There is a question of who is God’s child and who is His creation…it shows in how we live and why we live!

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh (for if you live according to the flesh, you will die), but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:10-14 NET BIBLE)

So…who is your DADDY?

What Do I Deserve?

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.” (Colossians 3:18-25 NET)

We all are guilty of thinking we deserve more than we get at times, whether it is from work in the form of a paycheck or at home concerning recognition or gratitude. Yet God tells us to continue to work hard, serving one another as if we are working directly for Christ…especially at home! What a challenge, for me and I imagine for you too. I am trying to remember that because of how this world is, I may not get any recognition until I see Jesus. So therefore, let’s remind each other, “It’s not about me!” Only what we do for Christ will last. Our labor is for an audience of ONE! Be encouraged today.

Whine or Worship

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you thought about my servant Job? There isn't anyone on earth like him. He is honest. He does what is right. He has respect for me and avoids evil.’” (Job 1:8 NIrV)

We have all heard the story. As unbelievable as it may be, Satan does go around looking for people to pick on. He may not do it personally, but his henchmen do roam about tempting us and alluring us into sin. Job was honest, fair, and had a healthy respect for God and a seemingly healthy relationship with Him as well. God said it Himself to Satan, referring to His servant Job. Not all bad things happen because we are causing them to happen. This is a perfect example of God allowing things to happen. As we respond in obedience, God receives glory. Is this not our goal? Too many times, we respond with anger, confusion, and plain old disobedience! Oh, but look how Job responds…

“

After Job heard all of those reports, he got up and tore his robe. He shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. He said, ‘I was born naked. And I'll leave here naked. You have given, and you have taken away. May your name be praised.’ In spite of everything, Job didn't sin by blaming God for doing anything wrong.” (Job 1:20-22 NIrV)

Job loses his livestock, his servants, his children, later his health, and even the respect of his wife and friends. If that was you or me how would we respond…really? His wife responded,

“Are you still continuing to be faithful to the Lord? Speak evil things against him and die!" (Job 2:9NIrV)

This is more along the lines of how respond. Maybe not as severe as curse God and die, but we do ignore Him and do our own thing! Why do we choose whine rather than worship when things get challenging? What would our witness look like if as we go through, people found us praising God, singing psalms and hymns, and dancing like David danced? Would this not confuse the enemy? Would it perhaps encourage others carry the cross a bit further? Could it just possibly cause a non-believer to just consider Christ? Who knows what we are missing out on by not holding on one more day…one more week…one more year?

I thank God for the example I have in Job. I also am grateful to the many living out loud for Jesus before my very eyes…my wife, my Pastor, and many others. My prayer is that I too may be able to be so obedient as to please my Savior and also be able to encourage someone else along the way.

Soli Deo Gloria!!!!

Jesus had just finished feeding more than 5,000 men, women, and children with five loaves of bread and two fish. He had walked upon the rough seas of the water as the disciples were rowing furiously to go to the other side. The next day, people came looking for Him again, seeking more food. Jesus warned them not to work for mere food for the day, but the bread that brings life eternal (John 6:27). After all Jesus had done…they wanted more things, not more of Jesus.

“I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never go hungry, and the one who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 NET)

We see miracles every day; the birth of a new born baby…the healing of a cancer patient…the sunrise…the germination of a dead seed into a fruit–producing plant. These are things we sometimes assume will happen, or can happen, yet are miracles just the same. We come to expect the unexpected. Yet we tend to forget it is God in the middle of it all. We too want more things from Jesus more than we want more of Jesus.

We are consumed with the things we need in this world but we should be consumed with the One who provides it all.

Jesus said “This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate, but then later died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:58 NET)

We must be consumed with the Bread of Life…our Savior Jesus Christ! We who claim to follow the Lord must be obsessed with Him, inspired by Him, devoted to Him, and living for Him! He must be our focus and our passion.

What do we hunger and thirst for? In this all-consuming world, are we the followers of Jesus Christ known by our hunger and thirst for Him and His ways?

More…more…more…of Jesus! Let us want more of Him and be more like Him!

Standards of Living

>“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”

(Romans 2:1 NIV)

Do we realize God’s judgment of men is according to our own standards? The Jews had eagerly consented to the condemnation of the Gentiles. They were elated in it. The Jew had cheerfully assumed the bench of the judge. He pronounced the Gentiles guilty of God’s eternal wrath. The Jew sentenced them to eternal suffering. However, in doing this the Jew condemned himself by placing himself under his own principles. Jesus taught;

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. “For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” (Matthew 7:1-2 NET).

By this our Lord meant that when we set ourselves over others as their judge, we have imposed upon ourselves the same standard of measurement. In our days of situational ethics and relativity, some tell us that they do not feel it is wrong to lie, to steal, or even commit adultery. We can well afford to be tolerant concerning our own behavior, but if we are consistent then we must agree that it is acceptable for our children to lie to us, for our neighbors to steal from us or for a friend to violate the sanctity of our marriage.

Reality is that no one reaches the standard…God’s holiness and perfection. He is not so interested in the standards we set for ourselves as those we set for others. It is by these standards that we ourselves will be judged by God. Very few of us would wish to be judged by these standards, but the Scriptures tell us this is the case. Since the Jews have passionately condemned the Gentiles, they have assumed for themselves the same standards. Yet they are blinded to this reality. Paul will soon explain that judgment will come first to the Jew! (Romans 2: 9-10)

Woe to each of us if we live this life of double-standards. I pray that I can first see the beam in my own eye, before ever even attempting to point out another’s failure. (Matthew 7:3-5) While we are called to judge our fellow believers, will we do it by God’s standards? God has granted me so much grace…so much mercy. I must extend it to others and in the process we all can encourage one another to aim for God’s standards for each of us…holiness. Beauty for ashes…strength for fear…love and encouragement rather than hatred and condemnation: How different would our relationships be within our families, neighborhoods, and work places?

He’s returning soon…what will Jesus find us doing in relation to others?

04 06 09 A Part of the Crowd?

“See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
(Colossians 2:8 NIV)

Paul addressed the Colossians on the person and saving work of Jesus Christ in Chapter one. As he moves forward, he begins to move from doctrine to practical issues; namely the false teaching being spread among the believers there. His exhorting however is still based upon the basic teachings of the Gospel: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! His question to the Colossians was this: Why should anyone even want to listen to the false arguments of these heretical teachers and their claims of special knowledge and insight when they have the One in whom are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge? Why would one settle for a fake when they have the genuine article? Paul encourages the believers to hold fast to the things he taught them, which he learned from Christ Himself (Galatians 1:9-12).

Just as we have received Christ through the revelation of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit, we must hold fast to the basic doctrines we know to be true. The same truths Paul taught from the mouth of Christ are the same truths we who know the Savior were taught. Just as Paul would encourage believers to grow in faith and to be firmly rooted in basic doctrine (Colossians 2:7) we today need to stay focused on basic truths and beware of the deceptive teachings of human tradition and principles of this world!

Have you not noticed the traditional ways of society are changing? Surely we all can witness the fact that principles once held as fundamental and even sacred are now so easily discarded for more practical ways and practices. Tolerance, political correctness, individual rights, and freedom of expression are all different ways to express one thing in today’s society: the world is being taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy! We must not be found A PART OF THE CROWD!!!

We must be committed to the Gospel and be watchful to never fall back on our former ways. The things we used to trust in; the people we put our hope in are now gone and our trust is in God alone! (Galatians 4:8-9) In these last days, we have to be on the lookout for the enemy at every turn. We are called as a body to be a holy people (1 Peter 2:9). We must be unique in our stand for Christ amidst every challenge we face. Jesus was never just A PART OF THE CROWD and He calls us to stand out for Him today and every day!

WHO ARE WE AIMING TO PLEASE?

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. “(1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)

It’s not about me and my agenda. Real life is solely based upon how God has designed me, what He has planned for me, and am I willing to submit to His plan, His time table, and His schedule of events.

Romans 12:1-2 instructs us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto God, being transformed from the world’s way of thinking. It becomes a mind-set. Worrying about things out of our control begins a downward spiral. Trying to keep up with those around us puts our focus on resources rather than the Source.

Ambition is good. Goals are wonderful. Dreams are necessary for one to aspire to great accomplishments. The question for believers is who are we aiming to please: ourselves, others, or our Creator God? Whose dreams are we living out?

Matthew 6:33 instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God…first things first. As we allow God to have His way in our lives, we begin to find peace in all circumstances. We become more add more content with life (Philippians 4:11) as we rest in His will. Trusting God’s plan for our life allows us to live beyond present circumstances and trust He has it all worked out. (Jeremiah 29:11). We must first admit that God is God and realize that He alone rewards those who seek to please Him (Hebrews 11:6), but in His timing!

In a time when everyone is seeking answers, we know the One who has everything already planned. As challenging as it may seem, what a witness it would be if we can commit ourselves to trust Him and allow Him move in His timing, not just so others can see Him at work, but for our own peace of mind as well. Let’s commit this verse to action, not just memory:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

A CO-WORKER WITH THE SPIRIT

“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the believers. You are faithful even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please help them by sending them on their way in a manner that honors God. They started on their journey to serve Jesus Christ. They didn't receive any help from those who aren't believers. So we should welcome people like them. We should work together with them for the truth.”(3 John 1:5-8 NIrV)

The last surviving Apostle is writing to his dear children, those under his authority to support missionaries travelling about from church to church defining the instructions of Christ as they come against false teachings. Clearly John does not refer to himself alone by the use of the first person plural pronoun here, since the issue is support for the traveling missionaries. He instructs that all true Christians ought to support the endeavors of these traveling missionaries in their efforts to counteract the heretical teaching of the opponents. What does this say to believers today: I believe every believer is called to missions!

We all need to sacrifice for the spreading of the Gospel. Some are called to sacrifice their life and vocation to go…some are called to sacrifice their finances and give…still others are called to sacrifice their time and petition God on behalf of the servants in the mission field.

John refers to himself, Gaius, and all genuine Christians, all of whom should “become coworkers in cooperation with the truth” (NET Bible) by supporting the efforts of the traveling missionaries. More explicitly (1 John 4:6) identifies the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of truth”, a characterization repeated in (1 John 5:6). Thus it seems likely that the “truth” at work through the missionaries here is ultimately the Holy Spirit, who works through their efforts. Accordingly the Christian who supports them becomes a co-worker with the Spirit of God himself.

Do we all not desire to be an effective partner with God’s Spirit which is at work within each of us? What greater reward than to know we have been a part of winning a soul for Christ through the actions of a missionary, whether he is thousands of miles away or in our own neighborhood? The bottom line is that we are partnering with the Holy Spirit through the missionary to increase the Kingdom and equip the saints. That’s a winning team!

So how deep is our commitment to join in? How will we choose to go…literally, financially, through intercessory prayer? While many are called …the few commit do go.

A Commitment to Celebrate

“Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope. This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me. Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.” (Psalm 119:49-51)

My hope comes from God alone. His promise to sustain is all I can cling to at times. It’s not an empty promise or a vain hope, but a secure commitment from the God who never goes back on His word. It’s a promise from a God who never fails. It’s a guarantee from a God who cannot lie! In whom else can I put my faith in this present world? Oh, I realize my wife sticks right beside me and there are friends and family members who think what we are doing is deserving of praise and even a little support. But when I lie awake in the middle of the night or pour my heart out to my DADDY as I ride along with Him in the car, I realize it’s God and God alone who can come through every time and on time! It seems ridiculous to some, but I know God has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and He will come through, just as He did for Moses, Joshua, (Joshua 1:5-9) and so many more!

“Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. So they left the council rejoicing because they had been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day both in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus was the Christ.” (Acts 5:40-41 NET)

Like the disciples who were tried, beaten, and ridiculed publically in times past, I count it an honor to be made fun of for my feeble attempts to serve others and bring them a bit closer to the Savior. Folks look at us and wonder why. They see the work we do, compare it to the pay, and comment (mostly behind our backs) “How foolish”. Some have been so bold to suggest we are freeloading off of others. Wow! The best I can do is to pray for them…and us as well. Most people just don’t know the struggles and sacrifice it takes to do your best to live to please God and attempt to honor the calling He has placed upon us. It is very seldom easy, but is always rewarding.

When a child smiles at completing a homework assignment; draws us a picture depicting their thanks; or is encouraged by winning a game; we are rewarded. When a single mom gives a tearful testimony as to the spiritual and physical growth of their children, we are rewarded. When God whispers “well done” after a challenging few days of activity, we are rewarded. When an individual or family expresses their encouragement, offers to pray for us, or even sends a financial gift, we feel the Lord’s hand of support and we are rewarded. Our arms are lifted up (Exodus 17:12) and our strength is renewed (Isaiah 40:31).

As the freed Irish slave Patrick once said some 1600 years ago, “If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God.” That’s the legacy I seek to leave behind. Let’s celebrate that kind of commitment!

Feeling a Bit Overwhelmed?

Here is what Israel should say:

Suppose the Lord had not been on our side. Suppose the Lord had not been on our side when our enemies attacked us. Suppose He had not been on our side when their anger blazed out against us.

Then they would have swallowed us alive. They would have been like a flood that drowned us. They would have swept over us like a rushing river. They would have washed us away like a swollen stream.

Give praise to the Lord. He has not let our enemies chew us up. We have escaped like a bird from a hunter's trap.
The trap has been broken, and we have escaped
.
Our help comes from the Lord.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth.
(Psalm 124 NIrV)

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the pressures we face today: finances, health, marriage issues, children’s education, or what the future will bring? David, in his song of ascent unto the Lord offered the people of Israel this response: “Suppose the Lord had not been on our side?” We are where we are today…surviving up to this point, only because of His grace and mercy!

Ravenous economic beasts, raging waters of illness and disease, hidden snares concerning family issues, all await us and perhaps have caught up with us throughout the years. But what if God had not been there? As the old saying goes: When God is all we have, we realize He is all we need!

God alone is the Source of all we need. Whether it’s our physical strength, psychological stamina, financial supply, or simply a healthy dose of patience…He is our only Source! Our resources (a source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed) come from Him. David reminds the people of Israel that God is the Creator, Maker of heaven and earth. Do we need any more reminders that He can more than meet our needs?

The same God who did all that for Israel is ready, willing and able to do all the same for you and me. As we struggle, let’s remember all that He has done. Had He not been with us, we would not be standing today. We would have been swallowed up by the enemy! If God is for us, who can possibly harm us? (Romans 8:31) How can we fail? Will we continue to trust Him…even in these most trying of times?

Here is what we should say: “Give praise to the Lord…Our help comes from the Lord…”