Study
01-30-17
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) 15 Do your best to
present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed,
rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB) 15 Be diligent to
present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,
accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15 Study to shew
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
From one sheep to another. I did an
experiment last night. One that I have done a few times in the past. I went to a
couple of websites,then I watched a couple of Youtube videos,all about the same
subject. A doctrine in the Bible if you will. It doesn't matter which doctrine
or teaching,that isn't my point. I went to three different venues,three
different teachers,and got three DIFFERENT viewpoints on the same scripture.How
can that be you ask? Truthfully, that is above my paygrade.I have an opinion
that I keep to myself.
I have heard different men,at different
times,in different pulpits say the same thing. "God has a great retirement plan
for preachers that twist His word or abuse their authority and whatnot. He will
take them out!" Well,I don't know about that,but this I do know. That makes no
difference to the pewsitter,the sheep,you know ...you and me. That makes no
difference to the folks whose lives have been destroyed by authority figures
that have abused their authority does it? And herein lieth the
lesson.
There is a popular saying these days
among the next generation. How does it go? "You have to put your own work
in."That's precisely what God is saying through Paul in those verses isn't it.
Look again.
"Do your best,Be diligent,STUDY" In his
letter to the Corinthian Church,Paul told the Corinthian believers to "weigh"
what was being prophesied in the church.
1 Corinthians 14:29 (ESV) 29 Let two or
three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.
They were to weigh or judge what was
being said. To evaluate is a good word.This was in the context of charismatic
gifts in a worship service.The point being just this. Just because someone says
something from a pulpit,or on a website,or IN A BLOG,that doesn't make it truth!
You hearin' me here?Then how do we know Ronnie? Glad you asked.But, before I
give you my take on the subject, know this. The responsibility for knowing is on
you and me.The sheep.Look at those above verses again.
The Word says to study to "present
yourself" to God. More than that...it says to present yourself APPROVED unto
God. Not to a man.Not to a preacher. Not to a blog writer.To God. We are to be
responsible for what we allow in our lives. That being said,the only way I know
to show yourself approved is first to spend time. Spend time alone with God.
Spend time alone reading and studying His Word. Spend time alone with Him. Let
Him show you the who,what,where,and how concerning the issues in your
life.
Same thing goes for those you allow a
voice in your life. IT TAKES TIME. It takes time to build trust and a
relationship with anyone;especially one that deals with the issues of our
lives.If we will take time to seek God's counsel and direction, but if we will
do just that..He will confirm to our hearts the who's and where's and what's
concerning all our questions.
Just like anything else in the spiritual
arena. It begins alone with God and His counsel. If you go searching after
anything without His counsel firmly planted in your mind and heart,you are
setting yourself up for confusion and even abuse.
Brothers and sisters,fellow sheep,in
order to keep from getting "beat up" in the spirit let everything and I
mean EVERYTHING,whether it comes from the pulpit or from this blog,let
everything pass under the rod of God's inspection. He is the only one that has
ALL the truth. He is the ONLY one that has YOUR best interest at heart at all
times. But,it's going to take some time with Him. You and I are going to have to
study! You feel me?
One sheep to another. His sheep hear His voice.
Psalm 119:145 (ESV) 145
With my whole
heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will
keep your statutes.
God Bless
The More Things
Change.... 01-23-17
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (ESV) 9 What has been is
what will be, and what has been done is what will be
done, and there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a
thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before
us.
"......the more they remain the same..."
Isn't that the way the saying goes? I get daily posts from an Internet group
that is made up of folks that went to Fulton High School. I rarely reply,but I
do enjoy keeping up with the lives of a lot of old friends and
classmates. Anyway,a few days ago I got a post of a senior picture of my sister
who graduated from Fulton in 19??. I copied it and with the help of my computer
literate wife was able to email the picture to Betty.It was her simple reply
that birthed this post. She simply said"sure have changed." And that set me to
thinking.
On my first day(Saturday past) driving a
KAT bus on my own,I came face to face with hundreds of people marching down Gay
Street. I was forced to pull over at the corner where the Bijou theatre is for
all you Knoxvillians out there. I was then directed by police to go straight
which was off route and whatnot. I had to get on the radio and tell base of my
position and whatnot. Not too much for a veteran bus driver,but a little
disconcerting for a rookie of one day.At the next corner I was forced to wait
about 15 minutes to let the protesters cross the intersection where I was to
turn. As I waited and watched all the sign waving and shouting,my mind went back
to the days of my generation. The 60's were rife with a spirit of rebellion and
protest. Heck,as an 18 year old skull full of mush teenager, I may have
participated in a march or two. Long time ago.(smile)
Anyway,as I read early this rainy morn of
all the events and stuff that happened over this weekend;and thought about what
my sweet sister had said,the above verse popped into my 66 year old skull full
of mush. There is nothing new under the sun. And then it hit me.There is ONE
thing that SURELY changes with time. And that would be ME. That would be
YOU.That would be US! As I looked at my sister's senior picture and then at
mine, I realized the truth of what God says in His Word. And herein lieth the
lesson.
James 4:13-14 (ESV) 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or
tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade
and make a profit”—
14 yet you do not
know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that
appears for a little time and then vanishes.
The KJV says our lives are as "vapors"
Brothers and sisters,if Jesus tarries for
another thousand years,men and women,boys and girls,will be taking to the
streets,the airwaves,the media to protest one or another of the many injustices
that we as human beings perpetrate on one another. As surely as the sun rises
tomorrow,people will also rise and go about whatever it is that they do on a
daily basis. And rest assured,injustices,real and perceived,will be debated and
protested from now on. It remains the same. But,BUT...
You and I will not remain the same! When
I was eighteen years old,I thought that I would live forever. Getting and being
old never entered my consciousness. The only thoughts of my mortality and death
were upon learning of the demise of a loved one or of someone that I knew. Those
thoughts vanished as instantly as they had arisen. You getting my drift here?
Staring eternity in the face was NOT something on my agenda.It was not something
I did.
Aahhh...but now...like a mist....like a
vapor from a spray bottle... my life has passed before me. I am now approaching
eternity with the Lord Jesus and His Word suddenly becoming VERY RELEVANT!! You
feelin' me here?
As I watched those protesters march the
other day,and as I thought upon my sister's profound response, the verse in
Ecclesiastes crossed my lips.A new President,
to the chagrin of many and the delight of
many others,has been duly elected and inaugurated. But,today in about two hours,
I will put on my KAT uniform and go drive a bus for eight hours. You also will
go about your daily routine,mostly unaffected by the drama of the weekend.
Nothing will really change in our lives as a result. It will mostly be business
as usual. The only real and lasting change that you and I will experience is the
fact that we both will be one day closer to meeting the Lord Jesus Christ,face
to face.He,Jesus,is the only TRUE constant that we have isn't He? The ROCK of
our salvation.
In an age,like all other ages that is
clothed in discord,dissension,and controversy let us take pause.Let us consider
the only material change that is taking place on this earth. That being the
change that is taking place in us. You and me.While considering that TRUTH,maybe
we all,YOU and ME should take pause and spend a little time upon those Words
written many,many moons ago.
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) 8 Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday and today and forever.
The only thing that changes is US!!While
we spend some time with those words,we just might want to spend a little time
with the Author.Amen?
Psalm 111:10 (ESV) 10 The fear of the
LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
God Bless
Consent Of The
Governed 01-16-17
Psalm 78:1-4 (ESV) 1
Give ear, O my
people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the
words of my mouth!
2 I
will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings
from of old,
3 things that we
have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide
them from their children, but tell to the coming
generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Just some thoughts and opinions this
week.
I read an article(s) the other day that
described the effect that the Soviet Union had on religion in general and
more specifically Christianity in it's sphere of influence.The eastern bloc
countries under Soviet influence had shown a remarkable decline in religious
affiliation and identification.For example in the Czech Republic,described as
the least religious nation in all of Europe, there is hardly any religious
influence in the populace.It has been eradicated due in great measure to the
lack of teaching,doctrine,and tradition being passed down from one generation to
another.More sobering is the fact that this suppression was accomplished more or
less in ONE generation. A mere sixty(60) years.Due mainly to the neglect of God,
His Word and His principles.He was hid from a whole generation. Never for a
minute believe the sophistry that we as a nation and a people are
immune.
While considering this I was struck by
the phrase that is the title of this message. Bear with me here. I have long
been of the opinion that the demise of this nation,should said demise actually
come to pass,will follow because we the people voted it in. We won't be
tormented by some foreign enemy breaching our soil and forcing their will on
us.Should this American experiment fail,it won't be an outside foe toppling
us.No,no. Our passing into history's refuse bin will be accomplished not by
subterfuge or deceit, but because we ALLOW it. Actually it will come about
because we as a people covet and desire it to be so. We will VOTE IT IN.It
will emerge and arise from the "consent of the governed." NEVER! You say?As Lee
Corso from Gameday says,"Not so fast my friend." And herein lieth the
lesson.
If a primary purpose exists for the
physical church today in my opinion,it is for this one reason. What would that
be you ask?While there are many noble undertakings there is I believe only one
of great import.The church on the street corner should be a conduit for passing
on the ways of the Lord.It is the responsibility of this generation to tell
the rising generation of the glorious deeds of the Lord. To make known to our
children and grandchildren the knowledge,miracles and wonders that He has done
in our lives.We,(my generation)were afforded that opportunity and we owe it to
the ones coming after us,don't you think?
Romans 10:13-15 (ESV) 13 For “everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have
not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good
news!
We shan't hide
from our children the opportunity to learn about the Lord Jesus and His
salvation.If we as a nation,and as individuals neglect this duty,then we shall
travel the same road of those peoples who have stumbled on before us to
irrelevance and destruction.Look again at verse 4.
Psalm 78:4 (ESV) 4 We will not hide
them from their children, but tell to the coming
generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
God Bless
I Am
Indebted 01-09-17
Once again,my work schedule today
requires another early posting.
Romans 15:27 (NASB) 27 Yes, they were
pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have
shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in
material things.
I read an article the other day about bad
things happening in this country of ours over the past 50 or 60 years. It
centered on ten natural disasters. Everything from "the perfect storm" (remember
that?) to Katrina(remember that!) It wasn't the disasters that caught this
reader's eye so much as the uncanny proximity of the timing of the disasters
with this country's political maneuvering concerning the nation of Israel. It
seems that whenever this nation CHOSE to pursue policies that were directly
detrimental to the nation of Israel,something bad happened.I won't attempt to
explain.Just thought that I would throw that out since this nation just CHOSE to
take a stand AGAINST Israel at the United Nations. It is on the internet if you
want to read about it. You can make up your own mind on it.
That being said,the
above verse speaks to a debt that the Gentiles owed the saints in Jerusalem. A
material debt owed due to the spiritual blessings that they enjoyed through the
Jewish race and the Jewish nation.The Apostle Paul had more to say about this.
Look at this.
Romans 1:16 (NASB) 16 For I am not
ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who
believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 2:9-10 (NASB) 9 There will
be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew
first and also of the Greek,
10 but
glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also
to the Greek.
See a common thread? To the Jew
first.
If you read through the Book of Acts,you
will discover that not only Paul but God Almighty Himself offered the Gospel to
the Jew first. Only after the final rejection by the Jewish nation of their
Messiah,Jesus of Nazareth,was the Gospel "sent" to the Gentiles. No,this is not
a political message concerning the support of Jews and the nation of
Israel;although that support is warranted in my mind,based on what I read in
God's Word. But that's not what is on my mind today. It's about gratitude and
appreciation for those in our lives that have shared God's Word with us.And
herein lieth the lesson.
I owe a debt that can never be repaid.I
can remember on a number of occasions folks coming to my aid in times of
distress. The kindness and love they shone towards me in my time of need is a
debt that I can't repay. This is especially true in the spirit realm isn't it?
For ALL of us don't you think? I can still remember the day I got saved. If it
had not been for someone sharing the Gospel with me that day, I might be lost
and without hope today.I have been told on many,many different occasions that it
could have been anyone that day. It could have happened at a later date on and
on. I completely understand that. And my pat,standard,unwavering response to
that is just this. Yes it could've been someone else at some other
time........BUT IT WASN'T!!! You feelin' me here?
It could have been the French that God
chose to bring the Gospel message. The Russians, the Germans, but it wasn't. It
was the Jews and for that we are indebted to them.
Brothers and sisters,it could have been
any church that ministered to you and your family in your time of need. It could
have been any Pastor or Preacher that gave of their time to hear from God,to
deliver that word to you that changed the direction of your life. It could have
been anyone who spent time alone in prayer for you and your family and loved
ones. BUT IT WASN'T. It was that one person,or one Pastor,or one Church that God
placed in your life to share with you the spiritual benefits of the Gospel. And
for that reason, YOU AND I OWE THEM. Make no mistake about that. Paul
is decidedly clear. Not only in this passage,but in 1st and 2nd Corinthians, 1st
and 2nd Timothy and other places,the Word of God is clear.Material support is in
view here. Yes,there are other ways to support. But here,in these
passages,material support is the context.If you and I have benefited spiritually
from the labor of someone or someone's, then we owe them materially.Just that
simple.
Just as this nation and indeed the whole
world is indebted to the Jewish nation and people for the oracles of God not to
mention JESUS,the one and only savior;so we are debtors to those who have
prayed,taught,mentored and loved us to where we are now. Just sayin'
On the subject of indebtedness and
gratitude,a gentle nudge or reminder
Psalm 130:3-4 (NASB) 3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
God Bless
A New Year's
Thought 1-1-17
I am sorry for the early post. I will be
very busy this afternoon and I am afraid I might not be able to get this out. So
I am sending it now.Hope you enjoy it.
I was thumbing through my
notebook yesterday and stumbled over something that I had written down last
December 30th. I went back on my blog to see if I had shared them and I had not.
So,I thought that I would share them with you know. Some thoughts for the New
Year. I don't make resolutions anymore because sadly I came to the knowledge
after many years of trying in my own strength,that I never could keep them! lol
At any rate, these would be a good place to start this New Year 2017 don't you
agree?
1) Free your mind from
hate.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV) 4 “Hear, O Israel:
The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your might.
Leviticus 19:17-18 (ESV) 17 “You shall not
hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your
neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him.
18
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of
your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
2)Free your heart from worry.
Matthew 6:25 (NASB) 25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be
worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink;
nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than
food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:27 (NASB) 27 "And who of you by being worried
can add a single hour to his life?
3)Live
simply,thankfully
Philippians 4:6 (NASB) 6 Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NASB) 11 Not that I
speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I
am.
12 I know how to get along with
humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every
circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of
having abundance and suffering need.
4)Give
More.
Luke 6:38 (NASB) 38 "Give, and it will be given to
you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together,
and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to
you in return."
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NASB) 6 Now this I
say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows
bountifully will also reap bountifully.
5)Expect
less from people and more from yourself.
John 21:21-22 (NASB) 21 So Peter seeing
him *said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?"
22 Jesus *said to him, "If I
want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow
Me!"
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NASB) 16 There are six
things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a
lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that
devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness
who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among
brothers.
I pray
that this year I make the Lord my counselor. Him and Him
alone.
Psalm 119:105 (NASB) 105
Your word is a
lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Happy New
Year
God
Bless