Abandoned by God

You know sometimes as a Christian we can feel abandoned by God. You know what I am talking about when nothing seems to be going the way we think it should we will turn around and ask were God is in what we are facing. I know many people have even allowed those moments to cause them to doubt whether or not God is real and if their relationship to Him is really worth the struggles they face. Far too many people walk away from the Lord because they are expecting one thing and they don’t receive it. I was studying this morning and was struck as I was reading these passages from 2 Kings 13:

1 Jehoahaz son of Jehu began to rule over Israel in the twenty-third year of King Joash’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria seventeen years.2 But he did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He followed the example of Jeroboam son of Nebat, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.3 So the Lord was very angry with Israel, and he allowed King Hazael of Aram and his son Ben-hadad to defeat them repeatedly.4 Then Jehoahaz prayed for the Lord’s help, and the Lord heard his prayer, for he could see how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.5 So the Lord provided someone to rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of the Arameans. Then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days. 2 Kings 13:1-5 (NLT) 

This may seem a little harsh but do our choices that we make even as born-again believers sometimes cause us the problems we face; and rather than take responsibility for those choices we just see it easier to lay the blame on God. Jehoahaz was just one of nineteen evil kings that reigned over Israeli from the death of Solomon till they were carried off to Babylon. Throughout the history of Israeli we see that God sent trouble their way in an attempt to draw them back to Him. Maybe we need to look at that in our own lives. Are our trials we face not so much as punishment but like a shepherd’s rod and staff just something God is using to nudge us closer to him?

Do you think you are too far gone, that there is no hope for you?  The thing that struck me as I read this was even though Jehoahaz did evil before the Lord and caused Israeli to sin; God heard his prayer. It was not because he had repented and changed his ways it was because of the promise he made to Abraham that his seed would be a blessing to the whole world. He did it not for the individual but because the nation had to survive. I wonder sometimes if we today as Christians fall into that category. We run around doing what we like wake up wondering if we have gone too far and decide that there is no going back. Let me tell you When God saved you he made you a promise just as He did Joshua as he was about to lead Israeli into Canaan. 

’5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:4-5 (NLT)

Today I can tell you that promise is applicable to your life, you have not gone so far that he cannot reach you. He is thinking about you today and while we question our lot in life he has so many blessing just waiting for us. However it requires we take action on our part; this is where it gets tough we have to abandon our own desires and live a life that He has called us to. I know you don’t want to hear that. I refused to listen to it for years. The writer of Hebrews tells us some of what we need to do to see this promise fulfilled.

 

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:1-6 (ESV)

 

We have not been abandoned by God in our world today we are the ones who are guilty of abandonment. I pray today you look at your own life is God trying to lead you back to Him have we strayed from the paths of righteousness if so it’s never too late to turn back to Him and pray that he can deliver you from your situation. Be blessed as you walk in the Light of God’s Word.

The Art of Casting

When we look at this word casting the first thing that comes to my mind is the use of it in fishing which is to throw a line or a net. Others might look at it and thing about forming something as if to cast a mold to make something. In scripture we see it used in both forms and one more that is similar to the first and that is to throw something. Me personally I love to fish so when I think about this word and what it means to me my reference stems from learning to cast a rod and real or casting a seine net for the first time. In fishing when someone casts out a net or a line the desire is too real it back in with something either on the hook or in the net. So this morning I woke thinking about this scripture:

22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalms 55:22 (ESV)

 

    We find this passage of scripture tucked away in a plea from David to God for deliverance from his enemies. It struck me this morning though that often we don’t understand there is an art to casting. I believe David knew this art; those who fish can relate to this. You just don’t pull back and throw to catch something you often have to aim for a particular spot. I love to trout fish often when trout fishing you are fishing in tight places and the fish are laying only feet away from you. However, to get a trout to bite it is often more about presentation than the bait you use. Often you must cast up stream and allow the current to take it to the fish. It’s in the waiting on the power of the river to move your line that you are able to catch what you are seeking.

In 1Peter 5 we see this same idea presented to the believers and to us today.

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

 

Peter gives us an instruction about casting as he tells us to cast our cares or our worries on God. We must do it with a humble heart. Humility does not demand a response just as I cannot make a fish bite the hook and line I present before it. Nothing you and I can do makes God respond to our desires. Most often when we turn to God and cast our cares upon Him it is when we are desperate for an answer. We come in demanding something be done; yes I understand emergencies arise and we go before God in those times. However, the interesting part about fishing is that to really catch fish you need to know where they are. It’s the same with God, does our daily walk help us to know Him. As  kids in upstate South Carolina we fished this same section of the Chuaga River, it stretched from Cassidy Bridge Rd. to Spider Valley all told it’s about a seven mile stretch of river if memory serves correctly. Back then my brothers and I would get dropped off at the one end and fish our way down to the other and then walk home. They were long days but memorable days. However, I believe even today I can probably take you to those spots were if you cast a line you will catch a fish. That is how well I know that section of the river.

If we are going to cast our cares on God who is more powerful than any river and expect him to yield His glory and mercies to us don’t we need to know how to cast them. Casting is an art it requires both practice and preparation you just don’t pull back and through you have to know your equipment and the area your fishing. We must know God through His Word and be in relationship with Him when we cast our cares upon Him; if we truly expect to receive from God what we ask. I challenge you take time to walk in His word so when you cast your cares upon Him the waters are familiar and you will catch what you desire. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

The Round-To-It

I was preparing a Sunday school lesson this past week on God’s coming wrath. It was two parts His wrath and the possibility of deliverance from it. The information was interesting and to be honest it was a very tough subject given it was based out of Revelation 15-16 and the last seven judgments. However, the part that really got my attention was the deliverance portion of the message. It was based in Daniel 12:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Daniel 12:1 talks about what some call the Lamb’s Book of Life. 1 Thessalonians 5 though talks about the Day of the Lord and is what I want to share with you today.

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10  who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (ESV) 

Like many of you I have been told that Jesus is coming back my entire Christian walk and pretty much being in the South all my life. It has become the mantra for many movements around Christianity and has led to some strange and bizarre cults throughout the centuries. The problem is that it has also led to what I call coolness in the lives of those who call themselves Christian. Hearing it over and over again the church has become rather lazy or lackluster in its desire to evangelize the world. I know that there are very active churches involved in a lot of ministry but how many of others have been lulled into a stupor because they decided that there was plenty of time. They are living the round-to-it life of Christ. You know this person shoot many of us fall into this category from time to time me included.

The conversation goes like this:

Sunday Morning

Pastor: Well Good morning, so did you ever talk to your friend you asked me to be praying for.

Church Member: Well no pastor I just did not have time to get around-to-it this past week. I will try to do it next week.

Pastor: Well Ok I will continue to pray for you and your friend that God gives you a chance to talk to them.

Church Member: Well pastor thank you would you consider meeting us for lunch this week maybe you could talk to him. I really am not very comfortable doing it.

Pastor: Well I can look at my schedule and see if I can get around-to-it one day later this week. I am a little busy with all the stuff going on at church.

Church Member: Well I will call you or talk to you on Wednesday night and see when you are available.

Pastor: Well ok.

Monday morning phone call:

Church Member: Pastor I was just calling to tell you we won’t need to go to lunch this week. My friend died this weekend.

You know what it is all well and good to think we can look at what is going on in the world and think that God is coming soon. The reality though is He comes for people every minute of every day. Before you finish reading this someone has died in the world from any number of things. I believe that when they talk about the Lord coming like a thief in the night it has to become personal. Thieves don’t generally break into a whole city at one time they work one house or business at a time stealing what they want and leaving the other stuff behind. If the church does not recognize the fact that while we are waiting for God to comeback for His bride people around us are falling away and into death we are missing out on what we are here to do. Is it about time we stopped worrying less about the signs of His return and more about those who do not know Him that are dying all around us? You see at death your choice is made permanent and there is no second chance for salvation. I know that is hard to hear but today I am giving you your round-to-it lets get done what God has for us so that no one we know or love has to be separated from God for all eternity. Have a blessed day as you walk in the Light of His Word.

God's Thoughts About Us

 

Recently I was reading David G. Brenner’s book Surrender to Love and in it he asks a question that caused me to stop and really think. The question is this, “Imagine God is thinking about you. What do you assume God feels when you come to mind?” If that seems like a strange question it really is not that unusual we do it on a personal level everyday when interact with individuals we have encountered in our lives. We often wonder what sort of impression we have made after meeting people for the first time and we wonder how they have viewed us was in a favorable light or if they will avoid us the next time our paths cross. He goes on to say that most people do not believe that God’s thoughts about them are positive. The common theme is usually disappointment or anger with them about their perceived failures. Like so many other children we often feel like we have not been successful enough to please our parents. However as I was reading my Bible today and praying about my own relationship to God He brought me to this passage of scripture that I just had to share and to be honest this is what God thinks when you and I are on His mind.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Psalms 139:17-18 (NLT)

You see David can say this because he has seen God deliver him out of all sorts of things even his own personal failures. David was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination to be honest he was an adultery and a murder however God still loved him. I know this may seem hard to believe but no matter what you have done in your life you are not beyond the love of God. He has precious thoughts for you today no matter your situation.

¹ O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.² You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.³ You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.⁴ You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.⁵ You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

Psalms 139:1-6 (NLT)

So I want to ask you the same question when God thinks of you what thought does he think? If you believe that he holds anger or hatred towards you than you do not understand the love He has for you. You see it is in His love for us that he allowed His son to die for you and me. There is not a person alive that I know that would sacrifice their only child for the good of others it requires a kind of love that is not humanly possible. A love like that would not think badly about those it loves it would continue to love us even when we fail to recognize how much He loves us. Today though we must be willing to accept Jesus Christ as our lord and savior to fully experience that love from God; it requires something that is rather difficult for us to comprehend, our total surrender to His will. Not that we will ever be perfect or live perfect lives yet that we accept the forgiveness that he has offered and that we walk under the lordship of Him through the Holy Spirit. I pray today you come to recognize that God thinks precious thoughts about you all the time and that you are loved by Him in ways we can never even fathom. Have a truly blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Equal Sacrifice

I am probably about to wade into one of the most controversial issues that effects the church and it’s because it is a very personal issue for most people. The situation that has been burning in my heart for two days has to do with tithing and what scripture says about it. Yes I know that for many people this is a sacred cow and something you don’t want to hear anyone preach on because you see it as a personal issue between you and God and I will agree with you that it is. However, God calls us to find wise counsel about personal issues all the time and how we use our finances, time and personal abilities are areas that I believe fall into that category. So let’s take a quick look at the subject of tithing.

A tithe is defined as one tenth of what you have or earn that is set aside to give to someone else; as a means of support or obligation. In a Christian context it is the financial means by which the work of the church is done. Its tradition with in biblical context predates the law and is first recorded in Genesis 14:17-20;

17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (ESV)

Without any requirement set forth we see Abram give a tenth of all he has with him to the King of Salem, Melchizedek. Who is said to be the priest of the God Most High. It is not out of duty that Abram gives this tithe to Him. We understand that Abram was a God-fearing man, honorable in all things who sought to do the Lords will in his life and bring honor and glory to God’s name. I may be wrong but that sets a precedent for why we pay tithes today. It is not out of obligation but out of a desire to honor God for all he has done for us just as he blessed Abram and showed him grace we also are recipients of that same grace. 

Now I can hear the arguments in my head as to why people chose not to pay tithes as a Christian and the number one argument I hear is; it is an Old Testament practice that has been adopted by the church to ensure operational expenses are met and you might be right. However, scripture records that they practice of God honoring, God-fearing men gave to support the work of the temple and then when converted these same people gave to the Church often giving far more than a tenth of what they had received; an example is found in Acts 4:37 when Barnabas sells a field and gives the money to the early church. We see that the practice was continued in order to advance the gospel of Christ.  

Another of my favorite excuses, “Well Jesus never taught on tithing” and yes he never directly tells us that we are to pay tithes to the church. However, we see a few examples of what can be described as His view of it. There is recorded in scripture a moment in time that might seem out of place if we fail to recognize that Jesus used every opportunity to teach His followers the ways of God. It’s recorded in Luke 21:1-4 and Mark 12:41-44 and is the story of the widow and her two mites. This is not a parable but something that was witnessed by Jesus and His disciples that Jesus used to help them understand giving. 

1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4 (ESV) 

To be honest tithing was not something I have always understood and before I was saved it was a constant struggle with my wife who was saved and understood the principle better than I did. Often she would write a tithes check out and we would fight about it. However as I have grown closer to God and began to trust Him more and have recognized the grace He shows to me every day I understand tithing better than ever before. Some will argue that it is required of us to pay tithes basing it upon this statement form Jesus found in Mark 12:17 and we need to give God what is his. Just remember He already owns it all He is just allowing us the stewardship of it. 

17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. (ESV)

However, I believe the tithe God really desires is not limited to a percentage of what we have but what we are willing to give to Him in a God honoring manner that shows our understanding of who He is and what He has done for us. When we determine to only give ten percent; when we could give more do we limit what we think about God? When we are unable to give a tenth and decide that if I can’t pay a proper tithe I won’t give at all do we recognize our failure to honor God with what he has given us. It’s not all about money when we tithe it is also about our time, God given gifts and abilities. Are we giving those things to God in a way that brings Him honor and glory? Tithing is a controversial issue by all measures of the word but as Christians it is important that we understand that God honors our sacrifices we make for His kingdom not that he needs what we have because He gave it to us to begin with. But because we have used it to honor Him in the world we live in. I challenge you to examine your view of tithing if you still don’t see the need than maybe it’s time to examine your relationship with Jesus. Have a blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

 

The Craziest Ideas

What is the craziest thing you have ever allowed someone to talk you into doing? As I ask that question I need to thank God that He allowed me to survive all those things that honestly I never should have walked away from even when I was not living my life for him. Today is no different except the one who influences me to pursue some crazy and off the wall dreams is God Himself. Yes that is correct some of the craziest things you will be asked to do will come when you are walking in relationship with Jesus Christ and trying to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. However, let me assure you; you are not alone in this endeavor. There is a long list of men and woman throughout history and scripture that have taken their marching orders from God and have gone on to do great things for Him and the kingdom. As I was reading this morning one such account of a man following after God’s heart and his instructions was put before me. It is found in 1 Kings 18:1-40 and is the time in which Elijah confronts King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. But the part I want to share with you is Elijah’s preparation for the sacrifice. If you have never read this account I recommend you look it up and read all of it.

30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” 32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water. 1 Kings 18:30-35 (ESV)

To help you understand some of what is going on Elijah at God’s command prayed for the rain to stop and it did for three years. He arrives back in Israeli and confronts Ahab and the prophets of Baal. God has instructed him to challenge them to a contest to prove who the one true God in Israeli is. The preparations of the sacrifice were not Elijah’s doing but in accordance with the Lord’s direction.

36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 1 Kings 18:36 (ESV) 

It was not Elijah’s crazy idea to soak the wood and the sacrifice to the point the ground would not even absorb the overflow. Remember it has not rained in three years; that would take a lot of water. Yet Elijah was obedient in all God told him to do and God as always proves He is faithful to those who are obedient to His will and His word.

 

38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

1 Kings 18:38(ESV) 

So let me ask you what crazy vision or idea has God placed on your heart? Are you willing to take that step to follow after him and do what he has called you to? As I close I want to give you one important warning that you need to understand whatever the idea is that you may feel God leading you into to ensure it is the right one ask yourself this question who will receive the glory from it? If God is glorified in it and you are not mentioned than that is the crazy idea God has for you. You see they don’t bow down and honor Elijah;

39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 1 Kings 18:39 (ESV) 

Often those thoughts and ideas that we have that seem off the wall and out in left field about ways to reach the community and share the gospel with others may be exactly what God has called you too. Trust me I never thought I would spend time writing and people still look at me strange when I say I am a pastor. It is a good thing we don’t have think like God does because he can take what looks foolish to the world and make something great out of it. Have a blessed day as you walk in the Light of God’s Word.

God-Fearing or True Believer

I awoke this morning thinking about the story of Cornelius as recorded in Acts 10 for those who might not be familiar with Who Cornelius is John describes him this way in Acts 10:1-2,

“1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.” (ESV)

 

As a Roman centurion he was a man of power and influence that could easily have anything he desired. We know he was a man of wisdom because John tells us, “he feared God.” Jewish tradition and history tells us that there were many people who while not born Jews; were allowed to come to the temple to worship, because they understood and feared the God of Israeli. Cornelius would have been one of those men by definition as well as practice. Today it strikes me that there are no less than 22 recognized major religions in the world that maintain membership over 500,000. There are numerously more than that but to keep it simple we will set that as the basis for what I am about to say. All of those groups believe in a god or gods in most cases they live their lives trying to attain or maintain a relationship with their god or gods. They are like Cornelius they pray, give to the poor and read sacred writings all in hopes of meeting some requirement in order to find favor with the god the believe in. In Cornelius situation though he did find favor in God’s sight and he was sent a message by an angel to seek out Peter.

There is a lot more to this story that you will want to read for yourself but Peter comes to Cornelius house and this is what John records:

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ ( he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:34-43 (ESV)

 

As Peter is sharing the gospel with Cornelius and his whole household the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they begin to speak in tongues and praising God. Cornelius and his whole household were baptized that very day and went from being God-fearing to true-believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Today I want you to know that churches are full of god-fearing people and some that are reading this if they examine themselves will recognize that to be the case in their own lives. You go to church services, you pray every day three or five times a day. You read the Holy Scriptures and you listen to godly music. However there is one thing missing in your religion. Cornelius was missing the power and strength found in a relationship with Jesus Christ through the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. You see without that power in our lives we are no more than God-fearing individuals unable to do what He has called us too. I can say that from my own life experience as a pew warmer and even in some realms of ministry when I was trying to do what I wanted and not what God wanted me too. I have to ask you today in your walk with God are you walking under His power and authority or are you trying to make it on your own. While Cornelius was a God-fearing man He still needed Jesus to become a true believer in God. So who is Jesus in the walk you have with God? If he is not the center of it and His Holy Spirit is not working in your life maybe today is the day that salvation has come to your household will you accept it and move from God-fearing to true believer. I pray God blesses you today as you walk in the light of His Word.

Hurt Feelings Create Footholds

I know that title might not make much sense to some people but it is something I have had to recognize in my own life recently. How many people no longer attend church because they were hurt in the past by a christian?  Have you ever found yourself attending church and because someone has said; or in some cases has not said something to you, and you find that the desire you once had to work with them or to help them succeed begins to be diminished until you reach the point you stop doing everything that causes you to have to work alongside of that person or group. Now I have your attention. The thing that happened could be something as minor as you were not called when someone was in the hospital or as major as the leadership of the church has decided to replace you in an area of ministry that you worked to develop within the church. I can’t give you all the reasons why people might develop hurt feelings while serving or attending a church what I can tell you is that when it happens I would guess the devil gives a little chuckle and starts thinking about how best to use it to drive us further from God. Your probably thinking that yes this happens but not to me. I want to share something that might seem a little controversial but after praying about it all week I am convinced that it’s true.

In Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-7, and Matthew 26:6-13 all record an occurrence of a woman coming and anointing the feet of Jesus I want to share it from Mark 14:

³ And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. ⁴ There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? ⁵ For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ⁶ But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ⁷ For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. ⁸ She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. ⁹ And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Mark 14:3-9 (ESV)

All three accounts present some of the same information Jesus is the guest in someone’s home. They are enjoying a meal and the disciples are present. The woman enters and anoints the feet of Jesus. We have all heard a thousand sermons on this part of the passage. There are some questions about who this woman was and in one of the gospel’s the list her as Mary; Lazarus’ sister and in this recording it is a prostitute. I cannot tell you if these are different occurrences or if they are different versions of the same occurrence what I can tell you is that the same thing happens in each. The disciples become indignant which means they began to complain about what has occurred and what a waste it was. John goes as far as to call the individual by name:

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, John 12:4 (ESV)

Than Jesus does something that He has every right to do; He almost seems to scold him for his attitude about what has occurred. As a human being like Judas was I can see why what happens next happens it is the result of hurt feelings. When we assume we understand how things should work and what our role in those things are; when something else happens we can often find ourselves having resentment towards the one who has embarrassed us or overlooked us. When this happens a point of trust has been broken and our desire to see that other person strengthened often becomes the thought of what can I do to hurt this person like they hurt me.

We read on in Mark 14:10-11 and that is exactly what happened.

 10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. Mark 14:10-11 (ESV)

This momentary embarrassment that Judas suffered was the straw that broke the camel’s back; we don’t read much else about Judas in scripture John describes him as a thief and an embezzler that stole from the ministry. However, he was one called to be a disciple to follow after Christ we are not privy to why he was chosen or if it was all part of God’s original plan. Yet from a point of view as a plain simple person we can all understand why he would betray Jesus in the end. He had been scolded and embarrassed in front of the others; he was made an example of and in that moment the devil got a foothold on his life and used it to bring about the arrest and execution of Jesus on the cross. You may not agree with that or you might even say I am reading too much into it however, we see people every day who when they have been hurt by someone else physically, emotionally or mentally they look for ways to extract some measure of punishment against the one who hurt them. Often in churches the hurt individual withdraws from activities and they find excuses for why they can’t help with one thing or another. We have even seen pastors destroyed by lies and accusations from individuals just seeking a little revenge. Sad to say but this happens every day.

 My question for you today is does the devil have a foothold on your life? Are you walking around with hurt feelings thinking about what you can do to extract a little revenge upon those who hurt you? If so I want to tell you it will not make you feel any better in the long run. You will look back like Judas and wonder why you did it. Understand this what you think will provide you some sort of peace will only cause you more harm. You will find yourself further down a road you never wanted to go with no way back because of choices you have made and all that will be left is a real time of judgment when you will stand before God and he will ask you to account for what has been done. I challenge you today don’t make the same choice as Judas and millions of others have don’t allow the hurt feelings you have control the choices you make give them to God and he will make all things right in His time. I pray you have a blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Who is Building Your House? Peace and Security

I have been participating in the READ program this year with the Church of God, Cleveland TN. and it has truly amazed me how much of the bible; that I have read through on numerous occasions, has been made new to me as spend the time reading it every morning. You know one of the things I have gained most from it is a desire to read it more. Reflecting on what God’s Word is really saying to me and it never fails to be appropriate for the moment that I am living in whether it be a time of mountaintops or a walk through the valley. God’s word can bring a hope and a peace to the situation unlike anything else I can turn to.

In Psalm 127:1, King Solomon writes these words that each of us needs to hear and understand about our walk with God.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (ESV)

I have not always been saved or even a Christian so I can testify that I have tried others things to meet the desires of life. The results were never exactly what I desired and it often required I do more to achieve that same feeling. In God’s Word I have found something that satisfies the longing without the physical and emotional destruction that the worldly influences brought into my life. I have chosen to allow God to build the house and to guard the city through daily reading of His word and a desire to be obedient to the directing of the Holy Spirit; God will deliver me from death. Not a physical death for that awaits all of us; however there is coming a day that Jesus warned us of that we must be prepared to avoid.

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Luke 12:4-5 (ESV)

One day we all will be judged and in that day our relationship to Jesus Christ is all that will matter. That may seem harsh to some; however, as King Saul learned God desires our obedience more than our sacrifice. He wants us to obey Him just as the foreman on a jobsite expects the masons and carpenters to do exactly what the blueprints say in order to build the house correctly. God has laid out a simple plan of salvation that begins by recognizing Him as Lord and living a life that brings glory to His name through a relationship with His Son Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit for service to God and His church. We can try to build ourselves up and work to do what we think is best only to find ourselves on the outside looking in wondering what went wrong. However, Solomon shares in Psalm 127:2,

 “It is vain that you rise early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (ESV)

Peace and security are found in the Lord, we all desire it and search the world for ways to gain it when in reality it is not available in this world; while we live separated from God doing things with our own understanding. It requires we trust in Him in all things; when we fail to do this there is no obligation on His part to do anything more for us. He has made a way are we willing to die to ourselves and follow after Him. As Oswald Chambers wrote, “Maybe it’s time we cut the ropes at the dock and sail out into the depths of who God really is.”(Paraphrased) Let God’s word be the knife and see where the wind blows us. Have a truly blessed day as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Hypocrites Gospel

In the opening passages of Galatians; Paul presents something that today I believe we have chosen to forget with the numerous preachers and teachers one can listen to on the radio and TV. If you find yourself listening to someone and you don’t agree with what they say about scripture you can turn the station and find someone else that you agree with more. I have to wonder how that is. Paul is very specific that there is only one Gospel and that the Gospel he preached was the truth.

“11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12 (ESV)

 

As I was reading those words today I really began to examine my own understanding of what scripture says. I have to think about the influences that have impacted my understanding of scripture from doctrinal ideas and theological writings that I have read. To preachers and teachers that have influenced my thinking over the years. Not that any of these men or woman have been malicious in their ministry. However, I wonder how many preachers today truly are seeking God’s face as they prepare their messages for tomorrow morning or are they reading the latest New York Times Best seller about how to be a Christian. I can say that because I am guilty of the same thing. Often my understanding of a theme of Christian life is based off of what someone else has discerned from their time spent with God. I don’t read Greek, Hebrew or Latin so I cannot look at the original manuscripts and determine if what my King James, ESV or NIV bible says was really part of the early writings of the church. So like many of you I have been dependent on others to interpret scripture for me. However Paul makes it clear that He did not learn about Jesus from others who had walked with Him. He did not have the luxury of the Bible we have today to compare the four Gospels to determine anything about Christ. We read Paul’s testimony,

15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Galatians 1:15-17 (ESV)

 

Paul originally sought to destroy the whole idea and movement of The Way. Though once he was converted he sought to meet with those who had been with Jesus they refused him. He only meets with Peter and James for a few days three years after the Damascus Road conversion. His revelation about Christ was the result of time spent alone in the desert seeking to grow and learn about Jesus.

It might seem hypocritical to some that I am writing this blog trying to tell you what scripture says about one thing or another and it would be true. Today though I want to only say that everything you read here or hear on the radio, TV and even from the pulpit on Sunday mornings needs to be tested by the Holy Spirit and against God’s word. Individual’s throughout the history have taken and twisted scripture for their own personal gain. God has promised us that if we are willing to listen He will reveal to us His understanding about how we are to live our lives. Now He has established that there are people who will guide us in our understanding; however, he also warns us that there will be those who only seek to bring death and destruction.

“23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:23-24 (ESV)

As believers we must have discernment in these matters. We must look to God for guidance and be prepared to stand against those things that go against His word and the Holy Spirit. Today seek to know God in a more intimate way spend some time alone with Him listening to what He has to say instead of telling Him what you want. I pray you grow closer to Him as Paul did in your time alone as you walk in the light of God’s Word.

Power and Purpose: A Word of Encouragement

            I want to take a moment this morning and share a passage of scripture that is meant to encourage everyone who calls themselves Christian but especially those who find themselves called into pastoral ministry and are responsible for the growth and development of the church body. I have recently been reading a book on the shepherds of the Middle East and the relationship of that life style to those who are called to ministry it’s a wonderful book with great insight into what the scriptures say about being a shepherd. The passage of scripture is from Paul’s letter to Colossae and begins with chapter 1:24-29;

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (ESV) 

Being a minister of God’s Word can be a thankless job with long hours and very little support Paul understood this better than probably anyone that has every preached Jesus to the world. He suffered many things at the hands of those who sought to deny Christ. However he also came under persecution from so-called fellow believers. He makes a statement that is often misunderstood in verse 24, “and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church.” If you have ever served in ministry you can understand this statement. It is not that Jesus sufferings were incomplete but that each day you as an individual carry on those same sufferings as you carry the cross to a world that rejects it fulfilling the mission of the church.

You have not been called to ministry by man and you will not answer to man for the ministry that you provide. Each man or woman that receives a call to the ministry is given a measure of work to do; the main reason Paul gives is to make the word of God fully known, to provide discernment to the saints and to help them learn to discern God’s will and teachings for themselves; so that they too can grow and do the will of God the Father through a relationship with His Son Jesus.

Paul finishes this thought by assuring those at Colossae that he does not do it under his own strength but through the power that God has provided and that works within him. To those who are called to ministry and those who serve in any form or fashion the body of Christ this is the most important part of Paul’s writings. Where does your power to minister come from? Our purpose is defined we are to teach and preach the word of God so that others will see the glory of God and accept him as Lord and savior; helping them to grow so that they can share in the ministry of Christ to the world. But whose power are you working under? If Paul recognizes the fact that it is not by his own power or energies that he carried on than don’t we also need to recognize the need to allow God's power to work in us in all that we do? I wrote this to those who are serving in ministry to share that we are not to become weary in the work but that we should rely on the power of God in those times that life and ministry becomes unbearable. He has called you to it and He has provided the power to make it happen all we need to do is turn to Him, in His word and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power we can carry on in what he has called us to. I pray that today you find strength in His word to carry on the fight pushing beyond the human limits and into the undeniable, unstoppable power of the one and only God who dwells within you in the power and might of His Holy Spirit. Be blessed as you walk in the light of His Word.