Clocked!
10-18 13
2
Timothy 1:12 (NASB) 12
For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed;
for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what
I have entrusted to Him until that day.
Clocked. Have you ever been clocked? No, not on the clock as in work or by
the clock as in telling time. Nope, I'm talking about what happens on the corner
when you get clocked.
Clocked-slang- To strike sharply or heavily. Now you gettin' it? It's when
somebody goes up side your head and "puts you to sleep" lol
Here you are minding your own business, going about your life, doing the best
you can and BAM! as Emeril says, you get clocked. Not physically, but
spiritually. Some devil in hell raises up and attacks you or a loved one through
any number of avenues. No rhyme or reason, just for the sole purpose of bringing
you down. Just because you or they are a child of the Almighty God. That fact
alone puts a bullseye on your back. You know how it feels don't you? Your heart
is crushed, your gut is churning and twisted like a rope and then you get that
numb feeling while your looking for the truck that just ran you over. No
warning, didn't see it coming, didn't even have a clue until... you were on the
ground staring blurrily upwards. You just got CLOCKED.
I live next door to the daughter of a very prominent local pastor with a very
prominent local church just a couple of miles from where I am writing this. This
pastor had spent the last 25 or so years laboring for the Lord and God had
blessed his work mightily.Then a couple of years ago he lost his teenage son and
he was devastated. His son's demise made the paper and was a matter of public
knowledge. Now, I have never spoken to his daughter about that incident but, it
doesn't take a genius to figure it.My guess is the family was devastated. They
got CLOCKED.
That verse above was laid on my heart last night. I was going in a different
direction when that verse was put in my spirit. But, the take that I got was
this. The message today lies more in the verses leading up to that verse. I'll
try to put into words what's in my heart.
Look a couple of verses back.
2 Timothy
1:8 (NASB) 8 Therefore
do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join
with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
You see Paul must have really been going through it. He was concerned that
because of the testimony(a.k.a. suffering) of the Lord Jesus or of Paul himself,
that Timothy might be ashamed of their suffering. Now folks that's a powerful
lot of suffering in my opinion. But, that's the way it appears in a lot of
Christendom today. Suffering and spiritual warfare are for the 1st century
church, not today with all our knowledge of the faith walk. But, look at what
Paul says next. "...but join with me in suffering for the gospel....."" join
with me" Paul then goes on to tell us about a holy calling according to His own
purpose and grace. Paul invites Timothy to join with
him in a holy calling according to God's purpose. To bear the burden and fight
the fight.Truth be known that's just not a show stopper is it? My flesh doesn't
very much care for those words suffer and fight and whatnot. That might not
preach too well these days.
Brothers and sisters, I can't make light of this fact.When you and I are
going through hard times, no one can truly know how we feel. There aren't any
words that make the pain and discouragement go away. The Holy Scriptures read
like The Wall Street Journal. There is no relief in sight. And in those times
all anyone can really do is pray and be there for us when we need them. You get
my drift on that? In those times only God has the answers. He is the only relief
and comfort. However, He is mindful of our plight and makes a great promise to
us. Again.
2
Timothy 1:12 (NASB) 12
For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed;
for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what
I have entrusted to Him until that day.
Look at the back half of that verse. "...I am convinced that He is able to
guard what I have entrusted..."When my world has been clocked, my faith
sometimes wanes. Discouragement will set in
and I will wonder what is going on. Where are you God? I can't take it
anymore! I can't fix it and I just want it to go away. Or just let me go away.
Ever feel that way? Me too. Plenty. But, God says this. Whatever we have
entrusted to Him..our families, our finances,our very lives.. WHATEVER we have
put in His hands... He is able. Able to what Ronnie? Able to guard, able to
keep, able to PRESERVE FROM PERISHING. That's what that word guard means. It may
look bleak. It may look dark and hopeless. It may even look frightful..but GOD
is able to protect us.
Job
19:25 (NASB) 25 "As for
me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will
take His stand on the earth.
Our Redeemer lives and He has paid our ransom. He has us and all that we deem
precious in the palm of His hand and NO ONE can snatch us out of His hand. Heck,
we can't even snatch ourselves out of His hand. Brothers and sisters, umderstand
me, the battle is real. It don't come easy. Anyone who says different is
deceived or they're just not in the ring. It is so real and fierce that Paul
admonished us not to be ashamed of our or someone's else's plight. It is a war
in spite of all the faith we claim to possess. But, Paul was CONVINCED that he
and WE have a Redeemer in the Lord Jesus Christ and He is going to bring us
home. He is going to preserve and protect us in this life and the next. He is
going to preserve and protect those that are precious to us in this life and the
next. Oh yeah, that's right. I meant what I said. IN THIS LIFE and the next. He
is able to guard us UNTIL. Up to the time that or when some event occurs. Those
are HIS words not mine. In this life and the next. AMEN? AMEN!!
Psalm
63:8 (NASB) 8 My soul
clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
God Bless
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Discernment
10-11-13
Hebrews 5:14 (NASB) 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Man it is gorgeous outside. I enjoy this time of year. If you are a sports fan then October is your month. Why so Ronnie? Well, we have the baseball playoffs going on, the NBAand NHL have kicked off, PLUS my favorite, college football and the NFL. The sports plate is full in October. Only problem is with October's arrival, Old Man Winter can't be far behind. Oh well enjoy it while you can, Amen?
That word discernment was on my mind all week. Strong's translates that word as "an act of judgment"
but that doesn't capture the nuance of the word. Vine's has a better rendering. It means" to distinguish, or to discriminate." Being capable of distinguishing between good and evil. Not only that, it seems that this skill of discernment or distinguishing must be learned through practice. The root of the word discern in the above verse is "to learn by discriminating."
I heard something this week that put this word 'discern' on my mind. You know sometimes instead of discernment we operate in judgment. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. The Bible speaks in many places about discerning this or that. Jesus spoke of being able to discern the signs in the heavens but not the reality of who He was. He spoke somewhere about swallowing a camel but straining at a gnat in our discerning of sin, mercy and judgment. Then He spoke a truth concerning what true discernment was all about. Discerning good and evil.
Matthew 7:15-16 (NASB) 15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
Paul spoke of the natural man not being able to appraise or discern spiritual things.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB) 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
There are untold numbers of false spirits, false teachings, false religions that we must guard our hearts against. We must practice and learn to discern between truth and falsehood, good and evil; but, and herein lieth my point.We are never instructed to distinguish or discriminate between brothers and sisters, believers if you will. We are cautioned against becoming fruit inspectors. It's easy to develop a critical or fault finding spirit and we must constantly guard against it. Let me say something here. If all the people who behave unwisely, if all the people who sometimes don't live as they should, you know who I'm talking about....all those sinners... If all the sinners in the world were disqualified from ministering, praying, giving to the rest of us...guess what? There would be NO ONE left to minister,pray, give!! AMEN?? No,no instead of discriminating between one another the Bible is clear how we should act toward those who name the name of Christ. Instead of discrimination we need to restore.
Galatians 6:1 (NASB) 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Why restore? Because next time I might be that sinner in need of prayer, restoration etc.,etc.,
Brothers and sisters there's enough true evil in this world to occupy all our efforts until Jesus comes. Let's train our sights on the true enemy of our souls and leave the fruit inspecting to God.
James 2:8-9 (NASB) 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Psalm 36:11 (NASB) 11 Let not the foot of pride come upon me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
God Bless
Hebrews 5:14 (NASB) 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Man it is gorgeous outside. I enjoy this time of year. If you are a sports fan then October is your month. Why so Ronnie? Well, we have the baseball playoffs going on, the NBAand NHL have kicked off, PLUS my favorite, college football and the NFL. The sports plate is full in October. Only problem is with October's arrival, Old Man Winter can't be far behind. Oh well enjoy it while you can, Amen?
That word discernment was on my mind all week. Strong's translates that word as "an act of judgment"
but that doesn't capture the nuance of the word. Vine's has a better rendering. It means" to distinguish, or to discriminate." Being capable of distinguishing between good and evil. Not only that, it seems that this skill of discernment or distinguishing must be learned through practice. The root of the word discern in the above verse is "to learn by discriminating."
I heard something this week that put this word 'discern' on my mind. You know sometimes instead of discernment we operate in judgment. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. The Bible speaks in many places about discerning this or that. Jesus spoke of being able to discern the signs in the heavens but not the reality of who He was. He spoke somewhere about swallowing a camel but straining at a gnat in our discerning of sin, mercy and judgment. Then He spoke a truth concerning what true discernment was all about. Discerning good and evil.
Matthew 7:15-16 (NASB) 15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
Paul spoke of the natural man not being able to appraise or discern spiritual things.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB) 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
There are untold numbers of false spirits, false teachings, false religions that we must guard our hearts against. We must practice and learn to discern between truth and falsehood, good and evil; but, and herein lieth my point.We are never instructed to distinguish or discriminate between brothers and sisters, believers if you will. We are cautioned against becoming fruit inspectors. It's easy to develop a critical or fault finding spirit and we must constantly guard against it. Let me say something here. If all the people who behave unwisely, if all the people who sometimes don't live as they should, you know who I'm talking about....all those sinners... If all the sinners in the world were disqualified from ministering, praying, giving to the rest of us...guess what? There would be NO ONE left to minister,pray, give!! AMEN?? No,no instead of discriminating between one another the Bible is clear how we should act toward those who name the name of Christ. Instead of discrimination we need to restore.
Galatians 6:1 (NASB) 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Why restore? Because next time I might be that sinner in need of prayer, restoration etc.,etc.,
Brothers and sisters there's enough true evil in this world to occupy all our efforts until Jesus comes. Let's train our sights on the true enemy of our souls and leave the fruit inspecting to God.
James 2:8-9 (NASB) 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Psalm 36:11 (NASB) 11 Let not the foot of pride come upon me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.
God Bless
Friday, October 4, 2013
By
Faith
10-4-13
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB) 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
Whew! What a week! We've got growing(once again)tensions in the Middle East. We have a government shutdown with both sides of the aisle at an impasse. Tempers are flaring between Republicans and Democrats, Democrats and Democrats, Republicans and Republicans. Oh My!
As lawmakers try to find a solution to the shutdown, Obamacare is initiated amidst cheers or catcalls depending upon your party affiliation. Wait! There's more!! Sometime within the next two weeks, I believe it's October 17th isn't it? The debt ceiling will ONCE AGAIN be reached and the governmental powers will be faced with the option of raising our debt levels or defaulting on the obligations of the United States. Hmmm.. here's the problem folks.
Isaiah 17:10-11 (NASB) 10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation And have not remembered the rock of your refuge. Therefore you plant delightful plants And set them with vine slips of a strange god.
11 In the day that you plant it you carefully fence it in, And in the morning you bring your seed to blossom; But the harvest will be a heap In a day of sickliness and incurable pain.
Oh well, here's the good part, my two favorite teams, the Braves and Red Sox are both in the playoffs and the beloved Vols have a big game with Georgia this week. MAN! The buzz is everywhere. Positively and negatively these are exciting times in our land. Yeah,.. well..here's a quarter... Ever feel like that? I had a couple of days like that this week. There were all sorts of drama being played out this week. My friend Charles used to call them "dog and pony shows" lol. But, I couldn't muster any passion for any of it.You gettin' my drift? It was a case of the doldrums.
Doldrums- A state of inactivity or stagnation. Dull,listless (and here's my favorite)The Blue Funk. Haha sounds like a 70's rock band.(courtesy of Dictionary .Com)
Life is a regimen. The responsibilities and duties of this life can sometimes smother our zeal. I don't know if you have ever felt like that, but that's how I felt this week. As I slogged through this week past I wondered why I felt so blah. I had a roof over my head, food to eat, a car to drive, a job, and even some spending money in my pocket. What's going on here? In the end all I could come up with was the enemy was trying to steal my joy. Know what I mean? The Holy Ghost then spoke that scripture to my heart yesterday.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB) 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
That word walk means to tread all around or be occupied with. Sometimes we have to occupy ourselves with the things of the Lord whether we feel like it or not. It is like Pastor Doug said in a recent sermon that when we feel least like praying is when we need to pray the most. Much like King David we at times have to shake ourselves and encourage and strengthen ourselves in the Lord. Whether times are good, bad, or in between we need to keep our minds and hearts on the Lord and His goodness. Amen?
1 Samuel 30:6 (NASB) 6 Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
I remember Brother Mushegan used to say that we have to drag ourselves down to the altar by the scruff of the neck and get alone with God. There are times when nothing else will do. At any rate, if you have ever felt or are feeling this way now, take heart this too shall pass.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NASB) 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The world and ALL that is in it. The cares and problems of THIS life. The feelings and emotions that so often affect us. They are ALL temporal. Lord, help us to look past the impostors of this life and help us to see the reality of your kingdom and glory.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NASB) 9 but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM."
Amen. He's coming to get us brothers and sisters. Hang in there.
Psalm 39:7 (NASB) 7 "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.
God Bless
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB) 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
Whew! What a week! We've got growing(once again)tensions in the Middle East. We have a government shutdown with both sides of the aisle at an impasse. Tempers are flaring between Republicans and Democrats, Democrats and Democrats, Republicans and Republicans. Oh My!
As lawmakers try to find a solution to the shutdown, Obamacare is initiated amidst cheers or catcalls depending upon your party affiliation. Wait! There's more!! Sometime within the next two weeks, I believe it's October 17th isn't it? The debt ceiling will ONCE AGAIN be reached and the governmental powers will be faced with the option of raising our debt levels or defaulting on the obligations of the United States. Hmmm.. here's the problem folks.
Isaiah 17:10-11 (NASB) 10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation And have not remembered the rock of your refuge. Therefore you plant delightful plants And set them with vine slips of a strange god.
11 In the day that you plant it you carefully fence it in, And in the morning you bring your seed to blossom; But the harvest will be a heap In a day of sickliness and incurable pain.
Oh well, here's the good part, my two favorite teams, the Braves and Red Sox are both in the playoffs and the beloved Vols have a big game with Georgia this week. MAN! The buzz is everywhere. Positively and negatively these are exciting times in our land. Yeah,.. well..here's a quarter... Ever feel like that? I had a couple of days like that this week. There were all sorts of drama being played out this week. My friend Charles used to call them "dog and pony shows" lol. But, I couldn't muster any passion for any of it.You gettin' my drift? It was a case of the doldrums.
Doldrums- A state of inactivity or stagnation. Dull,listless (and here's my favorite)The Blue Funk. Haha sounds like a 70's rock band.(courtesy of Dictionary .Com)
Life is a regimen. The responsibilities and duties of this life can sometimes smother our zeal. I don't know if you have ever felt like that, but that's how I felt this week. As I slogged through this week past I wondered why I felt so blah. I had a roof over my head, food to eat, a car to drive, a job, and even some spending money in my pocket. What's going on here? In the end all I could come up with was the enemy was trying to steal my joy. Know what I mean? The Holy Ghost then spoke that scripture to my heart yesterday.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB) 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
That word walk means to tread all around or be occupied with. Sometimes we have to occupy ourselves with the things of the Lord whether we feel like it or not. It is like Pastor Doug said in a recent sermon that when we feel least like praying is when we need to pray the most. Much like King David we at times have to shake ourselves and encourage and strengthen ourselves in the Lord. Whether times are good, bad, or in between we need to keep our minds and hearts on the Lord and His goodness. Amen?
1 Samuel 30:6 (NASB) 6 Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
I remember Brother Mushegan used to say that we have to drag ourselves down to the altar by the scruff of the neck and get alone with God. There are times when nothing else will do. At any rate, if you have ever felt or are feeling this way now, take heart this too shall pass.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NASB) 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The world and ALL that is in it. The cares and problems of THIS life. The feelings and emotions that so often affect us. They are ALL temporal. Lord, help us to look past the impostors of this life and help us to see the reality of your kingdom and glory.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NASB) 9 but just as it is written, "THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM."
Amen. He's coming to get us brothers and sisters. Hang in there.
Psalm 39:7 (NASB) 7 "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.
God Bless
Friday, September 27, 2013
This Present
World
9-27-13
2 Timothy 4:9-10 (NASB) 9 Make every effort to come to me soon;
10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
I was looking through an old Bible the other day and I found a note that I had written in the margins. It was dated round 1985 and said " What was in Thessalonica that made Demas desert Paul?" Now, I don't remember whether that was a sermon that I had heard or a Bible teaching or just a note that I made for some reason. But, I started thinking about it a couple of days ago. Think about that for a minute. Here is this man Demas. This is not the only mention of him in the New Testament. He is mentioned in Colossians 4 and also in Philemon.
Colossians 4:14 (NASB) 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas.
Philemon 1:23-24 (NASB) 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.
It seems that Demas was a friend, associate and fellow worker with some real heavyweights. Mark, Luke and the Apostle Paul were counted among his close friends. He appears to have been in the inner circle if there were such a thing at that time. I checked a couple of references but mostly all I found out was what was mentioned in the Scripture. It appears that this close relationship had developed over a span of time. From all appearances, Demas was"one of the boys." At the very worst he was an acquaintance of men who were eyewitnesses of Jesus himself and who wrote much of the New Testament. That is pretty heady company don't you agree? So, what happened? Demas' defection is sobering isn't it? If someone who walked and talked with men who wrote the Bible can be enticed into desertion, what makes Ronnie Jenkins think that he is immune from such temptation? You gettin' my drift? I don't know what happened to Demas but look at what Paul said. "...having loved this present world..." I read in 1st John this week this verse:
1 John 2:16 (NASB) 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
That pretty much covers it doesn't it? John said this was "all" that was in the world. But, hold on a minute. It isn't about what is in the world. No,no. God doesn't mind if you have a decent house to live in. It doesn't bother Him if you have a nice car or some spending money in your pocket.No, it isn't soul annihilation we're talking about here. He gives us of those good things to enjoy in this life. The key words here are "lust and boastful pride."
Vines gives a more in depth definition. Lust is a desire or passionate
longing that divides. It is the desire to have or acquire something
even to the point of dividing between people and God. Isn't that what happened
to Demas? Something in Thessalonica, who knows what it could have been, but
something enamored Demas to the point that he was willing to part company with
the Apostle Paul. Demas gave up who knows what...he could have been Paul's
Timothy, we don't really know. The point being something divided Demas from Paul
and even God.
That phrase boastful pride of life also translates pride of wealth. The good life if you will. We, in America, compared to most of the world, all live the good life. That being said, if we aren't careful the good life can burden us down with the cares of MAINTAINING the good life. Amen? Jesus warned against falling into that snare.
Matthew 13:22 (NASB) 22 "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
satan will put snares and pitfalls all along our path and we must be very careful how we tread. Trust me I know, I speak from experience. The curves come from any and all directions. Jobs, relationships, money, convenience etc., etc., and here's the kicker..it looks and feels right. If it wasn't pleasing to our flesh, we wouldn't lust after it would we? But, if we can somehow take a step back, deep breath and say within ourselves what does God think about it, we will be way ahead of the game. Listen, we don't miss anything by seeking God's counsel and waiting on His direction. Yes, I know sometimes that is MUCH easier said than done but, if we will do that we will avoid a lot of pitfalls.
Proverbs 4:23 (NASB) 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
I didn't look it up but I think that word diligence means "a painstaking effort." How does one do that Ronnie? I only know of one way. Stay before God. No great revelation there but that's my only answer. You have an issue? Is there a big decision you have to make? Is something pulling and enticing you to make a life altering move? Get alone with God. Open His Word. Read what it says.Take it to the Lord in prayer. Repeat. Stand firm until He answers and gives you direction. LORD HAVE MERCY! If yours truly had followed that advice all the time I could have avoided many heartaches! I suppose we all have the same story more or less. The good thing is that God Almighty doesn't and isn't holding our mistakes against us. You made a mistake? JOIN THE CLUB of which I and many others are CHARTER MEMBERS!LOL
This present world can be intoxicating both spiritually and literally. Tread carefully.The Lord Jesus Christ is there waiting to pick up the pieces of your life and restore you no matter what. He's the medicine for what ails your body and soul.
Psalm 130:1-8 (NASB) 1
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.
3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities.
God Bless
2 Timothy 4:9-10 (NASB) 9 Make every effort to come to me soon;
10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
I was looking through an old Bible the other day and I found a note that I had written in the margins. It was dated round 1985 and said " What was in Thessalonica that made Demas desert Paul?" Now, I don't remember whether that was a sermon that I had heard or a Bible teaching or just a note that I made for some reason. But, I started thinking about it a couple of days ago. Think about that for a minute. Here is this man Demas. This is not the only mention of him in the New Testament. He is mentioned in Colossians 4 and also in Philemon.
Colossians 4:14 (NASB) 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas.
Philemon 1:23-24 (NASB) 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.
It seems that Demas was a friend, associate and fellow worker with some real heavyweights. Mark, Luke and the Apostle Paul were counted among his close friends. He appears to have been in the inner circle if there were such a thing at that time. I checked a couple of references but mostly all I found out was what was mentioned in the Scripture. It appears that this close relationship had developed over a span of time. From all appearances, Demas was"one of the boys." At the very worst he was an acquaintance of men who were eyewitnesses of Jesus himself and who wrote much of the New Testament. That is pretty heady company don't you agree? So, what happened? Demas' defection is sobering isn't it? If someone who walked and talked with men who wrote the Bible can be enticed into desertion, what makes Ronnie Jenkins think that he is immune from such temptation? You gettin' my drift? I don't know what happened to Demas but look at what Paul said. "...having loved this present world..." I read in 1st John this week this verse:
1 John 2:16 (NASB) 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
That pretty much covers it doesn't it? John said this was "all" that was in the world. But, hold on a minute. It isn't about what is in the world. No,no. God doesn't mind if you have a decent house to live in. It doesn't bother Him if you have a nice car or some spending money in your pocket.No, it isn't soul annihilation we're talking about here. He gives us of those good things to enjoy in this life. The key words here are "lust and boastful pride."
Greek Word: ἐπιθυμία
That phrase boastful pride of life also translates pride of wealth. The good life if you will. We, in America, compared to most of the world, all live the good life. That being said, if we aren't careful the good life can burden us down with the cares of MAINTAINING the good life. Amen? Jesus warned against falling into that snare.
Matthew 13:22 (NASB) 22 "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
satan will put snares and pitfalls all along our path and we must be very careful how we tread. Trust me I know, I speak from experience. The curves come from any and all directions. Jobs, relationships, money, convenience etc., etc., and here's the kicker..it looks and feels right. If it wasn't pleasing to our flesh, we wouldn't lust after it would we? But, if we can somehow take a step back, deep breath and say within ourselves what does God think about it, we will be way ahead of the game. Listen, we don't miss anything by seeking God's counsel and waiting on His direction. Yes, I know sometimes that is MUCH easier said than done but, if we will do that we will avoid a lot of pitfalls.
Proverbs 4:23 (NASB) 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
I didn't look it up but I think that word diligence means "a painstaking effort." How does one do that Ronnie? I only know of one way. Stay before God. No great revelation there but that's my only answer. You have an issue? Is there a big decision you have to make? Is something pulling and enticing you to make a life altering move? Get alone with God. Open His Word. Read what it says.Take it to the Lord in prayer. Repeat. Stand firm until He answers and gives you direction. LORD HAVE MERCY! If yours truly had followed that advice all the time I could have avoided many heartaches! I suppose we all have the same story more or less. The good thing is that God Almighty doesn't and isn't holding our mistakes against us. You made a mistake? JOIN THE CLUB of which I and many others are CHARTER MEMBERS!LOL
This present world can be intoxicating both spiritually and literally. Tread carefully.The Lord Jesus Christ is there waiting to pick up the pieces of your life and restore you no matter what. He's the medicine for what ails your body and soul.
Psalm 130:1-8 (NASB) 1
2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.
3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities.
God Bless
Friday, September 20, 2013
Are We There
?
09-20-13
Luke 21:28 (NASB) 28 "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Well, we have a cold front coming through tonight. Temps going to be much cooler tonight. It won't be cold but just an early reminder of ol' man winter knocking at the door. You may be one of those polar bears that enjoys cold weather.(I can't for the life of me understand why lol) I, however DESPISE cold weather. Give me 80-85 degrees and sunny year around thank you! At any rate, I asked myself the above question this past week. Are we where Ronnie? The end of the age. I enjoy prophecy and taking notice of world events but it's not a priority with me, because I know that these things are coming to pass. My priority has always been trying to make it through the day to be ready when Jesus actually does part that eastern sky. That being said I read something this week that turned my eyes heavenward. Now, understand I keep up with the news but I am not a news hound. Neither am I overly political. However, I read a short book, pamphlet on something called U.N. Agenda 21. Maybe you have heard of it, I had not until this week. It seems there is a 300+ page document created in 1992 endorsed and signed by some 170+ nations (United States included) that is an outline for something called Sustainable Development. Without going into much detail, this document outlines in plain language the desire of the U.N. to achieve a worldwide government during the 21st century. Hence the term Agenda 21. They envision a world with no national borders therefore no national sovereignty. Massive depopulation and population redistribution into something called mega-cities. A proposal,in print suggests that up to 50% of the land mass of these United States be classified not habitable through the expansion of National Parks. The U.N. will achieve these and many other objectives through seemingly humane directives dealing with environmentalism and other high sounding policy initiatives. On and on and on. It seems this is a direct assault on our most basic rights and is determined to devalue and enslave humanity worldwide. This caught my eye this week for two reasons. The material that I read about in this agenda is not the opinion of some conspiracy theorist or an editorial comment of some newspaper. No, it is a plainly written document that is a matter of public record. This is not a deal being made in some smoky back room. Secondly, I have seen with my own eyes one of the planks of this agenda being initiated in this country. This booklet, this week, forcefully brought home to me the fact that we are marching with purpose toward Armageddon.
Truth is that there are times when the powers that are arrayed against God's people and people in general seem invincible. We hear about a global conspiracy to control the world and it seems so outlandish that it is difficult to comprehend. That is what I was thinking as I read that booklet this week.Then the Lord put a verse in my heart.
Proverbs 22:2 (NASB) 2 The rich and the poor have a common bond, The LORD is the maker of them all.
Rich,poor. Powerful,powerless. Global elitist, newspaper truck driver. The LORD has made us all.The God of all the universe scoffs at agenda 21 and all the other "agendas" no matter their name that raise their heads against the knowledge of God.
Psalm 2:1-4 (NASB) 1 Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 "Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!"
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.
God has everything in His earth under control.Agendas come, agendas go as the world's forces march in lockstep toward a confrontation with the Lord Jesus. Just as the Bible proclaims they will. Instead of fretting about the U.N. and it's agendas;the question we need to be asking ourselves is are we ready? Am I ready? Are you ready? When we see these things coming to pass, look up for our REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR. Listen, if you don't know Jesus Christ as YOUR savior ask Him right now. Time is growing short.
Romans 10:9 (NASB) 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
God Bless
Luke 21:28 (NASB) 28 "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Well, we have a cold front coming through tonight. Temps going to be much cooler tonight. It won't be cold but just an early reminder of ol' man winter knocking at the door. You may be one of those polar bears that enjoys cold weather.(I can't for the life of me understand why lol) I, however DESPISE cold weather. Give me 80-85 degrees and sunny year around thank you! At any rate, I asked myself the above question this past week. Are we where Ronnie? The end of the age. I enjoy prophecy and taking notice of world events but it's not a priority with me, because I know that these things are coming to pass. My priority has always been trying to make it through the day to be ready when Jesus actually does part that eastern sky. That being said I read something this week that turned my eyes heavenward. Now, understand I keep up with the news but I am not a news hound. Neither am I overly political. However, I read a short book, pamphlet on something called U.N. Agenda 21. Maybe you have heard of it, I had not until this week. It seems there is a 300+ page document created in 1992 endorsed and signed by some 170+ nations (United States included) that is an outline for something called Sustainable Development. Without going into much detail, this document outlines in plain language the desire of the U.N. to achieve a worldwide government during the 21st century. Hence the term Agenda 21. They envision a world with no national borders therefore no national sovereignty. Massive depopulation and population redistribution into something called mega-cities. A proposal,in print suggests that up to 50% of the land mass of these United States be classified not habitable through the expansion of National Parks. The U.N. will achieve these and many other objectives through seemingly humane directives dealing with environmentalism and other high sounding policy initiatives. On and on and on. It seems this is a direct assault on our most basic rights and is determined to devalue and enslave humanity worldwide. This caught my eye this week for two reasons. The material that I read about in this agenda is not the opinion of some conspiracy theorist or an editorial comment of some newspaper. No, it is a plainly written document that is a matter of public record. This is not a deal being made in some smoky back room. Secondly, I have seen with my own eyes one of the planks of this agenda being initiated in this country. This booklet, this week, forcefully brought home to me the fact that we are marching with purpose toward Armageddon.
Truth is that there are times when the powers that are arrayed against God's people and people in general seem invincible. We hear about a global conspiracy to control the world and it seems so outlandish that it is difficult to comprehend. That is what I was thinking as I read that booklet this week.Then the Lord put a verse in my heart.
Proverbs 22:2 (NASB) 2 The rich and the poor have a common bond, The LORD is the maker of them all.
Rich,poor. Powerful,powerless. Global elitist, newspaper truck driver. The LORD has made us all.The God of all the universe scoffs at agenda 21 and all the other "agendas" no matter their name that raise their heads against the knowledge of God.
Psalm 2:1-4 (NASB) 1 Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 "Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!"
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.
God has everything in His earth under control.Agendas come, agendas go as the world's forces march in lockstep toward a confrontation with the Lord Jesus. Just as the Bible proclaims they will. Instead of fretting about the U.N. and it's agendas;the question we need to be asking ourselves is are we ready? Am I ready? Are you ready? When we see these things coming to pass, look up for our REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR. Listen, if you don't know Jesus Christ as YOUR savior ask Him right now. Time is growing short.
Romans 10:9 (NASB) 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
God Bless
Friday, September 13, 2013
Chosen
09-13-13
John 15:16 (NASB) 16 "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
I was at work last night musing over what to write about today, when my attention was drawn to a picture in the Wall Street Journal. It was a picture of a Syrian refugee cradling his young daughter in his arms. At first, I glanced at it and kept walking, but as I read the underlying caption "....his wounded daughter..." I did a double take and saw that precious child's injuries. She was a pretty thing, about three,maybe four years old. She had been dressed in a little girl's dress with hairbows and earrings. Just another precious little girl, until you noticed her arms,legs and feet. They were beet red as the first layer of her skin had apparently been burnt off. As I stood there and stared I was verging on tears but composed myself and moved on. As I replayed that photograph in my mind something settled in my spirit. It was as if the Lord was asking me a question. "Ronnie, do you really appreciate how blessed you are?" "I CHOSE you." Now, I don't know if that was the Lord talking to me or my own spirit, nevertheless it set me to thinking. I'll try to explain.
Look at that verse again. That's as spiritually heavy a statement as you are going to find in God's Word. Jesus was talking to His disciples in this context but the idea that God chose us for His own is taught in numerous passages in the Bible. Ephesians,Romans, 1st Peter and elsewhere.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (NASB) 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
Romans 8:29-30 (NASB) 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
1 Peter 1:1-2 (NASB) 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
Now my purpose here is not some theological treatise on predestination. I'll leave that to the scholars. But, this truth is staring me in the face today. The man in that picture, carrying that precious child could have been ME. Except for the grace of God, it could have been my child that had her skin burnt off. While I thought about that man and his little girl,my mind considered other realities.
Only God's grace and mercy allowed me to be born in this country. It seems that most people living today outside of the industrialized world live on about two dollars a day. I reflected on this while comparing the income levels and standards of living that we Americans EXPECT just because we are Americans. I'm not speaking critically here; it's just a well known fact that we are a blessed people, maybe above all the earth. God chose this Eden as my place, my country if you will. Didn't have to be that way. Getting my drift? Now, this country has a whole host of issues that may or may not be resolved. BUT, at least we still acknowledge the God of Israel and His Son Jesus Christ. Amen? I could be walking from a war torn hell on earth into a Turkish refugee camp carrying my wounded daughter.
But, even more important than any of this is that somewhere in eternity past God chose ME, yes, little ol' me to be one of His own. Before the foundation of the world, He appointed me to salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are naming the name of Christ, He chose YOU also. It's mind numbing when you sit down and realize that God chose you and me for eternal life. Before any of this was even created, we were in His mind and heart. Children of the Almighty God. To put this in an earthbound perspective, let me make an observation here. I,or for that matter you could have been born in a country that stands against the one true God. We could have been DENIED the privilege of attending Sunday School, vacation Bible School and on and on while we were growing up. It happens everyday to innocent children all over the world. ONLY His mercy stands between us and that.
Brothers and sisters, somewhere eons ago, God in His sovereignty decided that in 1975, when I fell off the turnip truck, He would pick me up and bestow His grace upon me. He decided to bless me with a blessing that defies description. He and He alone allowed me to live in a nation that calls Him God. He picked me up in my filth and shed His Son's blood in my heart and saved my soul. For that reason, I can only bow my head and say thank you; and, offer up a prayer that He does the same thing for that Syrian man and his child. We are truly blessed above all people.
Psalm 146:5 (NASB) 5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
God Bless
John 15:16 (NASB) 16 "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
I was at work last night musing over what to write about today, when my attention was drawn to a picture in the Wall Street Journal. It was a picture of a Syrian refugee cradling his young daughter in his arms. At first, I glanced at it and kept walking, but as I read the underlying caption "....his wounded daughter..." I did a double take and saw that precious child's injuries. She was a pretty thing, about three,maybe four years old. She had been dressed in a little girl's dress with hairbows and earrings. Just another precious little girl, until you noticed her arms,legs and feet. They were beet red as the first layer of her skin had apparently been burnt off. As I stood there and stared I was verging on tears but composed myself and moved on. As I replayed that photograph in my mind something settled in my spirit. It was as if the Lord was asking me a question. "Ronnie, do you really appreciate how blessed you are?" "I CHOSE you." Now, I don't know if that was the Lord talking to me or my own spirit, nevertheless it set me to thinking. I'll try to explain.
Look at that verse again. That's as spiritually heavy a statement as you are going to find in God's Word. Jesus was talking to His disciples in this context but the idea that God chose us for His own is taught in numerous passages in the Bible. Ephesians,Romans, 1st Peter and elsewhere.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (NASB) 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
Romans 8:29-30 (NASB) 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
1 Peter 1:1-2 (NASB) 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
Now my purpose here is not some theological treatise on predestination. I'll leave that to the scholars. But, this truth is staring me in the face today. The man in that picture, carrying that precious child could have been ME. Except for the grace of God, it could have been my child that had her skin burnt off. While I thought about that man and his little girl,my mind considered other realities.
Only God's grace and mercy allowed me to be born in this country. It seems that most people living today outside of the industrialized world live on about two dollars a day. I reflected on this while comparing the income levels and standards of living that we Americans EXPECT just because we are Americans. I'm not speaking critically here; it's just a well known fact that we are a blessed people, maybe above all the earth. God chose this Eden as my place, my country if you will. Didn't have to be that way. Getting my drift? Now, this country has a whole host of issues that may or may not be resolved. BUT, at least we still acknowledge the God of Israel and His Son Jesus Christ. Amen? I could be walking from a war torn hell on earth into a Turkish refugee camp carrying my wounded daughter.
But, even more important than any of this is that somewhere in eternity past God chose ME, yes, little ol' me to be one of His own. Before the foundation of the world, He appointed me to salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are naming the name of Christ, He chose YOU also. It's mind numbing when you sit down and realize that God chose you and me for eternal life. Before any of this was even created, we were in His mind and heart. Children of the Almighty God. To put this in an earthbound perspective, let me make an observation here. I,or for that matter you could have been born in a country that stands against the one true God. We could have been DENIED the privilege of attending Sunday School, vacation Bible School and on and on while we were growing up. It happens everyday to innocent children all over the world. ONLY His mercy stands between us and that.
Brothers and sisters, somewhere eons ago, God in His sovereignty decided that in 1975, when I fell off the turnip truck, He would pick me up and bestow His grace upon me. He decided to bless me with a blessing that defies description. He and He alone allowed me to live in a nation that calls Him God. He picked me up in my filth and shed His Son's blood in my heart and saved my soul. For that reason, I can only bow my head and say thank you; and, offer up a prayer that He does the same thing for that Syrian man and his child. We are truly blessed above all people.
Psalm 146:5 (NASB) 5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
God Bless
Friday, September 6, 2013
Shhhhh....
09-06-13
Matthew 6:1-4 (NASB) 1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
3 "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Well, it's football time in Tennessee! The beloved Vols are taking to the field once again tomorrow. The atmosphere in Knoxville is hopeful and the Vols are on everyone's mind and lips; at least until a heavyweight comes into Knoxville and lays a beatdown on them. Oh well, enjoy it while you can right? It was an article about football alongside a kindly act that birthed this message today.
I read in the sports page about an NFL owner who gave a great amount of money(200 million I believe) to his alma mater, the University of Michigan. His benevolence was trumpeted in the news pages and whatnot for a couple of days and then faded out of the public view. Indeed, I had forgotten about it myself until later in the week when another act of benevolence brought it back to mind. It was a contrast in how the world views and rewards things and how God views and rewards them.
I believe it was Tuesday night when I received a phone call from Shelley informing me that the AC in the house had gone out. It was about 90 degrees that day and the house was rapidly becoming unbearable. So, she and Jessica packed up and went in search of relief. Jessica to her Grandmother's and Shelley to my mother's. Michael rode it out and stayed at the house! Please pray that the heat didn't affect his brain. Shelley and I tried in vain to get the part and fix the AC that night. On top of that she was told that the part wouldn't be available until Thursday. (2 more days) Couldn't find the part anywhere. Or so it seemed.
After a long day at work Shelley went to church.I called her afterwards to see what was happening. We met to get something to eat and I asked her where everyone was staying that night. And here's my story. It seems that while she was at work a friend of her's at church had taken it upon themselves to call a repairman and sent them out to fix the air. Not only that, they had instructed the repairman to send them the bill. As Shelley told me this I was touched by this act of kindness and was reminded of the grand gift to Michigan just a day or two before. I started thinking of all the hoopla over the gift to Michigan as opposed to the $50-$100 gift given to Shelley.
This passage of scripture came to mind as I thought about the two gifts. Here you have one gift heralded all over the newspages. Two or three different wires carrying their version of the story. And, don't get me wrong it was a large donation, BUT that man has received his reward... IN FULL. Look at verse 2 again.
Matthew 6:2 (NASB) 2 "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
There are two key phrases. "....so that they may be honored by men." and "...they have their reward in full." You see, Jesus said that once someone publishes what they do for Him, that's it. The publicity, small or large is payment in full. It extends past just giving to all that we do for God. The principle is this, do it in secret and God will reward you openly. Prayer,fasting, acts of righteousness, God wants us to trust Him for the payback instead of men.
Look at the simplicity of the way Shelley's friend acted. Didn't tell anyone as far as I know. They just decided to bless her and made no fanfare. Heck, I don't even know how she found out about it. But, it just shows the difference between the world's ways and God's ways. In God's eyes that small amount(in comparison) was more important than 200 million and will receive a greater and certainly more lasting reward. The Bible teaches us to "practice our righteousness" in secret. If we do that then we can trust God to make it right for us. He promises to do just that.
Our efforts do not go unnoticed, nor do they go unrewarded.
Galatians 6:9 (NASB) 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Let me tell you something. That man's gift to the University of Michigan may have earned him some fanfare and time in the limelight. And, it was a good thing that he did I suppose. But, today, Friday, just a couple of days afterward it is old news. It's the stuff of fish wrappers. Amen? But, that simple act of righteousness performed God's way will earn an eternal reward someday, all the while paying dividends down here on earth. AMEN!!
A simple act of love, done just for the satisfaction of blessing someone goes a long way in God's eyes don't you think? It doesn't take 200 million to grab the Lord's attention.
Psalm 66:12 (NASB) 12 You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.
God Bless
Matthew 6:1-4 (NASB) 1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
3 "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Well, it's football time in Tennessee! The beloved Vols are taking to the field once again tomorrow. The atmosphere in Knoxville is hopeful and the Vols are on everyone's mind and lips; at least until a heavyweight comes into Knoxville and lays a beatdown on them. Oh well, enjoy it while you can right? It was an article about football alongside a kindly act that birthed this message today.
I read in the sports page about an NFL owner who gave a great amount of money(200 million I believe) to his alma mater, the University of Michigan. His benevolence was trumpeted in the news pages and whatnot for a couple of days and then faded out of the public view. Indeed, I had forgotten about it myself until later in the week when another act of benevolence brought it back to mind. It was a contrast in how the world views and rewards things and how God views and rewards them.
I believe it was Tuesday night when I received a phone call from Shelley informing me that the AC in the house had gone out. It was about 90 degrees that day and the house was rapidly becoming unbearable. So, she and Jessica packed up and went in search of relief. Jessica to her Grandmother's and Shelley to my mother's. Michael rode it out and stayed at the house! Please pray that the heat didn't affect his brain. Shelley and I tried in vain to get the part and fix the AC that night. On top of that she was told that the part wouldn't be available until Thursday. (2 more days) Couldn't find the part anywhere. Or so it seemed.
After a long day at work Shelley went to church.I called her afterwards to see what was happening. We met to get something to eat and I asked her where everyone was staying that night. And here's my story. It seems that while she was at work a friend of her's at church had taken it upon themselves to call a repairman and sent them out to fix the air. Not only that, they had instructed the repairman to send them the bill. As Shelley told me this I was touched by this act of kindness and was reminded of the grand gift to Michigan just a day or two before. I started thinking of all the hoopla over the gift to Michigan as opposed to the $50-$100 gift given to Shelley.
This passage of scripture came to mind as I thought about the two gifts. Here you have one gift heralded all over the newspages. Two or three different wires carrying their version of the story. And, don't get me wrong it was a large donation, BUT that man has received his reward... IN FULL. Look at verse 2 again.
Matthew 6:2 (NASB) 2 "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
There are two key phrases. "....so that they may be honored by men." and "...they have their reward in full." You see, Jesus said that once someone publishes what they do for Him, that's it. The publicity, small or large is payment in full. It extends past just giving to all that we do for God. The principle is this, do it in secret and God will reward you openly. Prayer,fasting, acts of righteousness, God wants us to trust Him for the payback instead of men.
Look at the simplicity of the way Shelley's friend acted. Didn't tell anyone as far as I know. They just decided to bless her and made no fanfare. Heck, I don't even know how she found out about it. But, it just shows the difference between the world's ways and God's ways. In God's eyes that small amount(in comparison) was more important than 200 million and will receive a greater and certainly more lasting reward. The Bible teaches us to "practice our righteousness" in secret. If we do that then we can trust God to make it right for us. He promises to do just that.
Our efforts do not go unnoticed, nor do they go unrewarded.
Galatians 6:9 (NASB) 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Let me tell you something. That man's gift to the University of Michigan may have earned him some fanfare and time in the limelight. And, it was a good thing that he did I suppose. But, today, Friday, just a couple of days afterward it is old news. It's the stuff of fish wrappers. Amen? But, that simple act of righteousness performed God's way will earn an eternal reward someday, all the while paying dividends down here on earth. AMEN!!
A simple act of love, done just for the satisfaction of blessing someone goes a long way in God's eyes don't you think? It doesn't take 200 million to grab the Lord's attention.
Psalm 66:12 (NASB) 12 You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.
God Bless
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