The Final
Significance 06-23-17
Matthew 18:12 (ESV) 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of
them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go
in search of the one that went astray?
Luke 15:4 (ESV) 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of
them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one
that is lost, until he finds it?
Have a little different take on these
Scriptures this week. A different perspective if you will.
The title of the message is the title of
the last chapter of a book I read and finally finished this week. Without
getting off track, the author states that indeed our actions and "works"in this
life are going to have a significance when we stand before God one of these
days. Not in the sense of salvation but in the sense of accountability and
reward. Agree,disagree it doesn't matter. He,however did say something that hit
me.
Significance- A realization that I am
engaged in a responsibility or job that is truly important,whose results will
not evaporate with time,but will last throughout eternity,that fundamentally
involves having a meaningful impact on another person.....
I read this week that in order to be
mentally and spiritually whole that we as people feel secure in our standing
before God. Not only that but the need to feel significant with God is also
deeply seated in our psyche. I have heard ministers of the Gospel when speaking
of their particular work or ministry,talk of the need to be validated.We don't
want to feel like we are as Paul put it,"beating the air." We need to feel that
we are contributing something of value to the world and people around us. That
we have some inkling of significance.
No matter where you are in life,or what
you are engaged in,you and I need to know that what we are doing has value or is
appreciated by someone else. We are contributing our portion to the tribe. As
Christians for sure we need to feel that we are laboring in some endeavor that
God has directed us. Not only that, we need to feel that God attaches some
import to it;some significance if you will. Our efforts need to be validated in
our own minds and hearts.A thank you or a word of encouragement. At least we
know someone is listening .It contributes to our feeling that we have a God
given purpose. And herein lieth the lesson.
Ever feel insignificant?Ever feel like no
one is taking any notice at all of your efforts? Not just that no one is taking
notice,but even if they did notice it would not make a difference.You feel that
your labors don't amount to a speck of dust in the eyes of man,and given time
you begin to believe they are even more inconsequential in the eyes of
God.
I heard those verses this week and
thought about them. It seemed that I got a slightly different perspective on
those passages.Let me see if I can put it into words.
The enemy of our souls will do anything
in an attempt to discourage and dishearten us.We see ministers and ministries
affecting hundreds and even thousands. We see friends and acquaintances whose
lives seem blessed beyond measure. And then there's us. Nothing seems to be
happening. It's a battle just to drive into work.
A friend of mine at work spoke those
verses this week as we were conversing and he gave me a different and
encouraging look. What's that Ronnie? Well just this. Not everyone,indeed most
people are not called to minister to the 99. Most of us are called to minister
and nurture the one. As my friend Pastor Doug has so very often reminded me, in
God's eyes it's not about the success of our labor,but the
FAITHFULNESS.
While it surely is grand to minister to
the multitudes,to build great works and whatnot. In God's eyes it is just as
grand to pray for a child or encourage a struggling soul that God places in our
path. It's easy to lose that perspective when things are difficult. It's oh so
easy to see yourself and your life as supremely INSIGNIFICANT. BUT THAT IS A LIE
OF THE DEVIL.It is hard to see sometimes isn't it? Yes it is! At least for
your's truly it is. God doesn't call everyone to the 99. Somebody has to go see
about the one. One thing is for sure. When we stand before Him,He is not going
to forget. He's not like us.That ONE that you gave that encouraging word to.
That ONE that you spent time in prayer for. That ONE that no one else saw except
you. Rest assured child of God, HE saw it. He's writing it all down. And one day
soon it will become very SIGNIFICANT.
Hebrews 6:10-12 (ESV) 10 For God is not
unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name
in serving the saints, as you still do.
11
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have
the full assurance of hope until the end,
12
so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who
through faith and patience inherit the promises.
God Bless
Friday, June 23, 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
Without Reproach
Without
Reproach 06-16-17
James 1:5 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Without reproach. God will answer you no matter how many times you ask without chiding or taunting you.That is what that word reproach means. But,BUT, we have to ASK.
Got a story to tell about something that happened to me this week. Where shall I begin? At the beginning I suppose. This may be a tadbit lengthy,but bear with me please.
I have been a tithe payer for the better part of 40 years. As a matter of fact it is one of only two days that I can trace back in my Christian walk. One being the day I got saved and the other the day I committed to a tithe. Easter Sunday,1978 I "caught" the truth about tithing/giving. It has become second nature to me by now. Something that I don't even think about anymore. However,this message today is not about tithing.The only reason that I am sharing that with you is for background to my story.
As I said the paying of my tithes and offerings is ingrained in me now and has been for many years. It is a Scriptural truth that I caught long ago,and I have been the recipient of untold material blessings over the years that I attribute to the giving of my substance. It is something that I do,without reservation or hesitation. UNTIL THIS PAST WEEK! Can we talk here? O.K. Good. Let me be a little transparent here.
I had some unexpected expenses recently and found myself this week a little tight. Nothing that I had not experienced many times in the past. But, this week it came down to a choice. Chloe was going to a church camp this week and in order to pay for it I was going to have to dip into a savings account that I had earmarked for other purposes. It was money that I was saving in order to pay off a debt coming due later this year. Money that I had COMMITTED to NOT TOUCHING. See, I had the money to send little bit to camp,but,I was going to have to raid the fund that I had promised myself I would not touch. And herein lieth the lesson.
As I searched for a way to pay for this camp,the thought entered my head."Ronnie,why don't you use your tithe this week to pay for the camp"? Hmmmmm.....Let's see here.I am not using this money(my tithe) for myself. It is a church sponsored function.Chloe will be benefiting from this camp AND I won't have to dip into my fund for paying off debt. The more I entertained the thought,the better it sounded. After a couple of days I had almost convinced myself that there was no harm in it. But, way down deep it seemed I had a check in my spirit. And here is where the story begins.
On Tuesday of this past week I was sitting in the Kroger parking lot getting ready to meet Shelley and Chloe for dinner. We were going to buy Chloe her first Bible to take to camp. As I sat in my car I prayed to the Lord for some direction. I told Him that I was planning on using my tithe money to pay for the church camp.I told Him that I thought it was O.K. but I wanted to know if my heart was in the right place. What was gnawing at me a little bit was the fact I had the money in the untouchable account,but I did not want to use it. Went through all I told you above. I ended with this final request. I said these words."Lord,I need you to speak to me plainly in this.I need your wisdom and I need it set before me in a PLAIN way.
After 39 years of giving. After 39 years of seeing God honor my tithe with His provision. I asked Him if I could now NOT give it.Not because I did not have it to give.NO,NO. BUT,Because I did not want to use funds I had sitting in a bank account. Money that God and God alone had given me the strength to earn. Ya feelin me here?Ever happen to you? Anyway here is where it gets good.
I go through the rest of Tuesday evening without incident.I awoke Wednesday morning,my off day from KAT and as is my custom,got a cup of coffee and turned on my I Pad to check my emails and whatnot. When I opened up my email the very FIRST WORD I saw In bold,black letters was TITHING!.
FIRST WORD I LAID MY EYES ON. As I read on I realized it was Pastor Doug's Wednesday message. It was the title of his sermon that day.TITHING!!Now it was not odd that I had received his Wednesday message, but the time of day WAS odd.It normally arrives in the late afternoon or early evening. Rarely is his message out by 7:30 A.M. As I read his message it brought tears to my eyes.I was stunned. No,I was humbled. I realized that Indeed God,as only my God can, had answered my prayer.Not only that,He answered it about as PLAINLY as it could be answered. More importantly,He answered it gently,lovingly,without chiding or upbraiding. It could've been something like "Ronnie you have seen me provide for you for most of your life and now you have to ask if you should give your tithe?" But He didn't. Ya feelin me?
After the shock wore off I decided to investigate a little bit. I called Pastor Doug and asked him about the last time he had spoken on tithing/giving. I could not remember and neither could he. Then he gave me this nugget. He told me about 3:30 or 4P.M. yesterday as he got on the treadmill that the Lord spoke to him about speaking on tithing. He even mentioned that fact in his sermon. I had spoken my prayer to Him almost the exact same time. Maybe 4:30 or so. God knew what was going on with me and He decided to use my best friend and mentor for the past 40 years to speak to me PLAINLY.
Brothers and sisters we are frail creatures. It is a great God that remembers and knows our frame.
Psalm 103:14 (ESV) 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
In spite of our frailties,in spite of all our fears,doubts and weaknesses He has compassion on us. He does not reproach us does He?
Psalm 103:13 (ESV) 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Dealing with a familiar sin? Needing guidance and direction AGAIN? Being tempted to put God in second place for a pittance? Don't fret. God is waiting to hear from you. He is not going to taunt,or chide or reproach you. No matter how many times you need Him to come to your aid. All you or me have to do is ask.
Psalm 103:10-11 (ESV) 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
God Bless
James 1:5 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Without reproach. God will answer you no matter how many times you ask without chiding or taunting you.That is what that word reproach means. But,BUT, we have to ASK.
Got a story to tell about something that happened to me this week. Where shall I begin? At the beginning I suppose. This may be a tadbit lengthy,but bear with me please.
I have been a tithe payer for the better part of 40 years. As a matter of fact it is one of only two days that I can trace back in my Christian walk. One being the day I got saved and the other the day I committed to a tithe. Easter Sunday,1978 I "caught" the truth about tithing/giving. It has become second nature to me by now. Something that I don't even think about anymore. However,this message today is not about tithing.The only reason that I am sharing that with you is for background to my story.
As I said the paying of my tithes and offerings is ingrained in me now and has been for many years. It is a Scriptural truth that I caught long ago,and I have been the recipient of untold material blessings over the years that I attribute to the giving of my substance. It is something that I do,without reservation or hesitation. UNTIL THIS PAST WEEK! Can we talk here? O.K. Good. Let me be a little transparent here.
I had some unexpected expenses recently and found myself this week a little tight. Nothing that I had not experienced many times in the past. But, this week it came down to a choice. Chloe was going to a church camp this week and in order to pay for it I was going to have to dip into a savings account that I had earmarked for other purposes. It was money that I was saving in order to pay off a debt coming due later this year. Money that I had COMMITTED to NOT TOUCHING. See, I had the money to send little bit to camp,but,I was going to have to raid the fund that I had promised myself I would not touch. And herein lieth the lesson.
As I searched for a way to pay for this camp,the thought entered my head."Ronnie,why don't you use your tithe this week to pay for the camp"? Hmmmmm.....Let's see here.I am not using this money(my tithe) for myself. It is a church sponsored function.Chloe will be benefiting from this camp AND I won't have to dip into my fund for paying off debt. The more I entertained the thought,the better it sounded. After a couple of days I had almost convinced myself that there was no harm in it. But, way down deep it seemed I had a check in my spirit. And here is where the story begins.
On Tuesday of this past week I was sitting in the Kroger parking lot getting ready to meet Shelley and Chloe for dinner. We were going to buy Chloe her first Bible to take to camp. As I sat in my car I prayed to the Lord for some direction. I told Him that I was planning on using my tithe money to pay for the church camp.I told Him that I thought it was O.K. but I wanted to know if my heart was in the right place. What was gnawing at me a little bit was the fact I had the money in the untouchable account,but I did not want to use it. Went through all I told you above. I ended with this final request. I said these words."Lord,I need you to speak to me plainly in this.I need your wisdom and I need it set before me in a PLAIN way.
After 39 years of giving. After 39 years of seeing God honor my tithe with His provision. I asked Him if I could now NOT give it.Not because I did not have it to give.NO,NO. BUT,Because I did not want to use funds I had sitting in a bank account. Money that God and God alone had given me the strength to earn. Ya feelin me here?Ever happen to you? Anyway here is where it gets good.
I go through the rest of Tuesday evening without incident.I awoke Wednesday morning,my off day from KAT and as is my custom,got a cup of coffee and turned on my I Pad to check my emails and whatnot. When I opened up my email the very FIRST WORD I saw In bold,black letters was TITHING!.
FIRST WORD I LAID MY EYES ON. As I read on I realized it was Pastor Doug's Wednesday message. It was the title of his sermon that day.TITHING!!Now it was not odd that I had received his Wednesday message, but the time of day WAS odd.It normally arrives in the late afternoon or early evening. Rarely is his message out by 7:30 A.M. As I read his message it brought tears to my eyes.I was stunned. No,I was humbled. I realized that Indeed God,as only my God can, had answered my prayer.Not only that,He answered it about as PLAINLY as it could be answered. More importantly,He answered it gently,lovingly,without chiding or upbraiding. It could've been something like "Ronnie you have seen me provide for you for most of your life and now you have to ask if you should give your tithe?" But He didn't. Ya feelin me?
After the shock wore off I decided to investigate a little bit. I called Pastor Doug and asked him about the last time he had spoken on tithing/giving. I could not remember and neither could he. Then he gave me this nugget. He told me about 3:30 or 4P.M. yesterday as he got on the treadmill that the Lord spoke to him about speaking on tithing. He even mentioned that fact in his sermon. I had spoken my prayer to Him almost the exact same time. Maybe 4:30 or so. God knew what was going on with me and He decided to use my best friend and mentor for the past 40 years to speak to me PLAINLY.
Brothers and sisters we are frail creatures. It is a great God that remembers and knows our frame.
Psalm 103:14 (ESV) 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
In spite of our frailties,in spite of all our fears,doubts and weaknesses He has compassion on us. He does not reproach us does He?
Psalm 103:13 (ESV) 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Dealing with a familiar sin? Needing guidance and direction AGAIN? Being tempted to put God in second place for a pittance? Don't fret. God is waiting to hear from you. He is not going to taunt,or chide or reproach you. No matter how many times you need Him to come to your aid. All you or me have to do is ask.
Psalm 103:10-11 (ESV) 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
God Bless
Without Reproach
Without
Reproach 06-16-17
James 1:5 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Without reproach. God will answer you no matter how many times you ask without chiding or taunting you.That is what that word reproach means. But,BUT, we have to ASK.
Got a story to tell about something that happened to me this week. Where shall I begin? At the beginning I suppose. This may be a tadbit lengthy,but bear with me please.
I have been a tithe payer for the better part of 40 years. As a matter of fact it is one of only two days that I can trace back in my Christian walk. One being the day I got saved and the other the day I committed to a tithe. Easter Sunday,1978 I "caught" the truth about tithing/giving. It has become second nature to me by now. Something that I don't even think about anymore. However,this message today is not about tithing.The only reason that I am sharing that with you is for background to my story.
As I said the paying of my tithes and offerings is ingrained in me now and has been for many years. It is a Scriptural truth that I caught long ago,and I have been the recipient of untold material blessings over the years that I attribute to the giving of my substance. It is something that I do,without reservation or hesitation. UNTIL THIS PAST WEEK! Can we talk here? O.K. Good. Let me be a little transparent here.
I had some unexpected expenses recently and found myself this week a little tight. Nothing that I had not experienced many times in the past. But, this week it came down to a choice. Chloe was going to a church camp this week and in order to pay for it I was going to have to dip into a savings account that I had earmarked for other purposes. It was money that I was saving in order to pay off a debt coming due later this year. Money that I had COMMITTED to NOT TOUCHING. See, I had the money to send little bit to camp,but,I was going to have to raid the fund that I had promised myself I would not touch. And herein lieth the lesson.
As I searched for a way to pay for this camp,the thought entered my head."Ronnie,why don't you use your tithe this week to pay for the camp"? Hmmmmm.....Let's see here.I am not using this money(my tithe) for myself. It is a church sponsored function.Chloe will be benefiting from this camp AND I won't have to dip into my fund for paying off debt. The more I entertained the thought,the better it sounded. After a couple of days I had almost convinced myself that there was no harm in it. But, way down deep it seemed I had a check in my spirit. And here is where the story begins.
On Tuesday of this past week I was sitting in the Kroger parking lot getting ready to meet Shelley and Chloe for dinner. We were going to buy Chloe her first Bible to take to camp. As I sat in my car I prayed to the Lord for some direction. I told Him that I was planning on using my tithe money to pay for the church camp.I told Him that I thought it was O.K. but I wanted to know if my heart was in the right place. What was gnawing at me a little bit was the fact I had the money in the untouchable account,but I did not want to use it. Went through all I told you above. I ended with this final request. I said these words."Lord,I need you to speak to me plainly in this.I need your wisdom and I need it set before me in a PLAIN way.
After 39 years of giving. After 39 years of seeing God honor my tithe with His provision. I asked Him if I could now NOT give it.Not because I did not have it to give.NO,NO. BUT,Because I did not want to use funds I had sitting in a bank account. Money that God and God alone had given me the strength to earn. Ya feelin me here?Ever happen to you? Anyway here is where it gets good.
I go through the rest of Tuesday evening without incident.I awoke Wednesday morning,my off day from KAT and as is my custom,got a cup of coffee and turned on my I Pad to check my emails and whatnot. When I opened up my email the very FIRST WORD I saw In bold,black letters was TITHING!.
FIRST WORD I LAID MY EYES ON. As I read on I realized it was Pastor Doug's Wednesday message. It was the title of his sermon that day.TITHING!!Now it was not odd that I had received his Wednesday message, but the time of day WAS odd.It normally arrives in the late afternoon or early evening. Rarely is his message out by 7:30 A.M. As I read his message it brought tears to my eyes.I was stunned. No,I was humbled. I realized that Indeed God,as only my God can, had answered my prayer.Not only that,He answered it about as PLAINLY as it could be answered. More importantly,He answered it gently,lovingly,without chiding or upbraiding. It could've been something like "Ronnie you have seen me provide for you for most of your life and now you have to ask if you should give your tithe?" But He didn't. Ya feelin me?
After the shock wore off I decided to investigate a little bit. I called Pastor Doug and asked him about the last time he had spoken on tithing/giving. I could not remember and neither could he. Then he gave me this nugget. He told me about 3:30 or 4P.M. yesterday as he got on the treadmill that the Lord spoke to him about speaking on tithing. He even mentioned that fact in his sermon. I had spoken my prayer to Him almost the exact same time. Maybe 4:30 or so. God knew what was going on with me and He decided to use my best friend and mentor for the past 40 years to speak to me PLAINLY.
Brothers and sisters we are frail creatures. It is a great God that remembers and knows our frame.
Psalm 103:14 (ESV) 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
In spite of our frailties,in spite of all our fears,doubts and weaknesses He has compassion on us. He does not reproach us does He?
Psalm 103:13 (ESV) 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Dealing with a familiar sin? Needing guidance and direction AGAIN? Being tempted to put God in second place for a pittance? Don't fret. God is waiting to hear from you. He is not going to taunt,or chide or reproach you. No matter how many times you need Him to come to your aid. All you or me have to do is ask.
Psalm 103:10-11 (ESV) 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
God Bless
James 1:5 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Without reproach. God will answer you no matter how many times you ask without chiding or taunting you.That is what that word reproach means. But,BUT, we have to ASK.
Got a story to tell about something that happened to me this week. Where shall I begin? At the beginning I suppose. This may be a tadbit lengthy,but bear with me please.
I have been a tithe payer for the better part of 40 years. As a matter of fact it is one of only two days that I can trace back in my Christian walk. One being the day I got saved and the other the day I committed to a tithe. Easter Sunday,1978 I "caught" the truth about tithing/giving. It has become second nature to me by now. Something that I don't even think about anymore. However,this message today is not about tithing.The only reason that I am sharing that with you is for background to my story.
As I said the paying of my tithes and offerings is ingrained in me now and has been for many years. It is a Scriptural truth that I caught long ago,and I have been the recipient of untold material blessings over the years that I attribute to the giving of my substance. It is something that I do,without reservation or hesitation. UNTIL THIS PAST WEEK! Can we talk here? O.K. Good. Let me be a little transparent here.
I had some unexpected expenses recently and found myself this week a little tight. Nothing that I had not experienced many times in the past. But, this week it came down to a choice. Chloe was going to a church camp this week and in order to pay for it I was going to have to dip into a savings account that I had earmarked for other purposes. It was money that I was saving in order to pay off a debt coming due later this year. Money that I had COMMITTED to NOT TOUCHING. See, I had the money to send little bit to camp,but,I was going to have to raid the fund that I had promised myself I would not touch. And herein lieth the lesson.
As I searched for a way to pay for this camp,the thought entered my head."Ronnie,why don't you use your tithe this week to pay for the camp"? Hmmmmm.....Let's see here.I am not using this money(my tithe) for myself. It is a church sponsored function.Chloe will be benefiting from this camp AND I won't have to dip into my fund for paying off debt. The more I entertained the thought,the better it sounded. After a couple of days I had almost convinced myself that there was no harm in it. But, way down deep it seemed I had a check in my spirit. And here is where the story begins.
On Tuesday of this past week I was sitting in the Kroger parking lot getting ready to meet Shelley and Chloe for dinner. We were going to buy Chloe her first Bible to take to camp. As I sat in my car I prayed to the Lord for some direction. I told Him that I was planning on using my tithe money to pay for the church camp.I told Him that I thought it was O.K. but I wanted to know if my heart was in the right place. What was gnawing at me a little bit was the fact I had the money in the untouchable account,but I did not want to use it. Went through all I told you above. I ended with this final request. I said these words."Lord,I need you to speak to me plainly in this.I need your wisdom and I need it set before me in a PLAIN way.
After 39 years of giving. After 39 years of seeing God honor my tithe with His provision. I asked Him if I could now NOT give it.Not because I did not have it to give.NO,NO. BUT,Because I did not want to use funds I had sitting in a bank account. Money that God and God alone had given me the strength to earn. Ya feelin me here?Ever happen to you? Anyway here is where it gets good.
I go through the rest of Tuesday evening without incident.I awoke Wednesday morning,my off day from KAT and as is my custom,got a cup of coffee and turned on my I Pad to check my emails and whatnot. When I opened up my email the very FIRST WORD I saw In bold,black letters was TITHING!.
FIRST WORD I LAID MY EYES ON. As I read on I realized it was Pastor Doug's Wednesday message. It was the title of his sermon that day.TITHING!!Now it was not odd that I had received his Wednesday message, but the time of day WAS odd.It normally arrives in the late afternoon or early evening. Rarely is his message out by 7:30 A.M. As I read his message it brought tears to my eyes.I was stunned. No,I was humbled. I realized that Indeed God,as only my God can, had answered my prayer.Not only that,He answered it about as PLAINLY as it could be answered. More importantly,He answered it gently,lovingly,without chiding or upbraiding. It could've been something like "Ronnie you have seen me provide for you for most of your life and now you have to ask if you should give your tithe?" But He didn't. Ya feelin me?
After the shock wore off I decided to investigate a little bit. I called Pastor Doug and asked him about the last time he had spoken on tithing/giving. I could not remember and neither could he. Then he gave me this nugget. He told me about 3:30 or 4P.M. yesterday as he got on the treadmill that the Lord spoke to him about speaking on tithing. He even mentioned that fact in his sermon. I had spoken my prayer to Him almost the exact same time. Maybe 4:30 or so. God knew what was going on with me and He decided to use my best friend and mentor for the past 40 years to speak to me PLAINLY.
Brothers and sisters we are frail creatures. It is a great God that remembers and knows our frame.
Psalm 103:14 (ESV) 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
In spite of our frailties,in spite of all our fears,doubts and weaknesses He has compassion on us. He does not reproach us does He?
Psalm 103:13 (ESV) 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Dealing with a familiar sin? Needing guidance and direction AGAIN? Being tempted to put God in second place for a pittance? Don't fret. God is waiting to hear from you. He is not going to taunt,or chide or reproach you. No matter how many times you need Him to come to your aid. All you or me have to do is ask.
Psalm 103:10-11 (ESV) 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
God Bless
Friday, June 9, 2017
Have You Asked God
Have You
Asked? 06-09-17
James 4:2 (ESV) 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
This verse came across my mind this week as I thought about a situation in my life that is an absolute impossibility. When I say an impossibility, I am in no way,shape or form exaggerating. If God doesn't move in this area of my life,it is not going to happen.As I was going over this situation in my mind this week,I heard that small voice in my heart say something to me. The question posed to me was simply this,"Have you asked God?"To which I responded positively."Yes I have." And that was the truth. In my New Year's prayer that I write out every year,I had indeed included that very request. However,as I went about this past week ,the above verse kept rolling across my mind.It wouldn't go away. "Have you asked God?" You do not have because you do not ask. And herein lieth the lesson.
A few years ago I spent a summer walking to work. It was a good workout,about five miles each way.I had a car,but I needed another one,Mine being on it's last legs.So,I decided that I would take the matter before God. I began to ask Him
every day.I would walk and pray about stuff,especially that car.Didn't have to be new,but I prayed for something nice. Mechanically sound,but most of all I wanted it to be GIVEN to me. What I mean by that is I did not want a payment.I remembered long ago how we folks in the church(me included) would give a testimony about how God had given us a car or a home or whatever.But,in reality that "gift" came with a hefty monthly payment. Ya feelin'me here? However, this time I wanted this car to truly be given to me. No strings or payments attached. Well,I had no idea where it was coming from,BUT it came. I was given a car from an unexpected source,the same car I am driving today.My point in telling you this is that I ASKED God for that car. I did not just casually toss my request out there.I was FERVENT in my prayer.
James 5:16 (KJV) 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
I like the wording of the KJV here. If I have a need in my life. If I have an impossibility in my life,the Bible tells me that FIRST I need to ask GOD.Not my family,not the doctor,and in the above example not the loan officer. I may end up going to those folks,but only AFTER I get God's direction on it. One of the most common(at least for me) failings in my prayer life is the fact that I get impatient and decide to answer my own prayer. I pray for God to give me a car or whatever, but then I go out and buy it myself! We do it all the time. But then it goes on to say that I need to be FERVENT in my asking. I need to KEEP on asking,KEEP on seeking,KEEP on knocking.
Now sometimes God answers and that answer is no. He has said no to me before. But,I am going to tell you something here,that is the RARE exception,at least in my experience. The problem has rarely been with God rejecting my request. God wants to give His children their needs AND wants Rather,it has been on my side of the equation. Impatience, JUMPING THE GUN and wanting to do it myself being the usual suspect to any unanswered prayer.
Maybe we should take a cue from our children. When kids ask their parents for something they don't say "Daddy or Mommy please bless me." No,NO. They let you know EXACTLY what kind of bicycle,or glove or dress they want. It comes with the color, brand and any other pertinent details.And they don't stop asking until you threaten to beat them OR you go buy what it is they want.And you get a big kick out of seeing their faces light up when they open that package. God isn't any different is He? Well, except for the part about beating us.(smile)
You(we) have not because you(we)ask not. Amen?
Psalm 37:4 (ESV) 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
God Bless
James 4:2 (ESV) 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
This verse came across my mind this week as I thought about a situation in my life that is an absolute impossibility. When I say an impossibility, I am in no way,shape or form exaggerating. If God doesn't move in this area of my life,it is not going to happen.As I was going over this situation in my mind this week,I heard that small voice in my heart say something to me. The question posed to me was simply this,"Have you asked God?"To which I responded positively."Yes I have." And that was the truth. In my New Year's prayer that I write out every year,I had indeed included that very request. However,as I went about this past week ,the above verse kept rolling across my mind.It wouldn't go away. "Have you asked God?" You do not have because you do not ask. And herein lieth the lesson.
A few years ago I spent a summer walking to work. It was a good workout,about five miles each way.I had a car,but I needed another one,Mine being on it's last legs.So,I decided that I would take the matter before God. I began to ask Him
every day.I would walk and pray about stuff,especially that car.Didn't have to be new,but I prayed for something nice. Mechanically sound,but most of all I wanted it to be GIVEN to me. What I mean by that is I did not want a payment.I remembered long ago how we folks in the church(me included) would give a testimony about how God had given us a car or a home or whatever.But,in reality that "gift" came with a hefty monthly payment. Ya feelin'me here? However, this time I wanted this car to truly be given to me. No strings or payments attached. Well,I had no idea where it was coming from,BUT it came. I was given a car from an unexpected source,the same car I am driving today.My point in telling you this is that I ASKED God for that car. I did not just casually toss my request out there.I was FERVENT in my prayer.
James 5:16 (KJV) 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
I like the wording of the KJV here. If I have a need in my life. If I have an impossibility in my life,the Bible tells me that FIRST I need to ask GOD.Not my family,not the doctor,and in the above example not the loan officer. I may end up going to those folks,but only AFTER I get God's direction on it. One of the most common(at least for me) failings in my prayer life is the fact that I get impatient and decide to answer my own prayer. I pray for God to give me a car or whatever, but then I go out and buy it myself! We do it all the time. But then it goes on to say that I need to be FERVENT in my asking. I need to KEEP on asking,KEEP on seeking,KEEP on knocking.
Now sometimes God answers and that answer is no. He has said no to me before. But,I am going to tell you something here,that is the RARE exception,at least in my experience. The problem has rarely been with God rejecting my request. God wants to give His children their needs AND wants Rather,it has been on my side of the equation. Impatience, JUMPING THE GUN and wanting to do it myself being the usual suspect to any unanswered prayer.
Maybe we should take a cue from our children. When kids ask their parents for something they don't say "Daddy or Mommy please bless me." No,NO. They let you know EXACTLY what kind of bicycle,or glove or dress they want. It comes with the color, brand and any other pertinent details.And they don't stop asking until you threaten to beat them OR you go buy what it is they want.And you get a big kick out of seeing their faces light up when they open that package. God isn't any different is He? Well, except for the part about beating us.(smile)
You(we) have not because you(we)ask not. Amen?
Psalm 37:4 (ESV) 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
God Bless
Friday, May 26, 2017
Mercy
Me 05-26-17
Matthew 9:13 (ESV) 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus quoted this verse twice in the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 12:7 (ESV) 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.
He spoke it to the same group of people(the Pharisees) about the same subject(condemnation of "sinners)
It is a quote of Hosea 6:6
Hosea 6:6 (ESV) 6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
For some unknown reason, I was reminded this week of a story that was told me many, many years ago by a pastor that concerned another pastor.It seems that the denominational leaders of a very prominent denomination had decided to remove this pastor from his position because of a particular sin in his life. As his friend,the other pastor(the storyteller) went before the leaders of the denomination to plead for mercy on behalf of his fellow pastor,only to be told," to let him go to hell." Upon hearing that, both pastors left the organization and started their own separate ministries on either side of a large city. These ministries became very successful and multiplied thousands of people were brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, one of which includes the author of this blog.And herein lieth the lesson.
The Pharisees were about outward conformity in conduct and ritual.They were concerned about the "letter of the law." They seemed to be quick to judge and condemn when someone did not live up to their preconceived notion of what the law entailed. They demanded sacrifice,especially as it concerned OTHERS and not themselves. Jesus,in both cases told them to go and LEARN what that verse meant. LEARN what the knowledge of God was all about. You see brothers and sisters,the Pharisees were ignorant of the fact that the fulfillment of every jot and tittle of the law was standing right in front of them. But,more importantly, they had missed the mark altogether hadn't they? God's heart all along,even before Jesus came on the scene,even before He gave the law,His heart and nature toward His creation was one of mercy and love. God looked throughout His whole creation to find someone or something that was worthy to pay the ransom for sin. No one, NO ONE among His creation was found. He had to send His son Jesus to satisfy His justice,His anger,His wrath. But,the Pharisees in their SELF righteousness believed they had the formula. Outward conformity. Say the right things. Act the right way.Ya feelin' me here?
Folks,let me tell you something. I have been saved since October 8,1975. What is that? let's see here.........upwards of forty two years,is that right? Yes that's right forty two years that I have named the name of Christ. In all that time. Every single day and month of those forty two years I have NEVER...I will say it again.....I HAVE NEVER had to be told when I was sinning. On every single occasion I KNEW,WITHOUT A DOUBT, that I had missed the mark. I had transgressed. I had SINNED...... EVERY SINGLE TIME WITHOUT DOUBT!!!
What I needed was not for someone to tell me that I had sinned,no,no, what I needed was for someone to tell how to GET OUT of my sin! How to be released and delivered from my bondage, NOT to be shackled even more with condemnation and guilt based upon someone's self righteous standard.
Someone will say "Yes, but you need to be told the truth." I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE TRUTH!HIS NAME IS JESUS!!THERE IS NO OTHER TRUTH!!!
Brothers and sisters, if we have named the name of Jesus,then we are all somewhere on the road to final redemption. Sometimes,during our journey on that road,we, like the Pharisees before us, begin to think that we know more than God don't we?Huh? Oh yes. We begin to demand of those on the same road that we are traveling, to CONFORM to a preconceived standard that WE have set. Expecting someone to live up to something that we ourselves can't live. Forgetting where WE came from and how WE were delivered from OUR sin.By the mercy and grace of God Almighty, through His Son,the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters,we can LEARN about the knowledge and mercy of God if we will PRACTICE that same mercy towards other people. Especially those of the household of faith. Let God deal with the sin and the sinner.Unlike ours,His discipline is just and and always produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in us. Our ONLY job,it seems to me,is to point them AND OURSELVES to the forgiveness and mercy found in the Lord JESUS. AMEN? AMEN!!
Psalm 51:1 (ESV) 1
Have mercy on
me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
God Bless
Matthew 9:13 (ESV) 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus quoted this verse twice in the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 12:7 (ESV) 7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.
He spoke it to the same group of people(the Pharisees) about the same subject(condemnation of "sinners)
It is a quote of Hosea 6:6
Hosea 6:6 (ESV) 6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
For some unknown reason, I was reminded this week of a story that was told me many, many years ago by a pastor that concerned another pastor.It seems that the denominational leaders of a very prominent denomination had decided to remove this pastor from his position because of a particular sin in his life. As his friend,the other pastor(the storyteller) went before the leaders of the denomination to plead for mercy on behalf of his fellow pastor,only to be told," to let him go to hell." Upon hearing that, both pastors left the organization and started their own separate ministries on either side of a large city. These ministries became very successful and multiplied thousands of people were brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, one of which includes the author of this blog.And herein lieth the lesson.
The Pharisees were about outward conformity in conduct and ritual.They were concerned about the "letter of the law." They seemed to be quick to judge and condemn when someone did not live up to their preconceived notion of what the law entailed. They demanded sacrifice,especially as it concerned OTHERS and not themselves. Jesus,in both cases told them to go and LEARN what that verse meant. LEARN what the knowledge of God was all about. You see brothers and sisters,the Pharisees were ignorant of the fact that the fulfillment of every jot and tittle of the law was standing right in front of them. But,more importantly, they had missed the mark altogether hadn't they? God's heart all along,even before Jesus came on the scene,even before He gave the law,His heart and nature toward His creation was one of mercy and love. God looked throughout His whole creation to find someone or something that was worthy to pay the ransom for sin. No one, NO ONE among His creation was found. He had to send His son Jesus to satisfy His justice,His anger,His wrath. But,the Pharisees in their SELF righteousness believed they had the formula. Outward conformity. Say the right things. Act the right way.Ya feelin' me here?
Folks,let me tell you something. I have been saved since October 8,1975. What is that? let's see here.........upwards of forty two years,is that right? Yes that's right forty two years that I have named the name of Christ. In all that time. Every single day and month of those forty two years I have NEVER...I will say it again.....I HAVE NEVER had to be told when I was sinning. On every single occasion I KNEW,WITHOUT A DOUBT, that I had missed the mark. I had transgressed. I had SINNED...... EVERY SINGLE TIME WITHOUT DOUBT!!!
What I needed was not for someone to tell me that I had sinned,no,no, what I needed was for someone to tell how to GET OUT of my sin! How to be released and delivered from my bondage, NOT to be shackled even more with condemnation and guilt based upon someone's self righteous standard.
Someone will say "Yes, but you need to be told the truth." I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE TRUTH!HIS NAME IS JESUS!!THERE IS NO OTHER TRUTH!!!
Brothers and sisters, if we have named the name of Jesus,then we are all somewhere on the road to final redemption. Sometimes,during our journey on that road,we, like the Pharisees before us, begin to think that we know more than God don't we?Huh? Oh yes. We begin to demand of those on the same road that we are traveling, to CONFORM to a preconceived standard that WE have set. Expecting someone to live up to something that we ourselves can't live. Forgetting where WE came from and how WE were delivered from OUR sin.By the mercy and grace of God Almighty, through His Son,the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters,we can LEARN about the knowledge and mercy of God if we will PRACTICE that same mercy towards other people. Especially those of the household of faith. Let God deal with the sin and the sinner.Unlike ours,His discipline is just and and always produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in us. Our ONLY job,it seems to me,is to point them AND OURSELVES to the forgiveness and mercy found in the Lord JESUS. AMEN? AMEN!!
Psalm 51:1 (ESV) 1
God Bless
Friday, May 19, 2017
A More Sure Word
A More Sure
Word 05-19-17
2 Peter 1:19 (ESV) 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
I read an interesting article this week.According to the latest Gallup Poll concerning church attendance,the number one reason that people attend church is to hear the Scripture preached. Not only that,these same people not only desire to be taught the Scripture,but they want to know how the Scripture applies to their daily lives. Eighty two percent of Protestants who attend church on regular basis want biblical lessons and then want to know how those teachings can be applied to their daily living.
It seems that the "seeker" is no longer seeking for an experience.Music,charismatic personalities,kids programs have now taken a back seat to discovering the truth. That seem to contradict the prevailing opinion about seekers. Being culturally relevant and accommodating may have run their course,while Biblical truth,instruction and it's daily relevance have regained their prominence.
The article goes on to say that the church too often is a "mile wide and an inch deep".It encourages pastors to prepare"deep,biblical sermons and education offerings that rest firmly on the authority of Scripture. In this world chock full of biased media,fake news sites and the like,there exists only one source of truth on which we can rely. And herein lieth the lesson.
In the above verse,the Apostle Peter is explaining the veracity of the written word,we call The Bible. He is recounting the EYEWITNESS account of the transfiguration and the Father's voice which he(Peter) heard.However he goes on to say that the "prophetic word"(the Scriptures) is more confirming of the truth of Jesus than the voice from heaven which they heard. That is our Biblical lesson for today. But,here is the application.
Keep on reading that verse.".....to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place,until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,...."
In this world of deception and outright falsehood, that which we seek,and pay billions of dollars annually trying to find,.....what's that Ronnie? the TRUTH,....the WHOLE TRUTH,....and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!...... lay within arms reach of most reading this blog today,including this writer.
All we need do is sit down,open the book and as Seeger said "turn the page."
This is good advice for all us "seekers" out here.We will be well served if we carve out some time,sit down with the Holy Spirit and feed on GOD'S newscast "until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Ya feelin' me here?
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) 105
Your word is a
lamp to my feet and a light to my
path.
God Bless
2 Peter 1:19 (ESV) 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,
I read an interesting article this week.According to the latest Gallup Poll concerning church attendance,the number one reason that people attend church is to hear the Scripture preached. Not only that,these same people not only desire to be taught the Scripture,but they want to know how the Scripture applies to their daily lives. Eighty two percent of Protestants who attend church on regular basis want biblical lessons and then want to know how those teachings can be applied to their daily living.
It seems that the "seeker" is no longer seeking for an experience.Music,charismatic personalities,kids programs have now taken a back seat to discovering the truth. That seem to contradict the prevailing opinion about seekers. Being culturally relevant and accommodating may have run their course,while Biblical truth,instruction and it's daily relevance have regained their prominence.
The article goes on to say that the church too often is a "mile wide and an inch deep".It encourages pastors to prepare"deep,biblical sermons and education offerings that rest firmly on the authority of Scripture. In this world chock full of biased media,fake news sites and the like,there exists only one source of truth on which we can rely. And herein lieth the lesson.
In the above verse,the Apostle Peter is explaining the veracity of the written word,we call The Bible. He is recounting the EYEWITNESS account of the transfiguration and the Father's voice which he(Peter) heard.However he goes on to say that the "prophetic word"(the Scriptures) is more confirming of the truth of Jesus than the voice from heaven which they heard. That is our Biblical lesson for today. But,here is the application.
Keep on reading that verse.".....to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place,until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,...."
In this world of deception and outright falsehood, that which we seek,and pay billions of dollars annually trying to find,.....what's that Ronnie? the TRUTH,....the WHOLE TRUTH,....and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!...... lay within arms reach of most reading this blog today,including this writer.
All we need do is sit down,open the book and as Seeger said "turn the page."
This is good advice for all us "seekers" out here.We will be well served if we carve out some time,sit down with the Holy Spirit and feed on GOD'S newscast "until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Ya feelin' me here?
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) 105
God Bless
Friday, May 5, 2017
Not My
Battle 05-05-17
Psalm 35:1 (ESV) 1
Contend, O
LORD, with those who contend with
me; fight against those who fight against me!
Short and sweet this week.
When I walked in the house this afternoon, I was greeted by Shelley and Chloe.I sat down and Chloe told me that she had something that she wanted to show me. While I was waiting Shelley quickly filled me in on what was happening. The girls had gone to Hobby Lobby this afternoon and while shopping around Chloe saw one of those placards that you hang on the wall. She told Shell Shell that she would spend her own money on the placard. So, Shelley said O.K. and Chloe spent 20 dollars of her own money on a placard that quoted 2nd Chronicles 20:15.
2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV) 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
"....for the battle is not yours but God's......" It was pretty cool because Shelley and I had prayed a similar verse every day this week. The one at the beginning of this blog.
Psalm 35:1 (ESV) 1
Contend, O
LORD, with those who contend with
me; fight against those who fight against me!
We had prayed each morning this week about allowing God to fight the battle and refusing to take matters into our own hands no matter the outcome.Well, unbeknownst to us and to our surprise it seems that Chloe had been praying about the same stuff.And herein lieth the lesson.
It's very tempting to strike back at someone or something that launches an attack against us isn't it? You know. Somebody says or does something meaning you harm,
or at the very least rubbing you the wrong way. Our flesh immediately wants to strike back. To defend ourselves. We get OFFENDED. We lash out to protect our turf,or we carry it around on the inside until we are a seething time bomb; and God help the one or ones that are around when all that pent up anger erupts.I have personally been on both sides of the above equation and nothing good ever comes out of it.
Brothers and sisters we will all be way ahead of the game if we can somehow trust God to take care of us no matter how He so chooses.It's easy when things go our way.. not so much when it appears we are on the short end. But God promises us that even when things don't go our way,He still has us in the palm of His hand.
If we will let Him take command we will be saved a lot of anger,pain and heartburn.
It ain't our fight.
Psalm 56:8-9 (ESV) 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.
God Bless
Psalm 35:1 (ESV) 1
Short and sweet this week.
When I walked in the house this afternoon, I was greeted by Shelley and Chloe.I sat down and Chloe told me that she had something that she wanted to show me. While I was waiting Shelley quickly filled me in on what was happening. The girls had gone to Hobby Lobby this afternoon and while shopping around Chloe saw one of those placards that you hang on the wall. She told Shell Shell that she would spend her own money on the placard. So, Shelley said O.K. and Chloe spent 20 dollars of her own money on a placard that quoted 2nd Chronicles 20:15.
2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV) 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
"....for the battle is not yours but God's......" It was pretty cool because Shelley and I had prayed a similar verse every day this week. The one at the beginning of this blog.
Psalm 35:1 (ESV) 1
We had prayed each morning this week about allowing God to fight the battle and refusing to take matters into our own hands no matter the outcome.Well, unbeknownst to us and to our surprise it seems that Chloe had been praying about the same stuff.And herein lieth the lesson.
It's very tempting to strike back at someone or something that launches an attack against us isn't it? You know. Somebody says or does something meaning you harm,
or at the very least rubbing you the wrong way. Our flesh immediately wants to strike back. To defend ourselves. We get OFFENDED. We lash out to protect our turf,or we carry it around on the inside until we are a seething time bomb; and God help the one or ones that are around when all that pent up anger erupts.I have personally been on both sides of the above equation and nothing good ever comes out of it.
Brothers and sisters we will all be way ahead of the game if we can somehow trust God to take care of us no matter how He so chooses.It's easy when things go our way.. not so much when it appears we are on the short end. But God promises us that even when things don't go our way,He still has us in the palm of His hand.
If we will let Him take command we will be saved a lot of anger,pain and heartburn.
It ain't our fight.
Psalm 56:8-9 (ESV) 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.
God Bless
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