked where is the love for people. We began to accept all people, and bring them into our churches but the downfall of my generation is that we left people where they were at in their sin, and did not walk them through salvation and sanctification. If we were to be honest and look at both camps we have fought for what we thought was right and more spiritual than the other, but as a whole, both our generations hearts have been far from him. We have given our life proving our points on styles, and methods that we have completely abandoned the greatest commandment that Jesus has given us, Love God, Love people.
Application:
To make my first priority seeking God himself. Not religion or my agenda, but God and God alone. God sees through all of the junk that we think we are fooling Him and others with, and He sees my heart
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Such darkness and gloom in today’s reading, but we are reading the warning signs of those who were walking with God almighty. It is all summed up in Micah 3:9-12.
Hery this you leaders of the house of Jacob you rulers of the house of Israelm who despise justice and distort all that is right; who build Zion with bloodshedm and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe her priest teach for a price and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the Lord an say is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us. Therefore because of you Zion will be plowed like a field Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.
What a warning! The scripture that really jumped off of the page this morning was verse 11 where the leaders say “Isn’t the Lord among us?” How many times do you hear that we are a Christian nation, that we are Christian because we are an American or our family went to church. By default we subconsciously believe that we all end up in heaven and that we are doing good because “Isn’t God among us?” That question almost is a justification of our sin and disobedience. These leaders of Israel were blinded by the sin and evil that they were involved in and couldn’t see the future of Israel and what was to come because of their disobedience. They pursued self in the name of God but God saw, and still sees right through it today. Tomorrow night I am preaching on 1 John 2:15-17. Do not love the world or the things of this world…v. 17 The world passeth away an the lust therof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. What are we pursuing. Even thought we come to church every week and we are apart of something awesome here, we may be blinded to what we are truly pursuing. “Isn’t God among us?” we ask or we try to convince ourselves.
May we today stop and evaluate what we are pursuing and heed the warning signs of our times. May we not be fearful but may we continue with caution making sure that God is with us and not just trying to convince ourselves that He is.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Scripture: Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “see this has touched your lips you guilt is taken away you’re your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, “here am I, send me!” Isahah 6:6-8
Observation: Here we find the account of Isaiah being purified from sin and being called to go tell Israel of their calamity that is to come because of their disobedience. One thing that is very important for you and I to consider is the purification process and the importance of it in this passage. Many preachers and readers of the word focus on this picture of heaven, the throne, the seraphim, but one major factor is Isaiah being purified. This uncomfortable process we like to skip over and focus on the beautiful thing that surround this passage. I think that Matthew Henry says it the best….”The taking away of sin is necessary to our speaking with confidence and comfort either to God in prayer or from God in preaching; nor are any so fit to display to others the riches and power of gospel-grace as those who have themselves tasted the sweetness and felt the influence of that grace; and those shall have their sin taken away who complain of it as a burden and see themselves in danger of being undone by it.”
Isaiah’s purification is the hinging point to this story. If you look in verse 8 it says “then I heard the voice of the Lord saying….” It does not say that then God started speaking. Everyday God is calling us to something, yet we have so much sin that has not been confessed that this voice is inaudible to our hearts. Now as a believer we have had our sin past present and future atoned for, but that does not exempt us from sin after we come to faith in Christ. This sin breaks our fellowship and intimacy with the Almighty God. We are unable to hear this call of God and we remain confused and we feel separated from God.
Yesterday I had come home really quick to watch the kids while Addy took Carley to the doctor, and as I was flipping the channels, Ted Haggart was on Oprah. I know Oprah and Ted Haggart. Before you tune me out listen to what he had to say. I was so intrigued by his transparency. He was a man that had lost everything but his family, and his faith in Christ. Of course Oprah was pushing the Gay agenda and trying to get Ted to say that is Ok to be gay just don’t lie about it, but Ted stood on the Word of God and defended what Gods intention for marriage is. Anyways, when the allegations were surrounding him and he was being caught in lies, he thanked the Lord for revealing his sin so that he could become free. He said that there was such a freedom in confession and brokenness. This was his purification period. Now there were major, major, major consequences for his sin and still are, but purification is going to hurt. Anytime you are touched with a burning coal it will hurt. Sin attaches itself to the core of who you are and removing of it hurts. It hurts you and the people around you.
Application: Is there sin in my life that is hindering me from hearing the Holy Spirits leading in my life? May today I ask the Holy Spirit to begin to reveal any thing in my life that needs the coal touched to it and removed. God is always calling I need to make sure that my life is seeking out this call.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Scripture: Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Johoiada the priest instructed him. The high places however were not removed the people continued to offer sacrifices and burnt incense there. 2 Kings 12:1-16
Observation: What are these high places? Not to insult your intelligence but for a point of reference, the high places were places of worship for pagan religions. They worshiped Asherah and offered sacrifices to Baal. I have been to one of these high places of worship and there was such a weird feeling standing there. Almost like that ground was dirty and tainted. So much evil happened in these places of worship. If we skip back to 1 Kings 22: 43 we also see Jehoshaphat’s battle with trying to remove these high places. In 2 Chronicles 17:6, and 19:3 it states that he did succeed in removing the high places but in 20:33 it states that he did not. So did he or didn’t he? Jehoshaphat did succeed in removing the idols, the very outward expression of evil, but did not remove the corrupt religious practices. Joash, like Jehoshaphat, was fighting the same battle. These places and practices were very popular and that is why Jehoshaphat did not succeed in removing all the high places. In today’s scripture we find that they were actually offering sacrifices and burnt incense to God in these high places, but God had commanded them in Deuteronomy 12 that His worship was supposed to be in designated areas under the supervision of the priest. This practice of worship unsupervised and on these high places mimicked the idol worship of Baal and Asherah.
Application: Before I am quick to judge these kings and the Israelites I need the Holy Spirit to search my life to see if I have some high places still erected in my life. Is there anything in my worship of him that I am trying to mimic after the world. So like Jehoshaphat I may have eradicated the “idols”, but yet there are some practices in my life that look like the pagan practices.
I am reminded of a story of a friend that sat down with his family this past week and let them know why they were no longer going to play baseball on Sunday. It had become a high place in their family and God was more important than the earthy practices
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
In addition to my chronological reading, I have begun reading through 1 John in the evenings and there is one verse that I wanted to share with you. By the way 1 John is a great read and I have made the commitment to begin to memorize scriptures out of 1 John. Enjoy.
Scripture: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17
Observation: I had about an hour conversation with a person in our church not two hours before reading this verse about how him and I both had be lured by the lust of this world. Even if we are at a job that is pulling us away from the Lord, we can't quit because we have put ourselves in such a tight spot with bills and stuff that we can't quit. Many times as believers we have ourselves convinced that we do not love the world, but I challenge you to go on a short term mission trip oversees and begin to see how lured and trapped we are. It all become apparent real fast last January for me. Case in point, after spending a week in an orphanage in Honduras where they have nothing and share everything that they are given. Matter of fact I witnessed a small child share a single m&m with four other children. One m&m four children. When I got off the plane the first thing my children asked me was where is my presents. The hard reality is that they learned that somewhere and that somewhere is me. I am in love with the things of this world and that hinders my walk with God and beyond that my families walk with God. I am passing along a legacy of loving the things of this world. God blesses us so that we can bless others, not so that we can continue to gather stuff for ourselves. Solomon says it best in Ecclesiastes 5:10-11. He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance with increase this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them; So what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes? We are in financial bondage to the point of giving up totally
Application: Start small. Begin eliminating things that I think I need, or the world is telling me I need to become more financially free. I want to be free to be a blessing and to go when God calls me to go.
Prayer: Lord forgive me of my love for the things of this world. I have been brainwashed. May I not be conformed to the patterns of this world any longer but may I be transformed by the renewing of my mind that I may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rmns. 12:2
Friday, June 05, 2009
So sorry it has been so long. This has been a tremendous couple of weeks of ministry. First week was the Refresh conference in Hattisburg and I was completly shaken to the core by TW Hunt. TW has probably forgotten more than I will ever know. He was speeking of "Unseen" and here are a few quotes. He first said it was going to take effort. It was not going to happen watching the TV. Ouch! He also said if you wanted to know God you needed to know the Son. He has committed to memory all of the words of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. He also has memorized all of the parrallels in the synoptic gospels. It was incredible to listen to and be challenged by such a great man of faith. We have been reading as of late in our chronological reading that of wisdom, and I am pretty sure that I saw wisdom in the flesh in TW. Last week I got the privilege of going to childrens camp as worship leader so whatever your child says about me or the songs.....are probably correct!! We had a great time. We had many proffessions of faith, and many more seeds planted. It was a joy for me as I got to spend three day with my two oldest. We had a great time.
Scripture: Two things I ask of You O Lord do not refuse me before I die; Keep false hook and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown you and say, "who is the Lord?" or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9
Observation: This is one of my favorite passages in all of scripture. Just give me what I need Lord is the cry of this passage. I love Proverbs because they are short and to the point. Not alot of commentary or fluff, but direct. This is what I have learned and I hope that you apply it to. Verse 7 of chapter 30 changes tone because no longer is the writer adressing the listener, he is adressing God himself, recogonizing that God is the giver of all things. Not himself. I am in total agreement with the writer in that I really know myself and if I had alot, I would not have to depend on the Lord. I would have everything taken care of and there would be no need for God. On the flip side If my needs were never met, then I would become frustrated and curse God or give up on God. My problem is that many times I need to redefine what needs are. Living in North America culture tells me that I "need" alot of stuff, but what are my needs really? 2000 sq foot home? Two cars? Money in savings? Sham-wow? (I do really think I need a sham-wow) I think sometimes we dont recogonize the difference between needs and wants but we have been given to much as this verse 9 talks about. We may say that we need God but there is no evidence of that fleshed out. We say that we depend on God for all of our needs but yet we are in the constant pursuit of more, more, more. Upgrades, better, best. Why?
Application: I would be content with what God has blessed with and cease striving. The end to all of my striving is self and I pray that it would be replaced with the very pursuit of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Scripture: As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2
Observation: During this time David is in flight for his life from is son Absolom, and is in hiding in the desert. He is lonely, hungry, tired and ready to give up. Many commentators write that during this time many Psalms were written. You can hear the pain, lonliness, and David’s longing for Justice for his enemies in many of these Psalms. Psalm 42 like that of Psalm 63 have the overtone of David longing not only for God, but Gods outward ordinances or worship to you and I. Now many times this passage and the Psalm 63 passage have been used in the context of worship, but I think more than that what David is trying to say here is that he longs for the very presence of God. In Old Testament times the temple, the Ark of the Covenant, Holy of Holies is where the presence of God resided and David longed more than anything to be in the presence of God again, taking part in the ordinances that put him in the presence of God. He had been forcefully barred from taking part in Temple worship as he fled for his life. Listen to the words of David in Psaml 63 verse 2, thus I have seen You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory.
Application: Many times in my life because of sin I have felt barred from the presence of God. My walk becomes cold and Apathy consumes me. May my prayer be today that of Davids, that there is an absolute longing to be in the midst of Gods presence in uninterrupted fellowship.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Scripture 2 Samuel 7:1-29
Observation: The one question that shows David’s character is the Question Who Am I? Who am I that you would choose to bless and even bring the very Messiah through my seed? Who am I? This is a question that you and I need to be much more familiar with instead of the questions that always center around us. Why me Lord? Or why not me Lord? These are the questions that are most frequent out of our mouths and thoughts. These self centered questions drive our motives and our actions. David more than any person had room for self exaltation and to boast for all the military victories and the setting up the kingdom in Jerusalem. David had conquered and defeated many foes, yet through it all gave all glory and honor to the one true God. We see in this scripture that blessings are promised to house of David for his family and prosperity. Then there is the promise that his kingdom will be everlasting. He speaks of the Messiah, that through the line of David, a kingdom will be set up that will endure for eternity.
Application: Considering what the character and condition of man is, we should be amazed that God should deal with us the way he does. We are depraved and dead in sin, yet the kingdom that he has let us be a part of is eternal. The promise of Christ includes all; if the Lord God be ours, what more can we ask, or think of? Now to Him who is able to do far mor abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works within us( Ephesians 3:20 ). He knows us better than we know ourselves; therefore let us be satisfied with what he has done for us.
Prayer: Oh God my I boast in you and you alone. Why you have chosen to bless me as you have, to adopt me into your kingdom is beyond me. That thought drives me today to exalt you above myself and ask why me?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Scripture: The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows turned back on the day of battle; they did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. When God heard them he was very angry; he rejected Israel completely. He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh the tent he had set up among men. He sent the ark of his might into captivity his splendor into the hands of the enemy. He gave his people over to the sword. Psalm 78:9-11, 59-62
Observation: In the old Testament we see many synopsis' or overviews of the Hebrew people and their history. As a matter of fact the whole book of Deuteronomy is one of these synopsis. What were the writers trying to convey and what can we take from it today? Psalm 78 is one of these synopsis.
First Ephraim was one of the most powerful tribes but they were very arrogant. Jewish scholars say that members of the tribe of Ephraim did not wait on the Lord in Egypt and a false prophet rose up among them and led many of them prematurely out of Egypt. They were arrogant and scoffed at the Hebrew people for “waiting on the Lord.” These men were bold in their words, they were armed with swords, but when the day came for battle, the Philistines slaughtered many of them. They ignored the covenant that God had made with them and left before the appointed time. The tribe of Ephraim were also the people that ignored the movement of the Ark of the Covenant and wished to go back to the safety of Egypt. “Why did you bring us to the desert to die?” They refused to live by law that God had set up for their protection and His glory. Psalm 78 goes into a whole litany of wrongs that the Hebrew people were accused of. How God had provided for their needs and delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians, but yet they rebelled. It reminded them that even in their complaining, he provided. One of the saddest verses in scripture is in verse 59-62. Because of their disobedience God left his dwelling among his people. As I read that verse last night and again this morning I shuddered at the thought of being left alone to fend for myself, or of being totally turned over to my depravity and to walk by myself. The Hebrews abandoned the Law and the covenant that God had made with them. Fast forward to the covenant that God has made with me and you. In Matthew 26 Jesus says that His blood is the new covenant. You and I live under the grace of the blood of Jesus Christ. May we never forget the price that was paid for you and I.
Application: Remember, remember, remember. My biggest fear is that God would say enough is enough I am pulling up stakes and moving. I am removing my hand of favor. I know that He would never leave or forsake me, but may I never take his favor for granted. May I always be found depending on God and his provisions for my life. That in the day of battle that not only would I be armed, but I would fight with valor.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hey everyone thanks so much for your prayers this weekend. We had a tremendous time at the retreat that we were at and had some downtime with the family on Saturday and Sunday. We sure missed you guys and I will try to do better in Seminary. haha
Scripture: Now when Abner returned to Hebron Joab took him aside into the gateway as though to speak with him privately. And there to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach and he died. 2 Samuel 3:27
Observation: What a morbid story, but there is on phrase that I want us to look at. Joab took him aside into the gateway. If you have ever been to Jerusalem you will remember going into the ancient city through its gateway. This area had high security, and you felt like you were getting onto a plane, but that was the city gate. What is so significant about the city gate in Hebron? You see Hebron was refuge or a sanctuary, and the gateway was officially out of city limits. It was out of bounds. Joab tricked Abner to going into the gateway where he could avenge his brothers death. Fast forward to verse 33 and in Davids lament for Abner he says..died Abner as a fool dieth? (KJV) David did mourn for Abners death but he was saying how foolish it was for Abner to leave the refuge of the city with a known advasary and let his past catch up with him.
Application: How many times have I left the refuge of my sanctuary Jesus Christ. You see outside of his city gates there is a roaring lion who seeks to destroy me. He is ready to avenge for all of my sins and shortcomings. May I always rest in the safety of Jesus Christ listening to who he says I am, and not to the enemy ready to avenge for my past.
Rock of Ages cleft for me let me hide myself in Thee Let the water and the blood From Thy wounded side which flowed Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make ce pure
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Man how about this past weekend. I am so full I am about to pop. Spiritually that is. I know like never before Addy and I are really begging God to give us wisdom in how we raise our children. Now more than anytime in history we cannot leave it to chance but have to be strategic in how we raise our children, because the world that they will live in will not be tollerant to the Gospel. Anyways how bout a little SOAP for today.
Scripture: At this the kinsman redeemer said, "then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it." Ruth 4:6
Observation: Many of us have been in the church culture so long that when we hear the word redeem and our minds go to the New Testament and think of how Christ has redeemed us. We love to sing "Redemmed how I love to proclaim it!" But where does that word come from and what does it mean. The word redeem is defined and illustrated here in the book of Ruth. The word was not a "christian" word. It was a word that was used in everyday life of the Israelites. The word redeem means to buy back a piece of property so that it remains within a family... To buy back. Let that sink in for just a moment. Now lets apply that to Ephesians 1:7. In him we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace. You see you and I have been bought back. Let me say that again you and I have been bought back from the enemy so that we will remain in the family. The cost of our redemption was not monetary, but it was our very Christ's life. So now believer let you and I sing..."Redeemed how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Application: To never take the cost of my redemption for granted. May I everyday praise Christ for the price that He paid for my very salvation.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
I hope and pray that you guys are as ready for Easter as I am. Man do we have a reason to celebrate. My challenge for you this week is to stay in Gods Word. If you are walking with God it will make corporate worship that much sweeter on Sunday. Look forward to worshipping with you Sunday.
Scripture: In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. Judges 21:25
Observation: Was Israels problems stemmed from the fact that they had no king? Even chapter 19 of Judges begins with...In those days Israel had no king. It leads the reader to think those poor Israelites, if they just had a king then that would solve all their problems. They had fought and battled and driven out nations and peoples that all had kings and they were beginning to think that they also needed a king. God had set it up to where he was not only their king, but their King. One of the first things I noticed in the book of Judges was that everytime kings was mentioned it was in lower case. God wanted the nation of Israel to be under his Lordship and His authority. The people at this time were their own authority they were lords of their own kingdom and we have read through the book of Judges where that has gotten them. They all had their ideas of whats right and whats wrong, and what their solutions were for wrongdoing (Judges 21:8-12). They just continued the cycle of wrong decisions.
Application: It is so hard for me to understand the idea of being under a king as a north American. We are ingrained with democracy and being free. (which I'm not against. I love being free) But growing up in this country has lead me to believe that I am in charge and I say what is right and wrong as I see it. That I know what is ultimatly best for me and my family. As the passage says we tend to do as we see fit. I have to understand that God wants to be my King, not to Lord over me but to be my Lord. I don't know if this makes sence but He wants to personally be my King because He knows what is the best for me.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
What an incredible Sunday. Hearing and seeing people walking with God. May we do our part as a church body and come along side of them and encourage and make sure that these believers are being discipled. One thing that has been very heavy on my heart lately is the need in our churches for discipleship. Now I am not talking about a one hour class once a week. I am talking about taking someone and teaching them how to walk with God. One thing we as a staff are running into many times over is people who don't know if they are really saved and through a little counseling they truely have been but have never been taught to walk with God. Repentence and faith were not cleary communicated to them when they "got saved". We must begin to teach new believers what happened in their lives, who Christ has made them, what is expected of a christ follower and how they begin to daily walk with God. That doesn't happen through programs, it happens one on one, pouring your life into another until they are ready to turn around it do it themselves. That is when we begin to really see the spiritual depth in our churches change.What is our role in this process. God did not call us to go and bring people to him, He told us to go and make disciples, teaching them all I have commanded. If you are uncertain about who you could disciple begin to pray about God bringing someone your way. Our church is full of people that need to be discipled. You can cal lthe church office. We have a list of people that need to be walked through the very foundational principals of the christian faith.
Scripture: Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and succesful. Joshua 1:8
Observation: Here we are again with the word of God reminding the Israelites to keep His commands. Joshua is now leading and he wanted to remind the people before they begin their conquest of the promised land. It sounds alot like Moses reminding the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6 to keep his commands and to teach them to the next generation. As we journey though the Old Testament, it will be a continuous riminder to the Israelites and will be a reminder for you and I.
Application: To stay diligent in keeping his commands. To continually teach my family how to walk with God and how to love his Word. The Israelites are an incredible example to you and I on the consequences of not walking with God.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hey everyone. What a tremendous weekend of ministy that went on this weekend. From the yard sales, wildgame dinner, lords supper, and deacon ordination, it was a great weekend to be a part of lifepoint church. Thanks so much for the part that you play in the body of Christ. I hope that you have been encouraged by the book of Deuteronomy. It is such a rich book.
Scripture: Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words-they are your life! Deuteronomy 32:46,47
Observation: When you and I hear the words instructions, some times that has a negative connotation to it. Especially you men. You know what I am talking about. We can figure it out on our own and we don't need any stinking instructions......ok sometimes we need to read the instructions. Moses at this point is at the end of his life and he is imploring the Israelites to follow every word that he has recieved from the Lord. God has just let Moses in on a little secret about the Israelites disobedience once they take over the promised land. Moses is giving these instructions for life, not to be burdesome. Moses know what will happen to the disobedient Israelites and it breaks his heart. He is begging them to follow Gods commands and to pass them down to their children. To hold the very word of God in the highest esteem.
Application:Today do I see the word of God as a book of rules and instruction or do I see it as my very life. Do I draw from it daily to be encouraged and blessed or do I read it just for the next sermon or devotional thought. As I continue on this chronological journey, my prayer is that I would hold the word of God in such high esteem, and fully understand that it is my very life. That I would understand if I unplug myself from this Word that I would become an anemic Christ follower.
Prayer: God help me to follow your ways and your word. May You grant me such a passion for your word, that I would constantly hunger and thirst always for your word. May I lead my family in a way to which they would also obey and love Your word. Thank you Jesus for the cross!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Scritpure: Be careful that you do not forget the Lord you God, failing to observe his commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grown large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. Deuteronomy 8:11-13
Observation: We see in this scripture that God knows human nature. We tend to forget all that God has done for us and in our lives. We forget His tremendous blessing in our lives. Pride begins to well up within us when we become comfortable. As we rewind what we have read so far in our chronological journey, we read and observe that when the Israelites were without, they followed hard after God. When we are without we are keenly aware of our need for God. We are keenly aware that He is the provider. All that we get comes from Him. When our possessions become multiplied again our pride steps in and says "look at what I've done." Chapter 8 is a call for the Israelites to remember what God has done in bringing them out of Egypt. The words "remember" and "do not forget" are used three separate times in this chapter. Again God knows human nature and what our tendencies are
Application: It is easy for us with a birds eye view of the scriptures to say how in the world would the Israelites forget what God has done? They have seen the Red Sea parted, Egyptian army defeated. They have seen His mighty power on Mt. Sinai. God has provided their every need while in the desert, yet everyday I forget what God has done in my life. Just like the Israelites, He sent a deliver for me in His son Jesus Christ, and took me out of sin and death. He has granted me His Holy Spirit, yet I to need to heed the words of Moses today....remember
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Yes I know I am a little behind but catching up. Let that be an encouragement to all who have fallen behind. Satan would love nothing more than to get you discouraged because you are not on the date. Do not be defeated. Turn off the TV and get into the word. Ok now that I have that off my chest.
Scripture: Numbers 16:1-50
Observation: In this chapter we find a man named Korah who was a Levite, part of Gods chosen priesthood leading 250 other leaders in a direct rebellion against Moses and God. One of the accusations that Korah makes is that Moses has exalted himself beyond the whole assembly. As our reading has shown us, we know that is not truth. Even in the calling of Moses in Exodus 3 we don't find Moses rushing to power, in fact the opposite is true. He turns down the job of leading His people out of Egypt over and over again until Gods anger burned against Moses. So what is Korah's real motivation. Isn't it amazing how during tough times we see the true colors of a character. Korah had been given a great job of ministering before the Lord on behalf of the people yet he wanted more. In tough times he begins to think that he could do better in leading Gods people. Moses asks him in verse 10, are you seeking for the priesthood also? Moses immediately recognizes the motives of Korah and calls Korah on his sin of jealousy and disobedience.
Application: We must recognize how God has set up the church. If we fast forward to 1 Corinthians 12, we are given a letter to the church in Corinth about church unity. Paul recognozes that God has given different gifts and abilities and the beauty is that we are to come together as the very body of Christ to carry out his work here on the earth. In the story of Korah's rebellion we see that Korah wanted to be the head. If we look back at the 1 Corinthians, God didn't intend for there to be two heads. We can't all be mouths, or ears. God has given you and me specific gifts for the task at hand. Where do we belong today? Are we jealous because we are not a mouth? Do we want the title of leader? We see the fate of those that are consumed with jealousy and unhappy with where God has placed them and the gifts that God has given.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gifts that you have given me and the small part that I get to play in the kingdom. May I always be content with where you have placed me in the body and be confident in that calling.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Hope everyone is enjoying your time in the word. Lots of numbers in the book of Numbers....who would have thought? Keep going, if you have missed just pick back up and where we are today. God has got something in his word that He want to tell you.
Scripture: Bring the tribe of Levi near and set them before Aaron the priest that they may serve him. They shall perform the duties for him and for the whole congregation before the tent of meeting to do the service of the tabernacle. Numbers 3:6,7
Observation: Here is where we find the calling out of the tribe of Levi to become a priesthood. We all remember the story of Aaron's sons offering a unpleasing sacrifice and were consumed with fire and died. At this time Aaron was tending to the temple and all that encompassed. In chapter 3 of Numbers we find that God appoints the Levites to Aaron the High Priest. Lets get this picture for a minute. Aaron the High Priest is the only one who can go into the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Levites were to be Aaron's hands and feet to all the day to day things around the temple. Lets fast-forward a couple of thousand years and read Hebrews 4:14. It says that "therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of god let us hold fast our confession. Now read 1 Peter 2:9..but you are a chosen race a royal priesthood a holy nation a people for Gods own possession so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...........That is us!!! We are the Levites! We have been given to the Great High Priest Jesus Christ. The one that interceeds before a Holy God on your behalf, and we are the priesthood to be His represenative. We are his hands and His feet to carry out His work here on earth. Wow I love the pictures that the old testament gives you and I.
Application: Daily consecrate myself the the work that Christ has me doing here today. God has called me to a special duty and I pray that I am being a faithful worker.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Towards the end of Exodus and all throughout Leviticus we have been given pictures of the Tabernacle. Not only have we gotten pictures of the tabernacle but there are certain peices that God instructed the Israelites to build. The one piece that I wanted to blog about was the bronze laver.
Scripture: Exodus 30:18 You shall also make a laver of bronxe with its base of bronze for washing and you shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar and you shall put water in it.
Observation: Here we begin to see what the laver is. The laver was placed between the altar where the burnt offering and where you enter the tent of meeting. The laver was for the priest to clean their hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting. At that date and time there were many opportunities to get dirty, as they walk everywhere, livestock are everywhere. Much like today, there are many opportunities for you and I to get dirty. Exodus 38:8 gives us a more detailed picture of the laver. It says that the laver was made from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting......mirrors? Now these mirrors are not like our modern day mirrors, these mirrors were high polished bronze that reflected their image. Every morning I stand in front of a mirror which reflects back to me what I need to do to look presentable in public. If there is dirt, eye boogers, or my hair is a wreck, it tells me that, and just below the mirror is a sink and water for me to make myself presentable. You see the mirrors on the laver represents the Word of God. It is the Bible that shows the believer his need for cleansing, just as the laver showed the priest their need for cleansing before entering Gods presence. But it is not the mirror that cleanses us. We can rub up against it all we want but the mirror will not cleanse us. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us, and the word of God reflects that to us everytime we open it.
Application: How many time have I stomped right into the tent of meeting "Gods Presence" and not looked into the mirrors of the laver. God stratigically place the laver before you went into the tent of the meeting for a reason to tell us something. It is important for us to be cleansed before entering into Gods presence. God has set the Word of God in place for me to stop at it, look deeply in it and use what it tells me to do to be cleansed.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hope you guys are enjoying your reading. I know that some of what we are reading is hard to take in even now as we enter into Leviticus. Just keep reading. God will honor your time in the word. This past week as I read through the story of the golden calf I was struck with one major character flaw that we can learn from today.
Scripture: Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt we do not know what has become of him." Exodus 32:1
Observation: The character trait that made Aaron a great follower became one of his greatest flaws in this passage. We know that Aaron was a gifted communicator. He was chosen by God to follow Moses and be his mouthpiece to pharoah, but here in chapter 32 we see that without Moses leadership, Aaron was very weak. Aaron could not stand alone. Aaron was spiritually responsible for the Israelites and yet was talked into forming a image of a golden calf so they could offer sacrifices to God. The people of Israel were slick to. If you will notice in the last part of this scripture, the people say that "we do not know what has become of him." What they were saying is that we need to worship so since Moses is not here, we need to do something. Aaron not being strong enough in his faith gave into what they were asking. It sounded good and right, but in truth was idol worship. How many different ideas about faith, worship, God, Jesus, and eternity do we hear everyday, and some of which make a little sense. How many of us have been put into a situation similar to Aaron's and have given in. We read later the consequence of Aaron's sin and the sins of the Israelites. We as believers in Jesus Christ must be able to stand alone in what we believe and profess.
Application: One of my greatest prayers for my children is that they would be able to stand alone. Once their "Moses" is gone they would be able to stand alone against cultural pressures. It is my prayer for myself. that I would be so grounded in my faith, and what the Word says, that I to would be able to stand alone.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Have you ever read something that you have read time and time again and something brand new shows up. I mean it has always been there but this time reading it was very pronounced and God used it to speak to you. This past week as I read through the plagues something struck me and has made me keenly aware of how many times a day I am faced with compromises to my faith. Hope God uses this in your life to.
Scripture: 8:25
Observation: Three times in the account of the plagues Pharoah tried to get Moses to compromise the call that God had placed on his life. During the pressures of the plagues Pharoah offers Moses three compromises that he hopes that Moses will give into so that he will still have control over the Israelites. He first tried to get them to sacrifice and worship in Egypt, but Moses knew if they sacrificed in Egypt they would have offended the Egyptians and they would have been stoned. Then pharoah said for just the men to go and to leave the women and children and the livestock but Moses again knew what God had commanded. He was not willing to compromise and leave the Hebrew women and children. And the last compromise that pharoah gave to Moses was that they could go worship but they were to leave the livestock. Moses reply was that no hoof would be left behind. Wow, no compromise.
Application: In this post-modern world how many times a day are we fa | | | |