December 26, 2011

EVERY GOOD GIFT AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE.   James 1:17

How many times didn’t we hear yesterday “Oh, you shouldn’t have?” It seems that many times we are more gracious when it comes to giving gifts than when we receive them. We don’t know how to receive them humbly and with a thankful spirit.

Paul was able to show us how in his relationship with the Philippian church.  He simply thanked them for their gift.  And that’s what you and I need to do also.  We need to simply give thanks to God for all His gifts.

Most of the time we work at giving gifts that are appropriate for the individual. The same thing is true for our God. He knows us. He knows what we need. He knows what we will do with whatever He gives.  And so He gives those gifts that are best for us.

And our response needs to be simply to thank Him, and to use it in a way that pleases Him.

I trust the gifts you received were ones that were appropriate for you and that you will not use them in a way that gives honor and glory to our God.

Blessings on your day, 

December 19, 2011

EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE. James 1:17

We are about to exchanges gifts, gifts that we have purchased for those special people in our lives. We give gifts because we want to, not because we have to. We give gifts to demonstrate to people that we are thinking about them and we care about them.

Our God has done and continues to do that same thing. He continues to give us gifts, gifts of forgiveness, gifts of His presence, gifts of His providence, and gifts of all the things that are entrusted to our management.

But it is especially this week that we are mindful of the very important gift that He has given to us in Jesus Christ. He is the GREATEST GIFT that our God has given to us. It reveals the fact that He loves us incredibly. It shows that it was His will and desire to give us that Gift. And it is the Gift given because He wanted to do this for us.

Hopefully that Gift will be our most prized possession because it is from God. He gave the very best – His own Son for us and to us. Please let’s treat it as a valuable possession given from God.

Blessings on your day, 

December 12, 2011

AND HE SHALL BE CALLED ‘WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE.’  Isaiah 9:6

As a parent I have not always been successful to know the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of my children. In fact in many cases I failed miserable. But I know a Father who never fails us. It’s our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, I know that sounds strange, because Jesus is the Son of God. We often think of His Father as our Father.  But these words of Isaiah are spoken concerning our Lord Jesus. And one of the names He is given is ‘Everlasting Father.’

At the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem Jesus proclaimed “I and the Father are one.” That means that the work of our heavenly Father and the mission of His Son are one and the same. Thus it is correct to be able to refer to Jesus as the “Everlasting Father.”  They have the same desire and goal.

It just seems odd yet it isn’t.  Our Lord Jesus truly is the Wonderful Counselor, a forerunner of the other Counselor who was sent to help us believe. And He is that Mighty God who has overcome sin and death for us.

He is the Prince of Peace making peace between us and the Father.  Rejoice in Who He is.

Blessings on your day, 

December 5, 2011

BLESSED ARE ALL THOSE WHO WAIT FOR HIM.   Isaiah 30:18

In many states November is hunting season.  Hunters with their license get out in to the woods and fields to hunt various types of game.  Some build tree stands where they wait for hours for something to walk by that they might shoot.  Others build blinds and wait for hours for the birds to fly over to shoot.

When I think about them they have lots and lots of patience. Even those who walk the fields patiently wait for something to fly up.  I wonder why it is that you and I can be SO IMPATIENT with our God sometimes.

Maybe it’s because we so often equate ‘wait’ with ‘waste.’  If we are waiting for something we think that we are doing nothing. And if we are doing nothing then we are wasting time.

But waiting can serve a purpose. For one thing it can prove our faith.

Those with weak faith are the first to give up.  Christmas demonstrates that. Look how long the people waited for the Savior. And think about Anna and Simeon who waited.

Not receiving an immediate answer to prayer is no reason to give up. Wait for Him.

Blessings on your day, 

November 28, 2011

LET ALL BITTERNESS, WRATH, ANGER, CLAMOR, AND EVIL SPEAKING BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, WITH ALL MALICE.  Ephesians 4:31

I don’t know if you notice how God cleans house sometimes.  Recently He sent a mighty wind through our neighborhoods and all the trees let go and dropped their leaves, and as a result everyone had a mess to clean up in their yards.

In the same way He sometimes sends some stormy circumstances to come our way in order to encourage us to let go of some of the lifeless things that we need to drop.  Maybe it’s a bad habit that is dragging us down.  Maybe it is a thought that needs to be forgotten. Maybe it’s an attitude that we need to let go of.

Jonah, in the Old Testament, learned what can happen when he refused to get rid of a stubborn attitude.  He ended up in a pretty big storm also.

So what’s God doing in your life these days?  Let me simply say: When God shakes things up, we need to get rid of what He shakes loose.

Blessings on your day, 

November 21, 2011

YOU SHALL NOT GO ABOUT AS A TALEBEARER AMONG YOUR PEOPLE. Leviticus 19:16

Recently I read that on some job applications where certain company policies are listed, one company stated that they had a zero-tolerance for gossip. The point being that employees were encouraged to confront one another and talk about their situations and problems rather than gossip about their fellow employees.

I found that rather interesting because long before it appeared on that job application form it was written in Holy Scripture. And it would seem for the same reason. We should be able to discuss our issues and situations with one another rather than harming others with our words.

Solomon understood gossip and its affects. He said in Proverbs that it betrays confidence, separates close friends, tags you with a bad reputation, and fuels the embers of a quarrel. It is impossible to undo the damage that gossip can inflict upon someone.

We need to guard our words carefully because once they are out there it is difficult if not impossible to get them back. Jesus said “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Blessings on your day, 

November 14, 2011

I HAVE CALMED AND QUIETED MY SOUL.   Psalm 131:2

As you know we moved and in our neighborhood there are new sounds. I am a block away from a busy street and in the morning I can hear the cars as they travel. And a new sound is because we live a block and a half away from a railroad track. So I hear the train most mornings at 5:00 am. It’s okay. I’m usually up by or even before that.

But I have to say that our new neighborhood is not as quiet as the old.  And it made me realize that sometimes silence and quiet are hard to find. Sometimes when I drive the music in the car next to me or behind me is so loud I can’t hear my own radio, and sometimes I not only hear it but I feel it as well.

Why is there so much noise? Some use noise as a way to drown out the loneliness we feel, like when we have the television or stereo or ipod playing constantly.  Or some of us use it to drown out the voice of God as He attempts to get our attention.

Jesus in times of busyness made a point to seek out a place of quiet and peace for His conversation and communion with the Father. Maybe that would be a good thing for us to try – to spend some time with the Father in peace and quiet as we listen to Him and share with Him our thoughts and desires.  Try it you might like it.

Blessings on your day, 

November 7, 2011

BY THIS ALL WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.  John 13:35

Recently I had to get our car license renewed.  I went to the court house to pay my taxes and license fee. While I was there I heard the lady at the driver’s license desk say to the person getting their picture taken, “Don’t Smile.”

I thought usually we are told to ‘smile’ when we get our pictures taken but not for your driver’s license. The reason being – the technology we have recognizes a face more easily if the person has a neutral facial expression. Unfortunately there are people who seek to get licenses under false names. From 1999 to 2009 6,000 people were stopped in one state alone.

Jesus says the best way to recognize a true Christian is “If you love one another.” The ways we do that can be endless. They might include a note of encouragement, a visit, a meal, a prayer, a listening ear, even just a friendly smile.

Let’s show the world who we are today.  Let them know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.

Blessings on your day, 

October 31, 2011

HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE, WHO HAS MADE BOTH ONE, AND HAS BROKEN DOWN THE MIDDLE WALL OF SEPARATION.  Ephesians 2:14

It wasn’t too long ago that I read about Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England. It was his most famous achievement. Hadrian became emperor in AD 117. There were 18,000 troops that manned the 80 mile long barrier to keep out the barbarians.

Our Lord Jesus did NOT build a wall but instead tore one down.  It was the wall that separated us from God or us from God.  It was called SIN.  And Jesus took our sin to a cross to endure the punishment in order to remove everything that kept us away from God.

Sometimes we build walls between ourselves and others.  We put them up to keep others away from us. And we fortify them over time.  It’s only in Jesus Christ and His grace that we can work the very opposite to follow the example of our Lord to tear them down, to open them up, to be able to once again share with one another.

I pray that in Jesus you can be united to family and friends by removing the wall of separation that exist this day.

Blessings on your day, 

October 24, 2011

TILL WE ALL COME TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH AND…TO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST.   Ephesians 4:13

I remember reading about a high school student who shocked his teacher one day by trying to measure a table with a thermometer. The teacher was at once shocked and saddened that a student who was in high school did not know the difference between a ruler and a thermometer.

But you know something? we’re like that some times when it comes to measuring “the Stature of the Fullness of Christ.”  We might ask: What does that mean? How do we measure if we are growing in the Stature of the Fullness of Christ?  Are we becoming more like Jesus every day?

It would seem that the ruler we need to be using would be looking at our lives to see if we are becoming more loving, carrying, forgiving, and serving?  Are kindness and gentleness taking over our actions and attitudes?  If we are not spending time with the Lord in His Word then more than likely we are not growing, not becoming, and not measuring up to the Fullness of Christ.

I pray that you will consider that for your lives.

Blessings on your day, 

October 17, 2011

TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS, THAT WE MAY GAIN A HEART OF WISDOM.  Psalm 90:12

I finally brought my father’s coo-coo clock home and I put up my chime clock that we purchased in 1984.  It’s good to hear the sound of the chimes on the half hour and the hour.  But it reminded me of the song “My Grandfather’s Clock,” written in 1876.

Remember?  The refrain went:  “Ninety years without slumbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock,  His life’s seconds numbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock.

But it stopped, short, Never to go again, When the old man died.”

The seconds of our life is ticking away just like that clock. And because they are the psalmist’s words are right on for all of us.  “Teach us to number our days…” We don’t know the number of our days so we need to live them, each one as though it were very special.

All with the point that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  The writer of the Proverbs reminds us that “THE FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Obviously a relationship with the Lord our God is the beginning.

Gain that kind of wisdom. Grow in it. And you will Rest in it.

Blessings on your day, 

October 10, 2011

THEREFORE…LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US, LOOKING TO JESUS, THE FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH.   Hebrews 12:1-2

I have discovered, without too much trouble, that the most common word used in conversations today is “I”.  I think for a variety of reasons, but more than likely because we talk about things or people that we know best.

And I also think that it’s all because we live in an “I-centered world” or an “I-focused world” today.  It’s always about me.  And when you think about it when I am focused upon me, it can blur my real vision.

That’s why I think the words in the letter to the Hebrews are good words for us to follow.  For the writer seeks to keep our ‘EYES’ not our ‘I’s’ on Jesus.  Although it would be good if our ‘I’s’ were there too.  Then we wouldn’t be talking so much about ourselves all the time and maybe we could be telling others about our Lord Jesus.

When our eyes are on Jesus we see clearly what He has done for us and how much He loves us.  And we can begin to see ourselves for who we really are – always in need of His grace. But at the same time then we begin to see others in a different light for then we see them with eyes of Jesus and we can begin to serve them.

Blessings on your day, 

October 3, 2011

AND HE TOLD THEM MANY THINGS IN PARABLES, SAYING: “A SOWER WENT OUT TO SOW…”  Matthew 13:3

A couple of weeks ago we got grass.  It was sod thankfully.  I am so glad that I did not have to sow seed, although the week that I would have done it the weather was terrific for growing things.

But I couldn’t help but think about this parable in which Jesus says a man goes out to sow seed.  I have priced grass seed. It is expensive.  And I wondered if the seed the man in the story sowed was expensive also.  If it were, then probably he would not have been as free with the seed as the man was.

But because he was, I think it tells us something about the sower.  If the seed is the Word of God, then I think the sower is God.  And this Sower is extravagant!  He sows seed every where.  Remember in the story it falls on the path, among the rocks, and the weeds, but also on good soil.  So the Word of God is sown everywhere by an extravagant Sower because He wants that seed to take root in the lives of people and grow to produce abundant fruit.

I pray that that Word is growing in your heart and life and that it is indeed producing abundantly for Him.

Blessings on your day, 

September 26, 2011

WHATEVER GOES INTO THE MOUTH PASSES INTO THE STOMACH AND IS EXPELLED…BUT WHAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH PROCEEDS FROM THE HEART.  Matthew 15:17-18

There are so many diet plans on the market today. Everyone seems to have a different view of what it takes to become health or to eat healthy. Some say we should be eating more plants than animals. Others say that moderation is the key. It is a bit confusing.

Someone once stated “You are what you eat.” If that were so, I should have turned into a either a gummy bear or a Doritos chip long ago. But I haven’t.  And even though I do eat lots of gummy bears and Doritos I still try to watch what I eat and how much.  I work at moving from eating animals to eating more plants.

But Jesus indicates that eating with unclean hands does not lead to an unclean heart any more than eating lots of sweets changes me into a sweeter person. Rather it’s what’s on the inside that reveals who I really am. And you can tell what kind of person I am by my actions and my words.

And we need to watch both.

Blessings on your day, 

September 19, 2011

TO ME EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW, EVERY TONGUE SHALL SWEAR ALLEGIANCE.  Isaiah 45:23

Last Sunday we were very patriotic.  It was the tenth anniversary of 9/11, a horrible event that changed so much in our country.  Everyone remembered and no one forgot.

But as I look at our country today I am sorry to say that no one remembers and lots of people forget - about our God. He is the last One they think of.  He is the last One they are committed to. He is the last One they seek to serve. Because He is the last one they seek.

Yet He so desires for us to acknowledge Him and confess Him.  Earthly events come and go.  Worldly powers come and go but His love remains forever.  He is always with us.  Paul says in Romans “If He is for us, who can be against us?”  And He is for us! He has demonstrated that in the Cross and Empty Tomb. He has done everything for us and for our salvation.

So, we can bend the knee and acknowledge Him. We can swear allegiance to us because He has pledged allegiance to us.

He truly is our God!

Blessings on your day, 

September 12, 2011

IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH. Genesis 1:1

I know that was the verse I used two weeks ago.  But I want to use it again this week to say “Genesis 1:1 gives us routes.”  Two weeks ago I looked at ‘We have ROOTS.’ The man who said those things also said “If we have a past, then we have a future.” 

So if we know and believe that God created us to be the prize of creation then we truly know who we are and how important we are to this God of ours.  But if we feel and believe that we simply evolved then what do we know about our future? What do we believe about where we will spend eternity? 

The creation gives us routes.  It gives us a basis from which to go and truly be the people of God.  It gives us a plan and a purpose along with a future. 

Genesis 1:1 tells us that God has loved us with an everlasting love and that nothing is going to change that. It tells us that He desires for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven.  And it tells us that He promised to send a Savior to make that become a reality.  Be assured of God’s love and promise.

Blessings on your day, 

September 5, 2011

Pastor on vacation

August 29, 2011

IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH. Genesis 1:1

Recently I read that “Genesis 1:1 gives us ROOTS.”  Every one of us needs roots. As we see the wind topple over many trees because of shallow roots or trees dying because of water soaked roots we know how important those roots are.  There are many people who have been or who are doing their Family Trees.  We want to know where we came from and who we are for a variety of reasons.

The book of Genesis gives us that. For Genesis gives us the history of creation. It tells us how sin entered the world. It reveals the beginnings of human society. And it announces to us God’s wonderful plan of our salvation.

If we ignore and discard Genesis 1:1 and our roots we lose a great deal.

There is no solid foundation to society. There is no real truth. And there is no real purpose.  It’s important to know where we came from and where we are going.  It’s not wonder our world is in such a mess.  By abandoning the Bible we have lost a great deal.

But in Jesus Christ we can have it all.  Please don’t ignore what the Bible says.

Blessings on your day, 

August 21, 2011

BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BY BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME.  John 20:31

Most Mondays I go to the basement of our church to visit with a group of ladies who come in and quilt.  And sometimes I do the same on Thursdays as I travel to the other parish I serve.

It’s interesting to me to watch how these things are put together. There’s a beautiful top, a middle of soft batting and a warm bottom layer of flannel or something.  Then to keep the layers together the ladies either tie the pieces together with yarn or they sew these tiny stitches.

John tells us that there is one thing that ties the Holy Scriptures together and that’s Jesus the Christ.  It tells us so much, in fact everything we need to know about Him so that we can come to know who He is and then to believe in Him.  The Bible is able to make us wise unto salvation.  I pray that you are assured of that salvation that comes through Jesus Christ and is accepted by faith.

Blessings on your day, 

August 15, 2011

THOUGH I WALK IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE, YOU PRESERVE MY LIFE.  Psalm 138:7

With all the water that we have due to the flooding and so much rain, we have an over abundance of flying insects.  Mosquitoes are really bad in the evening and early morning. In fact they are so bad that you just don’t want to go out at those times.  And when you are not being harassed by mosquitoes, there are these little gnats that are constantly flying around your head and in your face.  It is particularly bad if there is no breeze or wind blowing.

I have come to discover in greater portions why we call them bugs.  They really do ‘bug’ you. It’s like you can’t get anything done because you are constantly swatting or slapping.

The psalmist reminds us that troubles and difficult circumstances certainly bug us also in a different way though.  And they could distract us from the real important thing in our life. Yet he reminds us that it is the Lord who continues to preserve my life. It’s the Lord who is always there beside me to help and direct me.

Most of us have lots of things going on all the time that we may lose sight of the fact that our God is always there for us. Please remember that He preserves your life always.

Blessings on your day, 

August 8, 2011

COMFORT EACH OTHER AND EDIFY ONE ANOTHER.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

I don’t know about you but sometimes I have this fearful feeling when I have to go to some place new. Because it is new to me I am uncomfortable about knowing what to do and where to go or how to get there. Like the first time I was in a European airport. It was strange getting off the plane to a soldier carrying an automatic weapon. And then going  through Customs not understanding most of what the officers were saying.

But I came to realize that having someone else with me helped a great deal. It’s like that person’s presence simply gives you encouragement and support.

The very same thing is true of God. With Him beside us we have nothing to fear.  He always gives us strength and encouragement as we go through life and face whatever may come our way.

And part of that presence giving us strength and courage is friends or family that we have with us. He uses them to help us.  That’s why in so many places the Bible reminds us of their importance in our lives. So Paul says to us “Comfort and Edify each other.” Be there for one another. Do what you can for one another.  It can only help.

Blessings on your day, 

August 1, 2011

FROM THE PLACE OF HIS DWELLING HE LOOKS ON ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH.  Psalm 33:14

The other night as I was watching television I thought I had recognized some land marks in a movie. As it turned out I was wrong but it got me to thinking about how our God sees us and the landmarks that He created.

There are the mountains, majestic and beautiful, the huge oceans shining and reflecting in the sun, and the different shades of green.

But most of all I thought about how He sees us. The psalmist goes on in Psalm 33 to say “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death…”  That means obviously that He looks upon us with compassion and a deep abiding love.

And how it must hurt him as we seek to kill each other, terrorize a community, and out and out rebel against what He desires for us to do.

How He longs for us to trust Him and follow His way.  It’s my prayer today that more and more people come to realize that we have a God who loves us incredibly and that He watches over us always.

Blessings on your day, 

July 25, 2011

JESUS ANSWERED “MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD.”  John 18:36

If you purchased a ‘Rolex’ watch from some street vendor, should you complain to the Rolex Company when the watch stops an hour or so after you purchased it?  I don’t think so.

But that is exactly what many people do when it comes to God.  If He doesn’t perform to their standards then they complain. If He doesn’t do what they think He should be doing, then they are all over Him. If He isn’t the God they think He should be, then they are so ready to walk away.

I remember Patrick Morley stating something like “There is the God whom we want and the God who is.” And I must add many times they are not the same.

Jesus is right. Our God is not of this world. He is the God who created this world. He is the God who loves this world and every creature in it.

He is the God whose grace is beyond our imagination for it is REAL and it is OURS.

Blessings on your day, 

July 18, 2011

THE HEAVENS PROCLAIM THE GLORY OF GOD. THE SKIES DISPLAY HIS CRAFTSMANSHIP.  Psalm 19:1

Were you able to go somewhere over the 4th of July weekend?  We’ve all gone somewhere. In fact we have gone quite a distance!  Take for instance that our planet, planet earth, spins at a speed of 1,000 miles an hour.

That’s quite a distance each day!

But then our planet does a 360 every 24 hours while it is moving through space at an incredible speed of 67,000 miles per hour. You might not have gone too far for a get away, but you will travel 1.6 million miles this year as the earth orbits around the sun.

Oh, yes, we are always on the move.  And it’s because of the way our God set up the universe.  It is indeed a wonder!  And our God put it together with such precision and complexity. Why is it that we have such hesitation to give the glory and honor that He deserves in making this wonderful gift for us to observe, experience and enjoy?

It’s a magnificent world out there in space.  It can leave us standing or sitting in awe of this God of ours.

Blessings on your day, 

July 11, 2011

ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU; SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND; KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED TO YOU   Matthew 7:7

Why is it that some people are so hesitant to go to the doctor?  “I’ll just use a band-aid.” That’s good advice if you have a minor scrape or cut.  But if you are dealing with a major injury, YOU NEED A DOCTOR!

But then there are those who are so eager and ready to go to the doctor.

I remember a couple of months ago at field day at school, a little girl had a scrape and Mom wanted to get her to the emergency room when all she needed was a band-aid.

As Christians we should never hesitate to go to the Father in prayer. He is a loving God. He is not that mean Being that is waiting for us to screw up so that He can punish us.  He is a forgiving God for in Christ Jesus He offers us forgiveness and acceptance.  We can go to Him at any time and anywhere for minor things and for major events. In fact the Father is just waiting for us to come.

Blessings on your day, 

July 5, 2011

THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS OVER THE WATERS; THE GOD OF GLORY THUNDERS, THE LORD THUNDERS OVER THE MIGHTY WATERS. THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS POWERFUL; THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS MAJESTIC. Psalm 29:3-4

Last night (and a lot of evenings this past week) the heavens were filled with displays of all kinds of fireworks. Reds, blues, greens, whites and NOISE! From my house I can see 360 degrees of fireworks.  Some close and some far away. All of it is in celebration of the annual Fourth of July Independence Day observance.

But I don’t think that the psalmist was talking about that kind of display in the heavens. I think he was talking about the wonders of the universe.

Take a thunderstorm for example. I know some people don’t like thunderstorms.  But statistics show that there are about 2,000 thunderstorms on earth at any given time.  And there are approximately 100 lightning strikes every second.  That’s 8.64 million strikes per day.

The creation does show us the wonders of our God and His imagination when it came to setting up a world and a universe as complex and amazing as ours is. It does display His craftsmanship.  And you and I can only stand or sit in wonder of it all.  How do some people only think that it happened by an accident or an explosion?  It is WAY TOO DETAILED to have just happened.  And it truly proclaims the glory of our God.

Blessings on your day, 

June 27, 2011

WHOEVER DOES NOT PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OF GOD. 1 John 3:10

You’ve heard it. I have heard it.  The major complaint about Christians is the way they live and the way they treat others.  Unbelievers tend to view Christians as being hypocritical, judgmental, harsh, and unloving especially toward people who are not like themselves.

Unfortunately it seems that we are becoming more like the world than the world is becoming like us.  That means that we have much work to do in our own lives.  As John would ask: Are we living lives of righteousness?  Are we acting in love and concern for others?  Do we view people as someone in need of God’s grace and love?

We know the love that Father has for us.  We are called and claimed to be His children. That has special meaning for us.  But as His children we are expected to live a certain way, and that way is not the way of the world.

It’s a servant’s way.  It’s a caring way. It’s a helpful way.  I pray that your life reflects your beliefs and position as a child of God.

Blessings on your day, 

June 20, 2011

BUT PETER, STANDING UP WITH THE ELEVEN, RAISED HIS VOICE AND SAID TO THEM “MEN OF JUDEA…HEED MY WORDS.” Acts 2:14

South Carolina, the 2010 CWS champions are coming back to the World Series. Joba Chamberlain, pitcher for the Yankees, will need a come back after his elbow surgery. Ford Motor Company has made a drastic comeback.

And in the words above we see how Peter made a comeback also from the frightened, denying disciple to bold preacher.

There are times when you and I need a come back also.  In fact it probably is more often than we care to remember or know about. For our sin leads us away from our God constantly.  But our God continues and continues to forgive us and to restore us back to that of disciple covered with His grace.

If you are caught in a sin – COME BACK!  If you have been slacking off with worship and devotion time – COME BACK!  If your spiritual life is lacking in zeal – COME BACK!

With God there is grace. With Him there is strength.  With Him there is power. With Him there is peace and joy. I pray that all of that is yours today.

Blessings on your day, 

June 13, 2011

THE FATHER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN HAS GREAT JOY, HE WHO HAS A WISE SON DELIGHTS IN HIM.  Proverbs 23:24

Max Lucado says “It takes so little to make your mother happy. But your dad is a different story.  He is concerned about your future, so he wants to make sure you learn how to mow the yard, hit a baseball, get good grades, go to a quality university, and land a high paying job. That’s what makes him happy.”

Then he goes on to say “God created fathers to teach us, but God created mothers to love us.”  Father’s Day is coming next Sunday. Being a father is a tremendous God-giving responsibility and privilege.  Fathers especially teach their sons how to treat women and their daughters how women should be treated.  If your father has done that well – then give thanks to God that he had a good teacher.  If he has not, then forgive him and look to God as that model and example of a good Father.

The book of Proverbs has much to say to children about their fathers.  I would encourage you to take a look at it as it is great wisdom coming from a father desiring to pass it on to his children. “Listen, my child, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”  Happy Father’s Day

Blessings on your day, 

June 6, 2011

I WAIT FOR THE LORD, MY SOUL WAITS, AND IN HIS WORD I DO HOPE. Psalm 130:5

Traveling is about waiting. You wait to get on board the plane or the ship.  You wait for your luggage.  You wait in line to eat.  There’s a lot of waiting. And for some people that is difficult.  It is especially hard for children.  You’ve heard them: “Are we there yet?” or “But I want dessert now!”

As we get older we know what waiting is all about.  Hopefully the things we are waiting for are worth it. And to be sure in the process of waiting we learn about patience.

Sometimes God requires us to wait, wait for Him to answer our prayers, wait for Him to show us the way, wait for His help and strength. These may seem like trials at time but as I look at the Bible I see some good prayers coming out of the waiting.

The Israelites waited 4 centuries for deliverance and then had to wait 40 years before they were able to enter the Promised Land.  Certainly the Psalmist knew about waiting “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning.” That watchman is standing and waiting for his shift to be over. He knows it’s coming in the same way we know that our God will come through for us.  We wait for Him. And in that waiting we are patience. 

Blessings on your day, 

May 9, 2011

FAITH IS THE CONFIDENCE THAT WHAT WE HOPE FOR WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN; IT GIVES US ASSURANCE ABOUT THINGS WE CANNOT SEE.  Hebrews 11:1 

Thomas and the Disciples had a problem with faith between Jesus’ arrest and His resurrection. And even after Jesus rose from the dead they did not have that confidence and assurance.  So what about us?  Do we have confidence and assurance?

Recently I read about an impala native of Africa. They have the ability to jump 13 feet high and a distance of 30 feet out. But in zoos they can be kept confined behind a 3 foot high fence.  The reason being that an impala will hesitate to jump when it is unable to see where it will land. We know that’s not FAITH.

Faith is the confidence and assurance that we have in Jesus Christ. We don’t need to see where we are going to land. We just need to follow our Shepherd.  We don’t need to see what the outcome will be. We just need to do those things that our Lord Jesus desires.

Jesus said.  He promised.  He guards. He keeps.  He loves.  He forgives.

He cares.  We know all of that. Therefore we jump.  We trust. We believe. We serve.

Blessings on your day, 

May 2, 2011

PLEASANT WORDS ARE LIKE A HONEYCOMB, SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL AND HEALTH TO THE BONES.  Proverbs 16:24

During this time of economic crisis it is easy for people to be down and depressed, feeling low and not worth much.  Some cannot find a job. Some keep getting knocked down because the price of gas goes up and then everything else does.  It’s not an easy time these days.

I heard about two Purdue University students who decided to try to lift the spirits of students on campus with some encouraging words.  For two hours every Wednesday they stand along a busy walkway holding a large “Free Compliments” sign and saying nice things to everyone who passes by.

“I like your red coat.”  “Cool snow boots.”  “Very nice smile.”  Some students said they deliberately walked past these guys every Wednesday just to hear a kind word.

Maybe we should try that because as the writer of the Proverbs says “Pleasant words are sweetness to the soul.”  I think we would agree it is so sweet to receive a compliment in the midst of all the criticism and ugly words we do hear.

Please know that you are a very special person – especially in the sight of God.

Blessings on your day, 

April 25, 2011

SO JESUS SAID TO HIM, ‘UNLESS YOU SEE SIGNS AND WONDERS YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE.’  John 4:48

There are lots of people today who have to see things before they believe them.  But how wrong that philosophy is!  Seeing is not believing because our sight can be deceptive. Things are not always as they appear to be.

Therefore signs should not be the ground of faith.

Faith, however, comes not from what we see but rather from what we hear – namely the hearing of the gospel. Jesus was always speaking something that people took to be the  truth. To the official who came praying for his dying son Jesus said “Go; your son will live.” And he went – believing.

Jesus’ words to us offer life and peace.  He says to each of us “Go!  Your faith has made you well.”  And faith learns how to live without signs and wonders. Faith learns to trust God’s ways and desires for our lives.

“Speak, O Lord, Your servants listens.”

Blessings on your day, 

April 18, 2011

AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS, SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.  John 3:14-15

This week we celebrate not only the lifting up of the Son of Man on the cross but the fact that the Father lifted Him up from death and the grave.

The people of Israel sinned and God sent poisonous snakes. When the snakes bit the people they died.  But God provided His grace at which the people were to look and receive healing.  Like that bronze snake so Jesus is our grace that we look to in faith for forgiveness and healing from sin and death.

Jesus was lifted up on the cross for the sins of all people. And He died there in our stead. He suffered for our offenses and our sins.  But to announce victory and life to all people He was lifted up out of the grave and restored to life.

His lifting up means our lifting up also – from sin and its guilt to be forgiven. And from death to life eternal on the final day.  Put your trust in the God of ours who loves us and cares for us.

Blessings on your day, 

April 11, 2011

YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED.  Revelation 3:17

I have to tell you this story. This Texas rancher was doing some agricultural consulting for a farmer in Germany. He asked the German farmer about the size of his property, to which he plied, “About a mile square.”  When the German asked the Texan about the size of his ranch, the rancher explained that if he got in his pick-up truck at dawn and drove until sunset he would still be on his ranch.  Not to be outdone, the farmer replied, “I used to have an old truck like that!”

The Church of Laodicea did not have the right perspective on their lives.

But they were corrected very quickly and plainly.

As we come closer to Holy Week it would be good for us to take an honest look at ourselves and get the proper perspective on who we are and our need for coming to the Savior with all our sins.  After all He went to that Cross for us.  He took our sins and gave up His life so that we could be forgiven, pure and holy and cover with grace.

Don’t be fooled – we need His grace.

Blessings on your day, 

April 3, 2011

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.  Matthew 5:8

The Gran Telescopio Canarias is one of the world’s most powerful telescopes.  It sits on top of an extinct volcano on La Palma, in the Canary Islands. Because it is so high (7870 Feet) and above the cloud cover it offers astronomers an unusually clear view of the heavens. And because it is near the equator, they can study both the Northern and part of the Southern Hemisphere.

We have this fascination with the heavens.  Just recently we have been able to view the orbit of Mars from Mars.

But there is another mountain that draws our attention as well. The mountain that fascinates us as Christians, where our Lord Jesus went so willingly to take our sins and to suffer for them in our place.  Mount Calvary is not a high mountain but it is a very important one. From it we not only get to see the heavens but see the Lord of heaven and earth die and rise again for us.

As we get closer to approaching Holy Week, I would encourage you to look toward that mountain in faith and to praise God for His gift of salvation earned there for us.

Blessings on your day, 

March 28, 2011

I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES.  Romans 1:16

Recently we have witnessed the leader of a North African country holding on to power with guns, and bombs, and whatever else he can use.  He is desperate as he retaliates against his own people.

We might expect our God to show His power also as He seeks to get His people to follow His desires and commands. But instead He chooses other ways.  He loves us. He longs for us to spend eternity with Him.  He wants us to be His people. And He invites us over and over.

But He does not COMPEL us.  He doesn’t make us.  Instead He offers us His grace. He gives His promise.  He showers us with His love.  And it’s all revealed in His Word which is able to not only inform us of all of this, but is able to create faith in our hearts so that we can accept and receive all the things that God offers.

God’s Word is simple but powerful to change us and to enable us be His children.  Let that Word work in your hearts and lives this day.

Blessings on your day, 

March 21, 2011

PETER, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, TO THOSE WHO ARE ELECT EXILES OF THE DISPERSION…  1 Peter 1:1

We are in the middle of March Madness and some of us spend time filling out those brackets to see if we can guess who will win the National Championship.  Some of us do a great job and others not so great.  We have first choices and best choices.

That’s true when it comes to reserving seats at a concert or for a play or whatever. We have first choices, but many times end up compromising just to be there.

I would guess that the people to whom Peter was writing did not choose to be EXILES in the dispersion either. I don’t picture anyone saying “Wouldn’t it be great to move to Bithynia.”  They were there because of persecution.  But they were there. And Peter was encouraging them to be who they were. They were the ELECT of God.  They were His children. They were there to serve Him.

And the very same thing is true for us. No matter where we are we are the ELECT of God. We are His children made that way by grace.  He has claimed us in the waters of Holy Baptism.  We are called to BE His people. And we are called to serve Him. Let me encourage you today in your ministry. 

Blessings on your day, 

March 14, 2011

OPEN MY EYES THAT I MAY SEE WONDROUS THINGS FROM YOUR LAW. Psalm 119:18

Years ago there was a member who lived in an old house without too many modern conveniences.  And he kept things.  He wasn’t quite a hoarder but he saved newspapers. And in his living room was an old stove surrounded by stacks and stacks of newspapers.

When I first visited him, I thought this man didn’t have much money and I felt as though our congregation should do something for him.

But when he died I quickly learned that he was not this poor man that I thought he was, but instead he owned 12 sections of land.  It’s just that he ignored his treasure or didn’t use it.

Many of us are just like that when it comes to God’s Word.  We forget that the Scriptures are ours to use and not to store on a table or on a shelf somewhere.  If we are not reading His Word we are ignoring this Treasure that God wants us to not only have but to use.

There is buried treasure waiting for us to find.  Are you ready to go looking?

Blessings on your day, 

March 7, 2011

THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD.   Psalm 19:1

Every morning when I go outside to pick up the newspaper I see that bright Morning Star in the SE sky.  Then I look at see millions and millions of other stars as well. I have read somewhere that if you hold a dime in your fingers at arm’s length you will block out 15 million stars.  Is that not amazing? 

Scientists keep telling us that the universe in expanding.  Is it really expanding or is that we are just being able to see more of it than we could 25 years ago?  I don’t know.  But what I do know is it keeps reminding me of the GREAT God that we have.

When I read that we have discovered a sun and a galaxy similar to ours but it’s like 560 light years away.  I think we’ll never get there to see what it’s like.  But just knowing that God created the universe for us to discover is amazing.  And I pray that no one can look up into the sky and not give glory to our God for all that He has created.

He is amazing!

Blessings on your day, 

February 28, 2011

BE FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF GOD.  Ephesians 3:19

The philosopher Aristotle wrote “Nature abhors a vacuum.”  So do some dogs and housewives.  But Aristotle was talking about a different vacuum.  He observed that nature requires every space to be filled with something, even if that something is simply air.

That principle is at work in our lives as well, particularly our spiritual lives. If we seek to get rid of a bad habit and don’t fill it with a good habit, we will return almost immediately to that bad habit.  Every attempt to get rid of unclean thoughts, attitudes and desires creates a vacuum.

That’s why Paul’s advice is good.  We need to be filled with the fullness of God.

When God’s fullness is taking up space in our hearts and lives then it pushes out the evil with which we are born.  It removes the bad and fills us with the good.  Thus our goal is to seek to replace the problems we have with sin with the goodness of God.  That’s more reason why we need to spend time with our God so that we allow Him to work in our hearts and lives.

Blessings on your day, 

February 21, 2011

FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, FOR THIS IS MAN’S ALL. Ecclesiastes 12:13

I read where readers were invited to submit six-word statements that described their lives.  One responded “Sweet wife, good sons – I’m rich.”

But another sadly said, “Sixty. Still haven’t forgiven my parents.”

It made me think about the man who wrote the above passage.  Solomon might have written two to sum up his life. “God has given me great wisdom.”  But then in later years “Should have practiced what I preached.”

You and I know what our God desires from us.  He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to love Him. He wants us to obey Him.  He wants us to become more like Jesus every day.

I pray that you can say some six word phrases to describe your life: “God has given lots of grace.”  “God loves me with incredible love.”  “God did it all for me.” “God wants me there in heaven.”

Blessings on your day, 

February 14, 2011

YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IT WAS SAID ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AND HATE YOUR ENEMY.’ BUT IS SAY TO YOU, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.  Matthew 5:43-44

The other day I dropped a peanut butter and jelly sandwich upside down on the floor.  And it struck me that’s how life is sometimes.  Left to ourselves we make a big mess of our lives.  We think we know how we are to live and deal with people.  And when Jesus comes along with some of the things He has stated, we are so surprised.

For example Jesus has said that I am to rejoice when I am persecuted. I am to turn the other cheek.  I am to give to someone who wants to take from me. And I am to love my enemies, to bless those who curse me and to do good to those who hate me.  That seems so upside down.

But living the way Jesus wants means that turning the other cheek keeps us from getting caught in a big fight, that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that dying to self is life at its best.

What have you heard it said?  But HOW does Jesus want you to live?

Blessings on your day, 

February 7, 2011

YOU ARE AN EPISTLE OF CHRIST.    2 Corinthians 3:3

I have always admired people who write books, maybe it’s because I like to read.  And the books that really challenge me to think are the most interesting.  The thought of writing has even crossed my mind, but I have given it up.  As someone once said “It’s better to be one than to write one.”

That’s especially true in light of what the chaplain to King James I said “One who hopes to effect any good by his writing will find that he will instruct very few…the most powerful means, therefore, of promoting what is good is by example.” He went on to say ‘One man in a thousand can write a book to instruct…but every man can be a pattern of living excellence to those around him.”

I would commend those words to you today.  The work that our Lord Jesus is doing in you and through you today can be an influence that is far greater than any book you might write.  But living for God can be a great BOOK!

Happy writing today.

Blessings on your day, 

January 31, 2011

YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH. Psalm 119:105

A week ago as I was going to the office, I turned a corner and there sat a car with the headlights off.  I almost ran right into it.  Lights are important for safety so that others can see us. I think that’s why we are encouraged to drive with our headlights on.

But they are helpful for us to see what’s ahead. And in that regard I have noticed that they shine just far enough so that we can see what’s ahead and be prepared in that distance.

And isn’t what the Word of God is about? It shines far enough to keep us from running our lives into a ditch or some other trouble. God’s promises keep us from that.  But isn’t that just like our God also?  I mean He doesn’t let us see too far ahead, just far enough that we continue to trust Him and depend upon Him.

His Word truly is a lamp and light and you and I need to be consulting it all the time in order to follow where our God wants to lead and direct us.

Blessings on your day, 

January 24, 2011

MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU; MY FLESH LONGS FOR YOU.  Psalm 63:1

I some times watch “Man vs Food” on television.  And I watch as people try to eat an incredible amount of food in order to get their picture on the wall and maybe a T-shirt.  Sometimes, there is a time limit.

I think about that when I go to a buffet and return for a second helping or sometimes even a third.  But more than that I think how some of us do that with our devotional life.  I mean we go to the spiritual buffet and we read so much in one day and then don’t spend time with our Lord for another six.  And then we wonder why we haven’t learned anything or we haven’t grown in our relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Is it any wonder?  The Bible is meant to be read and absorbed.  Even though we might think we know the story very well, it is still good for us to read it slowly, to think about it, pray over it, and to apply it to our lives. It’s sort of like hot coffee, it’s meant to be sipped.

Let’s not come to the Bible as if we are going to an express buffet. Let’s take time for it. Let’s meditate on it a while.

Blessings on your day, 

January 17, 2011

FOR BEHOLD, DARKNESS SHALL COVER THE EARTH AND THICK DARKNESS THE PEOPLES; BUT THE LORD WILL ARISE UPON YOU, AND HIS GLORY WILL BE SEEN UPON YOU. Isaiah 60:2

These are “DARK” days for our land.  The shootings in Arizona as well as the school shooting in Omaha, Nebraska plus the 10 year old who shot and killed his mother with a rifle in Ohio reveal the troubles of our society and culture.  Don’t you ask: What is going on that people have to always solve their problems with a gun?  Or: Why has violence become such a part of our way of life these days?

The Bible constantly reminds us of sin and the affects that it has on people.  As sinful human beings we are self-centered and the world these days plays right into it with the focus upon the fact that it’s all about me – all the time.

But into that kind of scene our God seeks to shine His light and reveal His glory, the glory of His one and only Son.  He seeks to change our focus from me to Him.  And it’s only when that happens in more and more people’s lives with there be a change for the better.

It seems obvious that the ways of the world are not working.  There is a better way and it is Jesus Christ and His grace.  You and I need more than ever to stand up and proclaim that.

Blessings on your day, 

January 10, 2011

ALL THESE…OBTAINED A GOOD TESTIMONY THROUGH FAITH. Hebrews 11:39

In a letter to his son Eduard, Albert Einstein gave this advice:  “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

If you think about that, how true that it.  No one can balance very long if the bicycle is not moving.  It’s pretty wise and insightful. And it’s true for a lot of other things especially when it comes to our spiritual life.  The Bible says that if we want our relationship with God to grow we need to keep moving by reading His Word.  If we want to become a better disciple we need to keep moving by putting our faith into practice as we think about others.

Once a disciple stops, stops attending worship, stops reading the Word, stops spending time with the Lord every day, you get out of BALANCE very quickly and you fall.

The people in Hebrews 11 had faith in God and they lived that faith. They kept moving by growing in their commitment to their Lord and Savior.  Let me encourage you in these days of January to follow their example. Keep moving.

Blessings on your day,