Hammer or Nail

I recently read this, “Sometimes in life you’re the hammer sometimes you’re the nail.” It is a quote from Lance Armstrong after losing a leg of the Tour de France a few years ago.  I know as individuals go he might not be the best role model given his current situation but to be honest he is just a human being like the rest of us. He had a desire to be the best in his sport and was willing to do whatever it took to get there. How many of us have not done that very same thing in our own life. Like everything we experience there is always a lesson to be learned from it. I was reading in the book of Isaiah this morning and as we prepare to close out another year; that depending on what happened in your life, might mean it was great or it was the worst year yet. It seems very appropriate for the future and I hope it helps to prepare you for what tomorrow and the New Year brings.

7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good”; and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.

Isaiah 41:7 (ESV)

As a craftsman prepares his work no matter what he builds it out of there is a certain amount of pressure that must be applied to make the correct changes to its form. The man who works with metals understands that the more times the metal is heated and folded and shaped the harder the metal becomes. I once worked in a draw room making steel cable into drill bits. It was an experience I will never forget.  I started with a roll of steel cable 5/8 of an inch in diameter and after several passes through a steel dye of a smaller size that same cable would measure ¼ of an inch in diameter. But it also became harder and less flexible.

Now how that applies to the passage of scripture is simple the things that we endure and experience in our lives are there to smooth out or shape us into whom we are and will become. It always amazed me to watch that cable change from one thickness to the next. Just as I am always amazed at what the trials we face as Christians; does to grow us to be more like Christ. No one enjoys the trials, but when we allow God; the craftsman of our beings, to sometimes use a hammer on us we become what He always intended for us to be. I pray that this coming year we learn to accept the shaping God brings into our lives so that we can be the individuals He created. The Christian life is a Journey I pray you take it in the New Year and I can promise you the paths will lead to unexpected blessings in your life and the lives of those around you. Have a Happy and Blessed New Year.  

Chameleon Christians

I was studying yesterday and the parable of the dishonest steward has been on my mind since then. If you have never read it is found in Luke 16:1-13 and is something every Christian needs to read and apply to their walk with Christ. It contains this often repeated scripture:

“10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Luke 16:10 (ESV)”

 

This scripture is often cited when preachers are talking about finances and stewardship of one’s money and possessions; which is a very important area of growth, for every Christian to understand as we seek to become more like Christ. Yet this is not what has had my mind reeling what has made me stop is found in verses 3-4:

 

3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’

Luke 16:3-4 (ESV)

In this translation it says in verse four, “I have decided” in the King James it is translated, “I am resolved” and that is what makes this so interesting to me. When we decide to do something we make our mind up and we do it. Very few things can prevent a person from completing a task once they have decided and have the resolve to make it happen. Even if it is going to have a negative impact on themselves and others we have seen the negative effects of this type of thought on the news recently. Yet Jesus went on to explain it in this very same parable.

 

“8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are shrewder in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. Luke 16:8 (ESV)”

 

We often see people who are like this steward and we admire them. They always seem to have it all under control and can’t seem to do anything wrong. The truth is these individuals are sitting on the pews in churches and seem to always have the right thing to say and can be influential within the church and world. The name I have for these individuals is Chameleon Christians. They like the steward have decided that they will survive both in and out of the church. Adapting to whatever situation they find themselves in. Making deals that gain them favor and bringing shame to the name of Jesus.

 

The truly interesting thing is that the master saw what the steward did. He may have seen and understood his reasoning but in the end he still fired him. His scheme to secure a future for himself might have seemed good in his own eyes but in the end all his planning did not change the outcome. The same thing is true of our ideas for salvation. I know that someone is reading this and saying but Paul told the Philippians;

 

“12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)”

 

But the steward was not afraid of the master or he would have been a faithful steward to begin with. The same can be said for those who fail to produce a fruitful life after they get up from the altar.

 

Today as a Christian are you a shrewd individual who is playing both ends against the middle? You have gone to the altar and asked for forgiveness and live one life inside the church doors; but on Monday thru Saturday your walk with Christ is unrecognizable. If so it’s time to stop and make a new decision. As Christians we must have a resolve to live as “sons of light.” Yes this will make us different than most of those we interact with on a daily basis. But when it comes time to stand before the master all the accusations that the devil makes will be without cause or justification as Jesus has already paid the penalty for our transgressions. I want to challenge you today to begin looking forward to a new journey with Christ as you begin to a walk in the Light of His Word.

Imitators Not Impersonators

It was wonderful celebration yesterday as we remembered the coming of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I pray you were able to enjoy it wherever you were in the world. I heard several lessons over past weekend on how Jesus’ birth in the stable can be used as an illustration of what happens every time Jesus is allowed to come into the heart of a sinner. It was a very wonderful illustration and I pray that it happened for you or someone you have been praying for. But the story does not end there, I am thankful that Christ came and has allowed us the opportunity to grow into a likeness of Him. Jesus did not stay a baby and neither should we. If we seek to be imitators of Christ; we must seek growth and transformation from the sinful creature we were to the redeemed and forgiven one we are called to be. We must desire to experience a new life in Jesus. Let me share this scripture with you from Luke 2:40,

“40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (ESV)” 

            If you noticed I used the word imitators and not impersonators when I said we are to become like Christ. To some there might be no difference but in reality an imitator is one who copies the actions, appearance, mannerisms and speech of another or to copy exactly someone or something else; while an impersonator assumes the character or appearance in a fraudulent manner. As believers we are to begin a journey once we have offered our lives up to God and Jesus has forgiven our sins. That journey begins with daily prayer and the reading of God’s Word, church attendance so that you can grow in community with other believers and worshiping both corporately and personally as you partake in more of these areas in your life you will grow to be more and more like Christ. It is not always easy to do but it will have greater returns than anything else you will ever do.

“1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1-4 (ESV)” 

I just want to close with a simple prayer; Lord Help each of us to move forward today along the journey we began when we asked you into our hearts and lives. I pray that every believer takes time to commit themselves back to you and desires to become imitators of you in every area of their lives. Lead them by your Holy Spirit and may each day bring them closer to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Be blessed today and don’t wait another day to begin the Journey of your new life in Christ.

Proclaiming Christ

Christmas Eve is finally here and I am so blessed to be able to have time to focus on the wonder and importance of what we celebrate in the birth of Jesus Christ and the freedom that comes from a relationship with Him. Yet in that relationship we must take an active role. As I was reading scripture this morning and looking at the account of Jesus birth and presentation at the temple I realized that every person who encounters Jesus does one thing from the shepherds to the Anna the Prophetess they all begin to tell others about the joyful news.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:20 (ESV)

 

28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32 (ESV)

 

38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (ESV)

 

Today it is your turn if Jesus Christ has a place in your life and heart than it should flow out and you should share the good news of His birth with others today and every day. As born again believers we don’t put Jesus away on December 26^th but proclaim his wonderful mercies anew every day. I pray that if Jesus lives in you and you have seen and experienced His peace, hope, mercy, grace and love that you will be empowered to share it with others no matter where you find yourself today. Allow God’s Holy Spirit to do a work in you as you walk in the light of His Word.

 

Merry Christmas and

Have a Happy New Year

Rev. Brian Mathis and Family

The Change of Christmas

We read these words at the trial of Stephen found in Acts 6:14 this was the charge of the false witnesses,

“14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” (ESV) (Italics added)

You know change is something that scares everyone but it is a critical part of life. Without change we would never grow older and transform from a baby in a cradle to the adults we are. The activities and choices we make often introduce change into our lives. Some of those changes are good while others are bad but those times we endure create who God has called us to be.

You probable are asking what all this has to do with Christmas and the celebration of Jesus coming. Well to be honest it has everything to do with Christmas you see the greatest change that can occur in our lives stems from a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Christmas season is the celebration of His coming and in that coming we can experience redemption from this lost and dying world and look forward to the future.

You know one of the best parts of the Christmas season for me is the reading of Luke 2:1-21. The reason I find it so exciting is because in the 21 verses God has fulfilled six prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. Those prophecies are; He was born a man (Gen. 3:15). He was a Jew (Gen. 12:1-3). He was from the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10). He was of the family of David (2 Sam.7:1-17). He was born of a Virgin (Isa.7:14) and He was born in the city of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) in that passage I find a hope for the future and this simple truth. What God has promised; He is faithful to do. He assures his promises to the prophet Jeremiah and us today with these words.

12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 (ESV) 

God has proven faithful. As we see with the fulfillment of the promises of His first coming I can find a hope, peace and faith that the other promises we find in His word are true. Such as Jesus’ Crucifixion (Psalm 22), His resurrection (Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 16:21) and His ascension (Psalm 103:19) to the right hand of the Father, and His second coming (Zechariah 14:1-9), I can be sure of all of them because of God has proven His ability to fulfill these six.

That is what the birth of Jesus shows me and why it is so important for us to celebrate and remember. Yes change comes and is a part of life but in this season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ we can be assured that those changes are under God’s authority and while they may not be pleasant they will create in us the person God has called us to be. Today as you celebrate the birth of Jesus I ask you to remember the change he has brought to your own life had he not come where you would be.

Overcomers and Conquerors

I was listening to the Book of Revelation this morning while I was running and as the narrator was reading through Revelation 2-3 something that is repeated time and again jumped out to me. As John addresses the churches each letter ends with a challenge to a certain group of people in each church. In the King James Version they are called overcomers in the English Standard Version we find the word conquerors. I like that one but they are for the most part interchangeable words. The idea to conquer something or to overcome it means that no matter what trial you face you have persevered and achieved a goal that others have attempted but failed to achieve. I could provide examples of many people who represent this concept and you can too.   They have overcome disability such as the South African Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius who was the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics this past year. That is what I imagine it means to overcome and to conquer something. The scriptures tell us in Revelation 2-3 that too those that overcome the world and continue to walk in the faith of Jesus Christ as there Lord and Savior. That continue abiding by His teachings that God has promised certain things to those who overcome. Let me share these passages with you.

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

 

Revelation 2:7 (ESV)

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Revelation 2:11 (ESV)

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

Revelation 2:17 (ESV)

26  The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Revelation 2:26-29 (ESV)

5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5 (ESV)

12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Revelation 3:12 (ESV)

21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelation 3:21 (ESV)

The question I had to ask myself and that I now put to you is; are you and overcomer and a conqueror, do you have what it takes to be victorious in your walk of faith? If so God has laid blessings up for you in heaven and one day when our time has passed we will be able to enjoy the blessings He has prepared. Until that day comes we must be moving forward for His glory and in His righteousness sharing the Gospel one life at a time as the pastor shared yesterday starting with your own relationship with God and those around you. We are all able to be overcomers and conquerors but it is our choice if we will move forward with it. I close with this simple prayer today; Lord empower me and those who desire to serve you to understand and realize we are already overcomers and conquerors because we have trusted in you Help us each day to walk in accordance with your word so that others will come to know you and experience this same outpouring of your presence in their lives. I thank God for every person who reads this today and I pray that God’s anointing fall on them wherever they might be so that they may be used of You today. Amen Be blessed as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Living in Exile

Do we ever consider that today that there are those who live in exile from the will and hope of God because they fail to see and understand the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. You see as much as we might love this world we live in scripture tells us that since Adam’s fall the whole world groans in anticipation of being set free once again. Just as each of us as Christians do; Romans 8:19-22 (NLT.) I look forward to that day every morning when I rise and every evening when I go to sleep. Yet as I wait along with you I have come to realize we live in exile from the place we long to be. In 1 Peter 1: 1-2 we read a greeting that while addressed to certain cities and regions applies to each of us today. Peter states;

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. 1 Peter 1:1-2 (NLT)

 

Today we are living in a world that sees what we believe as Christians as more and more foreign to what the world holds as truth. We are foreigners in a country and a world that once held many of the same beliefs and was founded on the same principles outlined in God’s Word. Yet today there is a movement to forget that and move away from it and establish a world based on man’s ethics and ideas.  So when we as Christian believers hold fast to God’s word we find ourselves mocked and ignored often seen as ignorant and intolerant of others. The same was true of those Peter wrote to; many were dispersed and came to live in these places but many more were converted and began to change the communities in which they lived. The truth is the church flourishes under persecution and the more the world tries to exile it from the public the more growth it sees in the lives of people. I just want to challenge you today to hold fast and know that to walk in the light of God’s Word through a real relationship with Jesus Christ will bring you one day into the place God has created for you and me. The exile will be over and one day He will welcome us home.

Supplying Faith

Are you one of those people who feel like there is no need for you to attend church. That you have it all figured out and you are more than capable of experiencing a healthy and righteous relationship with God; if so than this post is for you. I have often been confronted by individuals who tell me that they have no need to attend church or even associate with other Christians to live a righteous and godly life. I have had people tell me there was no need for them to go to church with a bunch of hypocrites. I often agree with them and tell them they are right and that they would find the fit in pretty well.Then I begin to explain why they are needed in the church and that they might be surprised by what they find.  You see God's word tells us in Hebrews:

 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV)

You would think this directive from Paul would be enough for a believer as we try to  understand the purpose in our gathering together, but we still fail to see all the value in it. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonias he was worried that the devil had weakend their faith and that they had again returned to their idolatry. When Timothy had returned his report was good and that there was a strong body of believers present and that even in persecution they were moving forward with the Gospel. The truth is the need for believers to come together in worship and study is to provide growth within the body of Christ. Paul explains in 1Thessalonians 3:9-10 the real purpose:

 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 1Thessalonians 3:9-10 (ESV)

We are to join together so that we can supply what is lacking in one another's faith. Each of us alone has certain issues that we struggle with be it pride, envy, greed or gluttony just to name a few; the problem is when we try to face those issues on our own the devil knows how best to exploit them to bring us down so that we find ourselves ashamed and embarrassed by the fact we really don't have all the answers. Now when we join in unity and give thanks for one another bearing each other up in love and respect those issues that often control us are overwhelmed by God's Grace and Mercy. Which is what God's word tells us should happen in the lives of those who believe. Our fellowship whether it be Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday or anytime two or more believers are together should produce positve things in the lives of those present. If it is not than the focus and purpose of the time is not to build one another up as it should be and the best thing we can do is avoid it. They are not gossip sessions but sessions that create relationships both for individuals and the individual and Jesus. I really hope that if you are reading this and find yourself struggling today that you have someone in whom you can confide. That will supply you with the pieces that are lacking in your faith. May the Lord God bless you as your walk in the light of His Word.

Where Should We Turn

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

I know it is often hard to accept the fact that trials come into our lives. I have listened to people all week talk about how bad it is going to be during the next four years because of who the President of the United States is going to be. Yet during this week I was reminded of the church and its rapid growth throughout history and even today in the world where persecution is part of the life of the believer. We often fail to realize that when we chose to become Christian we have chosen to be different than the world around us. We have accepted the charge to live in a way that the world around us especially in the Western Hemisphere has begun to view as archaic. Yet we must always understand our charge no matter what opposition we face when life begins to pile on and everything seems to becoming against you there is one truth I can share from my own life. It is found in God’s word,

 “God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NLT)

Each trial we face no matter how small or great is designed to strengthen our dependence on God through our relationship with Jesus Christ. People will think you are strange or even crazy, I know this from experience. But as the song says, “Where else can I go but to the Lord.” I hope today in what every trail you face instead of turning to the world for answers you will take the step of faith and ask God to show you what He has for you in your present trial and how He plans for it to become a place of strength for you today and in the future. I pray God bless you and that the Holy Spirit lead you in all righteousness as you walk in the light of His Word.  

Obligation or Passion

10/19/12

I heard this phrase on the radio this week and it caught my attention; Microwave Christians. It’s not a new term it has actually been used a lot during the past 20. You might wonder how you can put the two words together to make a point well this is the best description I have found. Have you ever gotten something out of the microwave that was so hot you had to get mittens just to pick it up? Only to discover the insides of it were as cold as ice. There are a lot of well-meaning Christians that fill the pew every Sunday serve as greeters, ushers,  musicians, singers, and even some preachers who have lost that inner passion for what they do every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday. To be honest with you it affects more people than you think. It is currently one of my own struggles; I have lost a passion to do many of the activities I have always done. In my own life I have allowed the doing to overtake the purpose for why it was done in the first place. You see we can be busy doing God’s work but not doing what God has for us to do. There is a difference between obligation and passion many of the things that are done in churches is out of obligation. First because we believe that if I don’t do it; it won’t get done. Let me tell you that you may be keeping someone else from doing what a God has called them to if you are not willing to step back and examine what God’s plan is for you. I have learned from experience that God has called and created each of us to do certain things and reach certain groups of people. Often though we grow comfortable and conform to a pattern that locks us into a position of self-control. This hinders God’s work in our own life not to mention what it does to the people around us.  In my struggles with this issue I have turned to God and sought after His wisdom and plan for my life as should anyone else that finds they are lacking a passion for what you are doing for God. I started in Proverbs 2:

1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 (ESV)

 

and found myself back in the Book of James; the Proverbs of the New Testament, and the verse that I want to share with you is:

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 (ESV)

 

We cannot live a double minded life and serve God. We must be willing to turn over full control to His sovereign will for our lives. I pray that God guides me where He would have me be so that I can be affective for His kingdom and I pray the same for you. It is not an easy decision to make but it is the best one you will ever make if you truly desire to serve God with all your heart, mind, body and soul. Have a blessed day as you walk in God’s word.

Not Why But What

This past week I have listened to several wonderful speakers discuss why we have suffering and trials in our lives and it has amazed me as to the varying reasons and lines of though t that have been given for why God allows this. One speaker explained it as part of the discipline of God in a believer’s life. Another shared that it was part of the redemptive plan of God and that often it was the point in which believers began to truly learn to walk with God.  The point that I heard though that really got my attention was when one of them explained that it was alright to ask why of God. Often we struggle with this question; I know I have I often ask Him, yet I really know less today than I thought I did.  Last night as I was reading and studying I was looking at the book of James and with all this other going through my mind I read these words;

 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)

As I prayed about it I really believe the question about our trials and suffering becomes not why I lord. But what purpose is God trying to bring about in my life.  It’s alright to ask God why you are enduring this trail go ahead and ask.  If you really want an answer maybe it’s time you change the question to what does He want to change in me. Have a blessed day.

The Prepared Way

This morning I was reading about Deborah and Barak in Judges 4 and this phrase stood out to me it is found in verse 14. (emphasis added)

14 And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. Judges 4:14 (ESV)

 

I wonder how many times in our lives we need to be reminded that the Lord is going before us in everything that we do. Time and again we see in scripture God’s promise of protection and direction if we will only heed his word and follow were he leads. We read in Exodus 23:20-21 of the promise of God to provide direction and safety to Israeli.

 

20 “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Ex 23:20 (ESV)

 

I serve an amazing God we even see this promise in the prophecies of Isaiah in Chapter 45 as Isaiah foretells of the man God has chosen to use to restore Israel from the Babylonian Exile that will not occur in His life time. God prepares for King Cyrus to take control from Babylon and allow Israeli to return home and rebuild the temple in as recorded in Nehemiah and Ezra.

 

2 “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, Isaiah 45:2 (ESV)

 

These promises did not end with the Old Testament and Israeli they are available to us today. We read in Hebrews 12:2, “2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)

Some versions of scripture use founder instead of author but I think the King James makes the point a little better yes our faith is found in Jesus. But He is the one writing the story of our walk with Him. You see I can say this with confidence because Jesus told the disciples this very thing in John:

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 (ESV)

 

One thing that I am certain of is that if God has done it for one He will do it for others when they are willing to let him have control and guide us. I pray God blesses you today as you seek to be in His will and obey His calling on your life.

Reflections on Psalm 16

You know I serve an awesome God and his word is always perfect. I was reading this morning and I love to read the psalms and today this one really spoke to me and I wanted to share it. It is Psalm 16 and in my Bible it was entitled, “You will not abandon my soul.”

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” Psalms 16:1-2 (ESV)

In a time of trouble and despair it is not easy to say this first verse. The questions overcome us and we fight with God about His will and our lack of understanding. Yet David reminds us that without God there is nothing good in our lives. He understands our anger and our pain he does not wish for us to hurt. Though hurting is what makes us human. David goes on to say.

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in who is all my delight.

Psalms 16:3 (ESV)

As much as I love my church family and rely on you for support in my life and struggles God is truly the only place I can find peace when life becomes more than I can bear. Prayers and a compassionate touch are how we can lift one another up in this world but there are some things only God is able to carry us through.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. 5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. Psalms 16:4-5 (ESV)

Today we each have a choice to make as we live our lives I was once addicted to alcohol pornography, and tobacco. I allowed each of these to set themselves up as a replacement for the one true God who knew me and called me to greater things but I was unable to bow to His will in my own life. Yet he was there for me.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Psalms 16:6 (ESV)

It has amazed me as I have gone through old pictures this past week how truly blessed God has allowed me to be, even while I was fighting Him for control of my life. Even in the darkest hours and deepest pits I have found myself in I can see God’s hand directing me to this stage of my life. He has sustained me through war, mortar fire and car wrecks all of these in a time when I did not know Him. Why should I not trust Him now?

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalms 16:7-8 (ESV)

Today we have a choice and I assure you it comes with a cost who will you turn to. I wish like David I could tell you that my faith has never been shaken but that would be a lie.  

Something’s that occur in our world shake my faith to the core of my being. Yet it never changes the truth of who God is or how much He loves each and every one of us. You know we talk of Jesus sacrifice on the cross yet we forget the sacrifice God made in sending Him to die for us. We are not worthy of that kind of love yet He has provided it to us. As the rain falls on my roof I Pray you have a blessed day.

Blessed Afflictions

Good morning! Have you ever considered your afflictions as a blessing from God? I know some of you just said, “What in the world did he just say?” You see when we think of the word affliction it cares negative ideas we think of disease or strife and no one really wants to experience that in their lives. Even though we don’t desire to experience them; they always seems to find us, not only for the saint but also the sinner the difference comes from understanding what the rewards are for enduring those trials that come. I have gotten were I listen to an audio Bible as I work out and even some days when I am alone at work. It helps me to manage my time and allows me to have God’s word penetrating my life. Especially when I am really doing something I do not enjoy like running; talk about an affliction, I am still not yet fond of it. But this morning Psalm 90 really jumped out at me as I was trying to finish week two of Couch to 5k. The part I desire to share begins in verse 12 and it reads;

“¹² So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. ¹³ Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! ¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. ¹⁵ Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. ¹⁶ Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. ¹⁷ Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

Psalms 90:12-17 (ESV)

Verse 12  is something we all must be willing to understand if we really want to enjoy the time we have been given. We do not know when God will call anyone of us home. Preachers often quote this verse Matthew 24:36, “36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” talking about the rapture of the church; but in the meantime death comes for people every day. We must learn to appreciate and enjoy even those days that we would rather not experience because they are a gift from God.

One of the interesting parts of this Psalm is it seems to contradict one of the things I have always been taught as a Christian. Verse 13 would claim that God departs from His people but in truth we turn and move away from Him. We seek to do everything in our own power and when things do not turn out the way we desire we try to blame God for not being there when He was there the whole time. We just chose to do it our way instead of His. So the writer of the Psalm considers themselves to be afflicted. When in truth they have been blessed. Each day we are given is a blessing from God. When I look back over my life I have had to stop and realize every time my life was difficult and hard I was trying to maintain control. In the days that I started off by turning everything over to God I can remember walking in peace even on the days when my entire world has been turned upside down. The second part of vs. 15 is where I want to leave you today in the NLT version it reads, “Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.” In my life it has required I change my perspective about life and stopped focusing on today but began believing in what God has promised for my tomorrows. His word is true and His promises are real. Philippians 1:6, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Do you trust Him in your afflictions? If so you will trust Him all the more with the blessings He has in store for you. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Waging War

As  an NCO there were many times we sat down during both peace times and war going over plans trying to establish the best way to approach whatever the given situation was from training to clearing a set of bunkers were we might encounter enemy soldiers. Now I have been out a while but knowing the military it probably has not changed much except having what they think is better intelligence than we had 20 years ago. But each one of these sand table talks we would go through would ensure that each leader knew exactly what there part of the mission was and it helped to ensure that the plan was sum what feasible. We used to apply Murphy’s Laws of Combat rule number one; “All plans were great until the first shot was fired.” Than it might go crazy. I always thought that most of these meetings were a great waste of time for me and my soldiers. What I did not understand was the real purpose of it. It was to ensure that every person from the company commander to the last private would be able to carry on the mission if they had to. It also allowed for feed back to the commanders before the mission to prevent any surprises that the command did not know about like being low on ammo or a vehicle that was broken down. This morning I found a Biblical reference to something along those same lines. It is reiterated several times in Proverbs but let me share this one first it is found in Proverbs 20:18,

“18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.”(ESV)

I started here because as often as we might here it we fail to recognize the fact that we are involved in a war daily. We might not believe it to be physical but to be honest when war is waged on a spiritual level it takes a toll on the physical world. But the real issue at stake is where we turn for counsel. Do we trust the right people to provide us counsel so we are prepared to wage war both spiritually and physically?

“6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6 (NLT)

I am sure you have all been told to seek godly counsel as you follow Christ but I can tell you not everyone who professes Christ has your walk with God as their priority. We are after all just people. We might be saints redeemed from sin but we are still people. Often we allow personal desires to prevent us from following after or providing the right counsel to others as it will benefit us personally. It is important that as we seek counsel we look for those who are not just Yes people. There is no way to know how many wars and battles have been avoided because someone said NO when asked if something seemed right. It is even scarier to me how many battles have been fought that could have been avoided because people had personal motives to see the fight come.

I leave you with one more Proverb,

 “14Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” 11:14 (ESV)

Ensure that you have people who will tell you the truth not just what you want to here. Just a personal example; several people called me to tell me my son had been using drugs. I failed to listen because I did not want to believe them; in the end it was true. My desire to believe what I wanted about him prevented me from seeing the truth and heeding godly counsel. Don’t allow yourself to become blind to the obvious or to block out those around you God has sent to guide you even if they don’t always agree with you. Have a blessed day as you walk in the Light of God’s Word.